Differential oil and plugs

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Wes
Posts: 102
Joined: Wed Jun 18, 2008 5:45 am

Differential oil and plugs

Postby Wes » Thu Mar 28, 2019 2:33 pm

I went to change my differential because it hasn't been changed since 76k miles and now I am at 213k. Ha! I don't have an impact wrench and between my 18" breaker bar, a pipe, and a floor jack all I was able to do is twist a 3/8" extension off in a 3/8 to 1/2 adapter. How bad do I need to change this gear oil? I want to drive this truck as long as possible. And if I do need to change it...next steps? Electric impact or 24" 1/2" breaker bar? Suggestions welcome.

thanks


Hooligan
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Location: Costa Rica

Postby Hooligan » Fri Mar 29, 2019 7:43 am

These vehicles sometimes take a lot of abuse. If you've ever driven through deep water you could have some contamination in the oil. Impact would be the way to go. If you try the 1/2" drive breaking bar then tap the plug head a few time with a hammer to let it know that you're serious.

Wes
Posts: 102
Joined: Wed Jun 18, 2008 5:45 am

Postby Wes » Fri Mar 29, 2019 8:32 am

Tried the 1/2 breaker, tapped end with rubber mallet. Started to deform the plug. Stopped. Will try to hunt down and use an impact wrench next.

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smj999smj
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Location: Prospect, VA

Postby smj999smj » Fri Mar 29, 2019 9:39 am

Try taking a propane torch and heating around the plug. Also, make sure you have new washers for the drain and fill plug. In the case you do get it loose, you should replace them. The number is 11026-4N200.

Wes
Posts: 102
Joined: Wed Jun 18, 2008 5:45 am

Postby Wes » Fri Mar 29, 2019 12:00 pm

where would that washer go? My diff looks like the below and as a plug it doesn't seem to have a place for a washer.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WYxsOPMCy_0

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smj999smj
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Location: Prospect, VA

Postby smj999smj » Sat Mar 30, 2019 10:17 pm

Wes wrote:where would that washer go? My diff looks like the below and as a plug it doesn't seem to have a place for a washer.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WYxsOPMCy_0
My bad! I was thinking R51, not R50. No washers on the R50 drain or fill plugs. Just clean the threads and smear a little RTV sealant into the threads. Torque to 50 ft/lbs. This is assuming you can get them out to begin with!


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