Is there another way to fill the rear diff?

[Kesp4.0]

I cannot, for the life of me, get the check plug unstuck from my diffierential. It's the one that's right behind the gas tank, and I have tried everything on it. I keep it soaked daily in PB and it's ruined a couple of my extensions already.

Is there a way that I can fill it by jacking up one axle and pouring a measured amount down it or?? I know it sounds like a stupid solution but I can't afford one of those expensive covers with the plug in the top of it.

 

[sport97]

I know on the 2nd gen explorers you can remove the abs sensor on the top of the differential and fill that way, that is what I have to do, I have the same issue as you. Not sure if the 3rd gen has the sensor to fill through, but check that.

 

[Kesp4.0]

Sorry I should have clarified, I'm doing this on a first gen Ex...a 93. I should add it to my vehicle thing under my name but haven't yet

 

[Blee1099]

have you tried a impact? or maybe even welding a nut on the fill plug. Or maybe even use a manual impact driver where you hammer to loosen the plug

 

[Kesp4.0]

I tried getting the impact gun in the but the only angle I can get it to go is upside down and that didn't work. I don't have a welder to weld anything to it. I was considering dropping the gas tank or the diff but I'd rather not go that far if I don't have to

 

[Blee1099]

Another way to fill the axle would be via the vent tube..

 

[Kesp4.0]

Another way to fill the axle would be via the vent tube..

I totally forgot about that, great idea! I'm nauseated from being upside down in the cold so long I haven't thought about how the heck I would get the axle back in if filled with fluid that way...friggin idiot I am. How much fluid do I put in? Since I won't be able to check at the plug and everything...

I think the manual says 5.3 pints but I'd like to hear what you guys think

 

[sport97]

Sorry I should have clarified, I'm doing this on a first gen Ex...a 93. I should add it to my vehicle thing under my name but haven't yet

I should have looked at the forum section we were in, that would have told me it was a 1st gen...

I would pull the vent tube off and just use the hole/nipple on the axle rather than the hose breather if that is the route you choose, the hose could have dirt in it.

Not sure on the amount, but measure it out prior, because like you said, you cannot check the level.

Good luck, report back how it went.

 

[Kesp4.0]

I should have looked at the forum section we were in, that would have told me it was a 1st gen...

I would pull the vent tube off and just use the hole/nipple on the axle rather than the hose breather if that is the route you choose, the hose could have dirt in it.

Not sure on the amount, but measure it out prior, because like you said, you cannot check the level.

Good luck, report back how it went.

Thanks, I was thinking about using the ABS route you mentioned. That's my b plan if something goes to hell. I just realized it's a D4 axle so I guess I will premix my 5.3 pints with the modifier then pump it through the vent. Thanks for the help. This truck is turning out to be more of a PITA than I thought

 

[MountaineerGreen]

Can you jack up the rear end, support the frame with jack stands and let the suspension hang at full droop for better access?

 

[Maniak]

You can always replace the diff cover with one that has a fill plug. Solid, rockcrusher and ridler and brand that I cant of off the top of my head.

~Mark

 

[Kesp4.0]

Can you jack up the rear end, support the frame with jack stands and let the suspension hang at full droop for better access?

That's a good idea. I will try that using my 6 ton jacks since they're taller. I am also thinking of hitting that plug with a torch for a bit to see if that works. Either way I am removing that cover to let it drain tonight.

 

[Kesp4.0]

You can always replace the diff cover with one that has a fill plug. Solid, rockcrusher and ridler and brand that I cant of off the top of my head.

~Mark

I wanted to do that but all of the ones I looked at cost alot more than I want to spend right at this moment. I will keep the brands you mentioned in mind for when I do have a bit more to throw down, thanks.

 

[jd4242]

fill it through the abs plug ontop the housing

 

[Kesp4.0]

fill it through the abs plug ontop the housing

Would filling through the abs plug be preferable to filling through the vent tube?

 

[jd4242]

I wouldnt even try the vent tube,hole is way to small and take forever.i allways fill though the abs hole.i pull the fill plug out and the abs out and fill through the abs hole till leaks out the fill hole then put the fill plug in and "I" add about another half qt after fill plug is in

 

[jd4242]

O also a way to get that plug out is to clean it real good,stick jb weld in it and press the socket or whatever you have that fits and allow it to dry.then take and try and remove the socket and plug as one and throw it away and buy a new plug.