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Differential plug bolt removal

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Old Aug 8, 2008 | 02:28 PM
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Default Differential plug bolt removal

I need to add some posi fluid to my 1979's differential.
What tool/method is best to remove the square plug bolt on the side of the diff? I tried a regular wrench, to no avail; there's no room for leverage up there!
I was told by one supposed GM guy over the phone to get a 'crowfoot' socket end and use a 1 foot extension. He said there is no other way.
I can't find the 'crowfoot' socket end anywhere-Advance, Home Depot, Lowes-they've never heard of it!
Thanks a lot for any advice!
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Old Aug 8, 2008 | 02:35 PM
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Originally Posted by Bally
I was told by one supposed GM guy over the phone to get a 'crowfoot' socket end and use a 1 foot extension. He said there is no other way.
I can't find the 'crowfoot' socket end anywhere-Advance, Home Depot, Lowes-they've never heard of it!
Thanks a lot for any advice!

The people you spoke with, pardon me for being rude, are idiots.

You can get these at almost any Autozone, Oreilly, Napa, Harbor Freight, and similar stores.

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Old Aug 8, 2008 | 03:06 PM
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I used an adjustable wrench to get mine off and on. A good ol' knuckle buster will do the job.
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Old Aug 8, 2008 | 03:36 PM
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You can use a 8 pt -5/8 socket from Sears. A 12 pt 11/16? will work as well.
I tap the housing when I rebuild them so you don't have to use a suction gun.
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Old Aug 8, 2008 | 03:39 PM
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Originally Posted by GTR1999
You can use a 8 pt -5/8 socket from Sears. A 12 pt 11/16? will work as well.
I tap the housing when I rebuild them so you don't have to use a suction gun.

Hey Gary, can you use a picture of a rear end with an arrow in the image to show the best place to drill and tap for a plug? I am going to do that this fall and I want to put it in the best place.

Thanks.
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Old Aug 8, 2008 | 04:15 PM
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Originally Posted by Durango_Boy
Hey Gary, can you use a picture of a rear end with an arrow in the image to show the best place to drill and tap for a plug? I am going to do that this fall and I want to put it in the best place.

Thanks.
No thanks, I have files of photos on the diff so I should have the pictures already. I'm tapping one tonight in fact.
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Old Aug 8, 2008 | 04:19 PM
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Originally Posted by GTR1999
No thanks, I have files of photos on the diff so I should have the pictures already. I'm tapping one tonight in fact.

No, ha ha, I meant POST one so I can see, or get a good idea of where to put the plug. I could guess but I would like you to post a picture with an arrow pointing to the best spot. If you don't mind that is.
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Old Aug 8, 2008 | 04:25 PM
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Originally Posted by Durango_Boy
No, ha ha, I meant POST one so I can see, or get a good idea of where to put the plug. I could guess but I would like you to post a picture with an arrow pointing to the best spot. If you don't mind that is.


I would like to see one also - want to add one to mine.
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Old Aug 8, 2008 | 04:51 PM
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i used a socket and a very long extention after trying several ways. it was pretty easy that way .
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Old Aug 8, 2008 | 05:13 PM
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I grind a flat pad 1" from the strut rod pad,centered.
If you go to my old diff thread, if it's still here, I pictured it. If not then I have it on DC and vettemod. Barry K also has them on his web page.

Here it is, surprised it's still here, I know some really like it when this shows up here.

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...t=differential

Last edited by GTR1999; Aug 8, 2008 at 05:27 PM.
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Old Aug 8, 2008 | 05:47 PM
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Here's an old thread with pics. http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...r+fluid+change
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Old Aug 8, 2008 | 05:48 PM
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I purchased a kit to installed a drian plug in the differential of my 79 from the Corvette Clinic in Sanford Florida. Works well. I comes with a templet, drill, tap, and plug. DB...I'm sending you a PM.

Ken
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Old Aug 8, 2008 | 06:12 PM
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Originally Posted by Bally
I need to add some posi fluid to my 1979's differential.
What tool/method is best to remove the square plug bolt on the side of the diff? I tried a regular wrench, to no avail; there's no room for leverage up there!
I was told by one supposed GM guy over the phone to get a 'crowfoot' socket end and use a 1 foot extension. He said there is no other way.
I can't find the 'crowfoot' socket end anywhere-Advance, Home Depot, Lowes-they've never heard of it!
Thanks a lot for any advice!
I did this just the other night on my 72.... jack it up on the rear passenger side, support it, pull the wheel off and you should have decent access. I used a 5/8 socket from my good ole craftsman tool set and it came right out... used a hand pump to drain the ole black stuff out and then filled with 75w90 royal purple and posi additive....

good luck... hope yours goes as easy as mine did...

Sully
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Old Aug 8, 2008 | 06:22 PM
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Originally Posted by Jud Chapin

That's great. I still intend on drilling and tapping for an oil pan drain plug with a magnetic tip. I just want to make sure that the tip of the plug won't hit anything that moves, and I'll grind it flat so the nylon washer seals good to the case.
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