Differential Plug Fitment

[RDKeysor]

I tried to remove the filler plug on my '60 3000 and found that a 3/8" ratchet is too loose in the square hole, the 1/2" too large. What is the proper tool? Thanks.

 

[John Turney]

You will need a 7/16" square rod. Maybe you can sacrifice a 3/8" to 1/2" adapter and grind the 1/2" down to fit. I tried to make an "Allen wrench" out of 7/16" square rod, but the bend was too brittle, so I just use the broken off piece and an adjustable wrench.

 

[Keith_M]

You will need a 7/16" square rod. Maybe you can sacrifice a 3/8" to 1/2" adapter and grind the 1/2" down to fit. I tried to make an "Allen wrench" out of 7/16" square rod, but the bend was too brittle, so I just use the broken off piece and an adjustable wrench.

Or if you have access to a welder (either the machine, or a person with the machine), cut a short piece of the 7/16" square rod and weld it to a longer piece at a right angle. If I were at home, I'd take a picture of mine and send it.

Keith

 

[Bob_Spidell]

I use a 3/8" to 1/2" ratchet adapter with the (male) 1/2" side ground down to fit the hole. I think you can get a set of adapters for a couple bucks at Harbor Freight. I like this approach as I can keep it on the same socket rail I keep all my 3/8" sockets on in my mobile took kit.

 

[stevebt7]

There is a simple, no cost fix which worked well for me this past January. Cut a piece of sheet metal 3/8" by 3/4" and then bend it at a right angle so that each side is 3/8". Insert this into the plug opening along with your 3/8" ratchet and it snugs up the opening just fine. My plug hadn't been removed for many years and this worked with no damage to the plug or the ratchet.

 

[Johnny]

I like that idea. I have just used a 3/8" with a flat screwdriver wedged in between the ratchet and the plug hole. Works good in an emergency.

 

[GregW]

I cut a piece of 7/16" square bar and put it in an 8-point 7/16" socket.

 

[steveg]

I have a Craftsman cold chisel that is 7/16" square - had to grind off the mushroom on the end - then used a crescent wrench to undo the plug.

 

[bob hughes]

I have a purpose made allen key that just so happens to have the correct square section on the end of the short leg.



Bob