Going to do the rear axle seal this week

[Rileysowner]

I'm very thankful that you guys told me to get that fill plug out first. Especially since I haven't gotten it out yet. Worked on it for a while. Hit it with the only heat source I have propane torch. Tried some more, and decided since it was getting dark that it was time to stop.

Hopefully more success the next time I try. Now to have a refreshing beverage.

[kings-x59]

I'm preaching to the choir I'm sure, but some anti-sieze grease on that plug would be a good idea once you do get it out.

[Rileysowner]

Yup. Preaching to the choir. Anti-seize is a must add, especially with all the rust from the salt up here.

I should have picked up a 1/2" to 3/8" adapter so I could use my 1/2" breaker bar on this.

[ScottS]

If the propane isn't getting it done, go get a Mapp gas torch, much hotter.I think you want to heat the area around the plug, not the plug istelf - heat the plug it gets bigger, heat around it the hole will get (slightly) bigger.

[LiftedAWDAstro]

Once you do get it hot, douse it with your favorite rust penetrant or cold water. The sudden cooling will break the rust free and allow the plug to turn.

[Rileysowner]

Thanks for the suggestions. Looking at today's schedule, I won't be able to get to it, but maybe tomorrow.

Edit:

Tomorrow came and with it rain. To top it off I ran into construction on the way home from the meeting I was at and a 2 hour 15 minute trip turned into almost 3 hours. Took a while to get to sleep and woke up early, so only somewhere between 3-4 hours of sleep. Not good for ability to work effectively.

On the positive side I picked up a 1/2" to 3/8" adapter so I can use my breaker bar and get a little more leverage, and some MAPP gas to get a little extra heat. I'm glad the torch head I got supports it. Maybe tomorrow.

[Rileysowner]

Since the weather and work have gotten in the way of me continuing on the rear seal, I thought I would ask to make sure . . . Is this the fill plug



BTW, the wetness is the penetrating oil.

[lockdoc]

That's it!

[Rileysowner]

I thought so, but it is always better to make sure when something like that can easily get covers with road dirt, rust and gunk. Maybe Friday I can get it out.

[LiftedAWDAstro]

Another option if you can't get the fill plug out is to mount a fill plug in the diff cover.

[Rileysowner]

Now that I have the adapter so I can use the breaker bar, I can at least get a little leverage. I think half the problem was lying on my back with a 3/8" socket wrench does not give the leverage I needed. I haven't been able to try it yet, but I may have time tomorrow.

[LiftedAWDAstro]

Jim, clean that plug hole out REAL good so the 3/8" extension seats in there all the way.

This is the 3/8" ratchet I use. It has an 11" handle and works like a mini-breaker bar.

[Rileysowner]

The hole is much cleaner now than it is in the pic I posted. Wow! That is a nice long handle. Mine is probably half that long give or take a bit. It certainly would be nice to add something with a long handle like that.

[LaGrasta]

Growing up in Ohio, I can totally relate to the rust and corrosion problems. Since moving to California, all that's a thing of the past. My daily driver is a 1963 Ford Falcon with no rust, none. My 1998 Astro is so clean undernieth I could actually wax the undercarriage if I felt inclined.

My suggestion is some Kroil, that stuff is amazing. After a spray and a day of letting it sit, i'd hit it with an impact gun. The sudden burst often will break free hard nuts and bolts. Stick with it, my friend. BTW, the suggestion of a new cover is not a bad one.

[Rileysowner]

What cover would people suggest, since if I am replacing this one, I would want one that is better perhaps with a fill and drain cap. Where to purchase as well?