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Ok. I have drained many a diff in my day, but I was under the car this weekend checking my diff fluid level, and while the top fill plug is tough to get to, my son with small hands did it. I was looking at the drain plug and sheesh. The picture attached is a view from the rear and you can just see the hex for the lower plug behind what must be the finned diff cooler lines. I tried a few ways to fit a 3/8 extension in there with a swivel but was unsuccessful. Plus the fins are right where the fluid drains out and I would want to keep the fins clean. Anyone drain their diff yet and have some tips to make it easier when my time comes after some track time? It would be much appreciated. Car is a 15 Z51 if that makes a difference.
Did you try just using a ratchet directly on the plug without any extensions?
Mine does not have the extra coolers, but there is direct access to the plug in front of the rear spring.
Is your photo looking up, or toward the front of the car?
Did you try just using a ratchet directly on the plug without any extensions?
Mine does not have the extra coolers, but there is direct access to the plug in front of the rear spring.
Is your photo looking up, or toward the front of the car?
The picture is looking from the back towards the front of the car. If I look up from the bottom the finned lines are real close to the drain plug. Not enough except for a REAL THIN ratchet, or special tool. It almost looks like I need to loosen the bracket holding the finned lines and try to move then out of the way some. The bracket is not easy to get to either.
The picture is looking from the back towards the front of the car. If I look up from the bottom the finned lines are real close to the drain plug. Not enough except for a REAL THIN ratchet, or special tool. It almost looks like I need to loosen the bracket holding the finned lines and try to move then out of the way some. The bracket is not easy to get to either.
If a ratchet will not work, you may have to make a special tool, like an allen wrench, that will fit the plug.
If you look around, there are companies that make special drain plug wrenches...
Otherwise, it does look like you would have to loosen the cooler bracket.
I was under mine again last night to top off the fluid. I found you can get the plug out with a flexible 3/8s drive rachet. To get it back in I put my hand IN FRONT OF the axle and there was room to get it threaded on. Just got to try a few angles to find what works.
Differential fluid drain
