Drain Plug for differentials?

[ARedmon]

I'm going to change the fluid in my differentials soon. I thought I'd try adding a drain plug to the stock diff cover plates for easier future drain/refills. Has anyone tried using the B&M brand auto transmission drain plugs on the diff covers? These are the B&M drain plugs that are sold in Geno's Catalog that I'm asking about.

 

[Slow Six]

I prefer to remove the cover so that I can get all the oil out and clean the bottom of the diff case as well as have a look at the internals. A drain plug in the cover would leave a fair amount of oil in the bottom of the diff. Just my $. 02.

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

It is difficult to install the plugs in the cover so they are as close to the bottom of the housing as you would want to drain all the lube. Why not get Mag Hytec covers? They look good, hold more lube, and have a dipstick/fill port in addition to the drain plug.

 

[seafish]

Check out this thread here--particularly post#5

https://www.turbodieselregister.com...cussions/213390-front-rear-differentials.html

myself and others have drilled and tapped a small magnetic primary case plug from a Harley into the differential pumpkins. They are drilled and threaded into the lowest party of the pumpkin and do NOT stick up at all so all the fluid drains out. Please note that I DID first install them when I had the diff covers off for my first diff oil change just to make sure I was not drilling into a sensitive or weak part of the pumpkin case. Also made sure I could remove all of the metal shavings fromn the drill and tap before I put the cover back on. I have used this plug for 3 changes now--it works great. If you want to inspect the gears, you can always still remove the whole cover AFTER you have drained it... MUCH LESS MESS!!!

I DO use silicone on the threads when I replace the plugs just so that I am not relying solely on the o-ring. Never had a leak so far.

 

[drag racer]

Why not get Mag Hytec covers? They look good, hold more lube, and have a dipstick/fill port in addition to the drain plug.

x2! One of the best aftermarket parts you will ever see - quality and functionality

 

[ARedmon]

The Mag Hytecs would, of course, be a great way to go! I was simply trying to avoid the cost of those new covers. I'll tackle the job soon (I'm about 1,000 miles away from the recommended interval) and I'll let you guys know what I decide on.