Diff Plug Removal - Need tool Help!
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 169
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Diff Plug Removal - Need tool Help!
Posted earlier, but did get any response so will rephase my needs. I want to change the rear end gear lube and additive. Would like your input as to what tool you use to remove/install the 5/8 in square head plug. As many of you are aware, can see the plug, touch the plug, but tool arc of swing is minimal. 5/8 inch open end obviously fits, but can't turn it enough to get another grip.
What tool do you use on this plug?
Thanks
Gary C
What tool do you use on this plug?
Thanks
Gary C
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,668
Likes: 43
From: Eastern US XX
Originally Posted by turbo78vair
Posted earlier, but did get any response so will rephase my needs. I want to change the rear end gear lube and additive. Would like your input as to what tool you use to remove/install the 5/8 in square head plug. As many of you are aware, can see the plug, touch the plug, but tool arc of swing is minimal. 5/8 inch open end obviously fits, but can't turn it enough to get another grip.
What tool do you use on this plug?
Thanks
Gary C
What tool do you use on this plug?
Thanks
Gary C
Pro
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 741
Likes: 46
From: Hebron IN
Just changed mine 3 days ago. It's tight but I managed to remove it with a plain old open end wrench. There's a bit more room if you get the wrench positioned towards the front of the car.
Don't forget your posi-traction additive!
Don't forget your posi-traction additive!
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3,921
Likes: 731
From: Youngstown Ohio
I just jack the car up, remove the rt. rear tire (give yourself some room), attach a long extension to the socket and an 18" breaker bar (persuader), and give it a twist...........(this is an extreme measure, but it beats struggling and contorting).
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 7,400
Likes: 75
St. Jude Donor '14
I too pulled the spare and carrier. Easy job with these removed. The guy at the oil change shop gave up so I went home and removed the crap. It immediately cleared up the groaning in my rear end when I changed the fluid. Also, i later read that a 12 pt. socket will fit, but I cannot remember what size.
Pro
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 741
Likes: 46
From: Hebron IN
How much fluid did you guys remove/put back in? My Haynes manual doesn't mention the capacity and AutoZone's computer said 4 quarts. I used a drill mounted pump and was able to remove about 2 quarts. Sound right?
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However, mine was an expensive left-handed metric crescent wrench -- at least until I could turn the plug by hand. 
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,363
Likes: 221
From: Beecher Illinois
Originally Posted by vairxpert
AutoZone's computer said 4 quarts. I used a drill mounted pump and was able to remove about 2 quarts.
I use an EIGHT pt. 5/8" half in. drive socket, 10" extension and my longest handle ratchet. No problems with access at all. The plug can be pretty tight.
Mike
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 169
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Worked on Vette this afternoon. Put rear up on ramps, dropped the space as several had suggested, removed lower clamshell, used crescent to easily remove the diff plug.
Mission accomplished - lube changed(with additive) - road tested all ok.
Take care
Gary C - '78 Pace Car
Mission accomplished - lube changed(with additive) - road tested all ok.
Take care
Gary C - '78 Pace Car
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,652
Likes: 80
From: Lakeland Florida
Gary,
What was the turning point in this project. Was it removing the spare tire to get enough access room for the plug, or was it getting the right tool to fit the square opening?
From my experience it was taking the long way, and removing the spare tire carrier which made the whole job easier.
kdf
What was the turning point in this project. Was it removing the spare tire to get enough access room for the plug, or was it getting the right tool to fit the square opening?
From my experience it was taking the long way, and removing the spare tire carrier which made the whole job easier.
kdf
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 169
Likes: 0
kdf - good afternoon from Southern IN. I'd spent quite abit of time under the Vette pondering how to get the plug out. I have a pretty decent collection of tools, but fact that plug was rounded some help in my attempts.
The time spent to drop the spare, pull it out and remove the lower clamshell was well worth it as now could easily get at the diff plug with my Crescent (metric). It also made the job of changing the fluid alot easier.
Had I been on the clock attempting to meet flat rate or SRT or whatever, would not have been wanting to drop the spare, but I'm not on the clock. Well, maybe my retirement clock!
Again, thanks to all for the suggestions.
Hope you are having a great day. Took some shots of the pace car sitting amidst some of the beautiful spring flowers at our place yesterday. Can't wait to get them back tomorrow - I know - the old fashioned way.
Regards
Gary C - '78 Pace car
The time spent to drop the spare, pull it out and remove the lower clamshell was well worth it as now could easily get at the diff plug with my Crescent (metric). It also made the job of changing the fluid alot easier.
Had I been on the clock attempting to meet flat rate or SRT or whatever, would not have been wanting to drop the spare, but I'm not on the clock. Well, maybe my retirement clock!
Again, thanks to all for the suggestions.
Hope you are having a great day. Took some shots of the pace car sitting amidst some of the beautiful spring flowers at our place yesterday. Can't wait to get them back tomorrow - I know - the old fashioned way.
Regards
Gary C - '78 Pace car
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 169
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We're in the Franklin area. Nice down your way. Would like to cruise down there along the river. We were down that way last fall. Went to Clifty Park, downtown Madison to check out a kids toy store and across the river to KY for a short run down the renewed highway to the east.
Take care
Gary C - '78 Pace Car
Take care
Gary C - '78 Pace Car