installing a drain plug on a DANA 44

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Oct 29, 2002 | 09:44 PM

vmi_vette

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Instructor

Joined: Sep 2001

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From: Chandler AZ

installing a drain plug on a DANA 44

I know that this has been done by quite a few forum members. Are there any specifics you can help me with; such as location, type of plug, size, etc.

Thanks :seeya

Oct 29, 2002 | 10:28 PM

tpi 421 vette

Melting Slicks

Joined: Mar 2002

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From: S.L.C. UT

Re: installing a drain plug on a DANA 44 (vmi_vette)

I personally prefer to use a suction gun.A u shaped piece of 3/8" steel tubing in the end of the nylon tubing will draw out almost all of the fluid.

Oct 29, 2002 | 10:59 PM

snaketr

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Re: installing a drain plug on a DANA 44 (tpi 421 vette)

Please don't ruin a D44. Just get a suction gun it will get just as much oil out as a drain plug. Plus you will not have to worry about the drain plug leaking, because it will eventually.

Justin

Oct 30, 2002 | 12:42 AM

silver & red CE

Melting Slicks

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From: NW Chicago Suburbs

Re: installing a drain plug on a DANA 44 (vmi_vette)

600 HP road race Vettes have Dana 44 with holes for oil coolers and drain plugs. Can't see how a drain plug on a street/strip Vette is an issue. I put my drain plug at the rear of the case right where the bat wing case touches. There is a 3/4" strengthening rib there, plenty of meat to drill and tap.

Eric

Oct 30, 2002 | 02:38 PM

vmi_vette

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From: Chandler AZ

Re: installing a drain plug on a DANA 44 (silver & red CE)

Thanks for the replies. I will take all of this into consideration. I have talked to an 'expert', and he feels that there should be no problem taping a Dana 44. However the point of a possible leak should also be considered.

Oct 31, 2002 | 12:10 AM

Goody

Le Mans Master

Joined: Oct 2000

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From: Oak Harbor WA

Re: installing a drain plug on a DANA 44 (vmi_vette)

Before I did the D44 install on mine. I drilled out the middle bottom screw into the case. Used thread sealant and no problems after one year. Loosen the bottom bolt and it all drains out. CF did an article on this one year. :seeya

Oct 31, 2002 | 08:07 PM

vmi_vette

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Instructor

Joined: Sep 2001

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From: Chandler AZ

Re: installing a drain plug on a DANA 44 (Goody)

Goody,
Did you do this with the DANA 44 installed or removed from the vehicle?

:seeya

Oct 31, 2002 | 09:53 PM

Zip Corvettes

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Joined: Sep 2001

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Re: installing a drain plug on a DANA 44 (vmi_vette)

Hopefully I can give you some insight here. We rebuild all the Corvette rears iincluding the C5's. If you put a drain hole in your rear, you will never be able to get any of the rebuilders to take it as a core if you decide to buy a rebuilt rear later down the road. The road race rears which we also build do have fittings in them for oil coolers and such, except they are in the rear cover and they use the original oil fill hole for the oil return. You do not need to drain and fill the differential that often, just get a suction gun and do it the right way. For customers who have drain plugs in there rears, we will only rebuild there unit and 99% of them leak at the drain plug. Hope this helps you decide not to drill.

[Modified by jabbott, 8:54 PM 10/31/2002]