Has anyone found a less expensive off-the-shelf option for the 13mm square male socket used for the rear diff, besides the one at http://ultimatetoolco.com/drainplugs.aspx? I'm sure it's a great tool, but it's a tad pricey.

 

I considered getting a 9/16" pipe plug driver, and grinding it down a bit, but I'd prefer a ready-made piece, both for convenience, and to avoid adversely effecting the metallurgy during the grinding process.

I just use a 1/2" drive breaker bar, with no socket. Close enough fit for me, but I have more than a couple back-up diff covers if I strip one out.....

 

-Bill

Yep, 1/2" breaker bar.

1/2" ratchet.

1/2" drive for me too, but I thought I saw harborfreight selling a drain plug socket set last time I was in the local one

yep, standard 1/2" drive is all you need. remove the top fill plug first since you don't want to drain the fluid and find out the top one won't come out.

I would advise using a 13mm square socket as the best best for avoiding stripped bolts. 1/2 inch = 12.7mm. A close fit, maybe, but not nearly exact.

+1 on the 1/2" business end of a ratchet, breaker bar, or impact wrench.

 

13mm and 1/2" are so close that I use them interchangeable except on tough situations.

BTW, the 13mm square socket can be bought at Harbor Freight Tools. One is contained in a kit that provides a selection of other sockets for $15.

I used a 1/2" breaker bar on 2 diffs so, 4 plugs total.

 

I did have to use the floor jack to break 'em loose.

Just wondering, Mr. Texan, how did you use a floor jack to loosen the differential plugs?

Just wondering, Mr. Texan, how did you use a floor jack to loosen the differential plugs?

If hes like me i use the handel of my floor jack  as a cheater bar.

Edited March 19, 201313 yr by coolskaterkid

I put the breaker bar end on the pad of the floor jack and pushed up with it.

 

(car was on jacks)

 

cheater should work too.

 

I believe there's some type of sealant on the threads, dunno what the FSM recommends putting on there. Probably plenty of people have no problem reinstalling as-is.

 

I used teflon pipe tape. Looking back, probably should have only used it on the drain plugs but, I'm not too concerned about it. Not ideal I know but...

Edited March 19, 201313 yr by 1 Lucky Texan