Rear Diff Drain plug

[bamsho]

Well I've been working on this project here.  Every since I sucked out the rear diff fluid out of my '12 last fall, which was a pain in the butt.  So I been brainstorming about away to put a drain plug in.  So I remembered an old episode on Powernation about how they put one in.  So I did it and FYI, I'm not a professional welder and using a Harbor freight 110V mig welder, so yes the welds are very UGLY.  I used little JB Weld to help it look better.  I took the cover to work and put some thin oil we use on the presses to do my final check for leaks, after 8 hours of oil sitting in the cover, NO LEAKS!!  So going to install the cover on my '13 this week when the weather gets nicer.

 

[SHOdded]

For those wanting a video on how to do this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21CvanhKILA

Tighten the bolts to 23 Nm (17 lb-ft), and the filler plug to 29 Nm (21 lb-ft).

 

[nickstewartroc]

I know this is an old post, but figured I'd add what I did in case anyone stumbles upon the post like I had. I drained the rear diff on my Flex and figured I'd go through the procedure above, before realizing I had blocked my welder in. I got to thinking and looking at the rear diff and the flange at the bottom seemed to be the perfect size to drill/tap for a plug. Used a 1/8-27 NPT tap and plug.

 

[SHOdded]

Good location.  Did you loctite the plug?

 

[nickstewartroc]

I did not, honestly hadn't thought of it, but also not sure how well loctite would react to the oil in the threads. I'll put a paint marker type line on it and keep an eye on it for any movement though

Good location.  Did you loctite the plug?

 

[fordfanstan]

Just updating the thread with my solution for rear diff drain plug. I followed what nickstewartroc did above. I went with a larger 1/4" NPT plug. I first ground the flashing so I had a flat and smooth surface. Then started with a 1/6" drill bit, 1/8" bit, 1/4" bit and lastly the 7/16" bit. Then tapped. After cleaning up I installed the stainless plug with RTV and its holding fine so far. Below is list of parts and pics.

I also used a cutoff wheel and took off the unnecessary hanger and then sprayed some stain black rust preventative paint over the frame in the area.

• 1/4" x 18 NPT - 316 stainless hex socket plug from Grainger: $2.06
• 7/16" drill bit from Ace Hardware: $9.59
• Irwin 1/4 x 18 NPT tap from Ace Hardware: $9.99

 

[nickstewartroc]

Looks good!

 

[ZSHO]

@- fordfanstan Nice job! Z  :thumb: