Drain plug for front differential

[adarkang]

I was planning on drilling and tapping a hole in the differential for 1/4" NPT female plug. As eveyone knows the front differential is a pain in the a** to change the fluid. Does anyone recommend a location for this drain plug? Has anyone ever done this before? I found a write up on the internet for a Dana 50 on an f-250 that someone had done this too. They kept the fluid in the differential while they were drilling it so that 1) it would lubricate the drill bit, and 2) so that it would force any metal shavings out. Any opinions or comments are appreciated. Thanks

 

[adarkang]

Anybody? Nobody has done this to their front differential?

 

[ExplorerDMB]

So have you done this or not? I haven't heard of anyone doing it, but I just suck the fluid out with an evacuator.

-Drew

 

[TheFox88]

I have heard that leaving the fluid in is the way to go. However, i don't know how you would keep the fluid in after you drilled. I think that you would want to though, as tapping would get metal shavings in as well. Please let us know what you find and if you do this.

 

[gijoecam]

The trans shop that replaced my front pinion seal did this for me. They made the hole on the housing (not the cover, which pissed me off) just to the left of the bottom rib, just behind the flange that the cover bolts to. I guess it's OK there as that's not a significantly loaded part of the housing, but I wanted it in the cover. Guess I'm stuck with it there.

-Joe

 

[Bronco638]

I did it. However, I was in the process of swapping axles at the time. I took the cover off, drilled a 3/8" hole and had a 3/8" NPT coupling welded on at the bottom of the ring gear 'bump'. In this location, it won't drain completely but I'll get 95% of the diff lube out. I suppose if I raised the rear of the truck, I'd pretty much get it all. It'd take a well placed rock to hit the drain plug. But, I'm thinking about installing a Ranger front skid plate.