TR2/3/3A TR3A...Tighten Diff Case Bolts?

[karls59tr]

Is there a trick to snugging these bolts tight? The lip on the case flange prevents getting a wrench on properly and a socket as well. I've got a leak at the bottom...might be time for a new gasket.

 

[TR3driver]

I must be missing something, Karl. Either a socket or a box-end wrench will fit on mine.

Generally, tightening them won't help anyway, it will only distort the flange and make the leak worse. If you're sure that is where the leak is, my advice is to pull the cover, make sure the flange is flat (not dimpled around the screw holes as they usually are), coat a new gasket (you can cut your own from sheet cork) on both sides with Hylomar, double-check that the bolts do not bottom in the holes, and reassemble with new lock washers.

 

[Geo Hahn]

Do you have lockwashers under the heads? That may make them stand proud enough to get a wrench on and also tells you how tight is tight.

If you go the gasket route... pretty easy to make your own and possibly necessary -- the one I bought from one of the big 3 vendors was useless, holes didn't match up.

 

[karls59tr]

Ah ha! I'll bet there's no lockwashers under the heads and that's why the poor grip with the wrench. I'll straighten the flange as well like Randall suggested. Thanks guys.

 

[prb51]

follow the torque recomendation in the manual otherwise it'll leak more than ever.
Get a new gasket and seal it with a little sil/goop

 

[MGTF1250Dave]

Good advice. If you still have a leak after a new gasket is installed, check the seal on the input flange. A leak there results in oil trailing down the under side of the differential and dripping off the drain plug. It looks like a leaky gasket under the cover plate. A lesson I learned by experience.