Removing Differential Plug?

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Apr 20, 2011 | 04:13 PM

hokie04

Thread Starter

Burning Brakes

Joined: Oct 2008

Posts: 884

Likes: 1

From: Blacksburg Virginia

Removing Differential Plug?

What is the trick for removing the differential plug on my 64? I have no room for a wrench and I can't find a socket that will fit. If I ever get it offl I think I am going to buy the type that I can stick my extension racket in to get off. The plug appears to be around 5/8.

Apr 20, 2011 | 04:22 PM

Procrastination Racing

Le Mans Master

Joined: Feb 2001

Posts: 6,317

Likes: 289

From: Ocala FL

You need an eight point or four point socket. Stop a Mac Tool or Snap On man when you see them driving down the street.

I think the larger Sears stores may have them in their tool section.

Apr 20, 2011 | 04:26 PM

hokie04

Thread Starter

Burning Brakes

Joined: Oct 2008

Posts: 884

Likes: 1

From: Blacksburg Virginia

Quote:

Originally Posted by Procrastination Racing

You need an eight point or four point socket. Stop a Mac Tool or Snap On man when you see them driving down the street.

I think the larger Sears stores may have them in their tool section.

Thanks, would you happen to know the exact size of the socket?

Apr 20, 2011 | 04:41 PM

JohnZ

Team Owner

Joined: Oct 2000

Posts: 38,897

Likes: 1,926

From: Washington Michigan

Quote:

Originally Posted by hokie04

Thanks, would you happen to know the exact size of the socket?

5/8" 8-point; Sears has them.

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Apr 20, 2011 | 04:53 PM

hokie04

Thread Starter

Burning Brakes

Joined: Oct 2008

Posts: 884

Likes: 1

From: Blacksburg Virginia

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnZ

5/8" 8-point; Sears has them.

Thanks John, shouldn't the plug have a copper gasket it appears to be leaking a little around the plug so I want to check the level? Also if I have to add fluid what do you recommend for a posi. I don't know what is in it now.

Apr 20, 2011 | 05:43 PM

Brian VH McHale

Melting Slicks

Joined: Dec 2001

Posts: 2,213

Likes: 327

From: LI NY NY

I use a 5/8 crows foot with a 24" extension.

Apr 20, 2011 | 07:52 PM

Gordonm

Race Director

Joined: Dec 1999

Posts: 19,610

Likes: 778

From: Forked River NJ

Quote:

Originally Posted by hokie04

Thanks John, shouldn't the plug have a copper gasket it appears to be leaking a little around the plug so I

No it is a pipe thread which is tapered threads and does not have a gasket. As you turn it in it gets the seal tighter. You might want to clean the threads off and snug it real good. On occasion I have put some sealer on the threads for a stubborn leak.

Apr 20, 2011 | 09:06 PM

MasterDave

Moderator

Joined: Jun 1999

Posts: 7,117

Likes: 51

From: Dove Mountain Arizona

I put in two bottles of posi fluid additive and top it off with 80-90W gear oil. Posi fluid additive can be had just about any good parts store. I do a few figure eights (not burning rubber) and then drive it.

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Apr 20, 2011 | 10:15 PM

Godholio

Melting Slicks

Joined: Jun 2008

Posts: 2,110

Likes: 30

From: Columbia, SC

With the spare tire holder removed I had no problem getting a wrench on the bolt on my 66.

Apr 20, 2011 | 10:45 PM

#10

vt65

Safety Car

Joined: Sep 2009

Posts: 4,142

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From: Simcoe Ontario

Quote:

Originally Posted by Godholio

With the spare tire holder removed I had no problem getting a wrench on the bolt on my 66.

that's a lot of work to get at the plug....

Apr 21, 2011 | 12:34 PM

#11

JohnZ

Team Owner

Joined: Oct 2000

Posts: 38,897

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From: Washington Michigan

'63 through early '65 (3830303 rear cover) used a fine machine-threaded hole with a gasket; mid-'65-up (3871375 rear cover) used an NPT (tapered pipe thread) hole and plug with no gasket. Pull the right rear wheel and you can get straight on the plug.

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Apr 21, 2011 | 12:44 PM

#12

vt65

Safety Car

Joined: Sep 2009

Posts: 4,142

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From: Simcoe Ontario

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnZ

is that an oil leak on the rear of the spare tire carrier on your car John? Also is there any kind of a plate we can add to strengthen the ears on the rear end where the spring bolts attach? I have heard of several instances of them breaking.

Last edited by vt65; Apr 21, 2011 at 12:47 PM.

Apr 21, 2011 | 01:20 PM

#13

JohnZ

Team Owner

Joined: Oct 2000

Posts: 38,897

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From: Washington Michigan

Quote:

Originally Posted by vt65

That was an oil leak from before I had the diff rebuilt; hadn't cleaned off the tub yet when the photo was taken. You don't need to strengthen the ears on the cover if you follow the correct procedure and don't torque those four spring plate bolts until the full weight of the car is on wheels with the suspension at normal ride height (they didn't put that tidbit in the Chassis Service Manual until 1971 - probably got tired of paying for rear cover replacements that dealer mechanics broke).