BikeRack Posted March 9, 2010 Share Posted March 9, 2010 Has anyone found a less expensive off-the-shelf option for the 13mm square male socket used for the rear diff, besides the one at http://ultimatetoolco.com/drainplugs.aspx? I'm sure it's a great tool, but it's a tad pricey. I considered getting a 9/16" pipe plug driver, and grinding it down a bit, but I'd prefer a ready-made piece, both for convenience, and to avoid adversely effecting the metallurgy during the grinding process. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Beast I Drive Posted March 9, 2010 Share Posted March 9, 2010 I just use a 1/2" drive breaker bar, with no socket. Close enough fit for me, but I have more than a couple back-up diff covers if I strip one out..... -Bill Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bulwnkl Posted March 9, 2010 Share Posted March 9, 2010 Yep, 1/2" breaker bar. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fairtax4me Posted March 10, 2010 Share Posted March 10, 2010 1/2" ratchet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Svengouli7 Posted March 10, 2010 Share Posted March 10, 2010 1/2" drive for me too, but I thought I saw harborfreight selling a drain plug socket set last time I was in the local one Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
idosubaru Posted March 10, 2010 Share Posted March 10, 2010 yep, standard 1/2" drive is all you need. remove the top fill plug first since you don't want to drain the fluid and find out the top one won't come out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ozzierabbit Posted March 19, 2013 Share Posted March 19, 2013 I would advise using a 13mm square socket as the best best for avoiding stripped bolts. 1/2 inch = 12.7mm. A close fit, maybe, but not nearly exact. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NorthWet Posted March 19, 2013 Share Posted March 19, 2013 +1 on the 1/2" business end of a ratchet, breaker bar, or impact wrench. 13mm and 1/2" are so close that I use them interchangeable except on tough situations. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ozzierabbit Posted March 19, 2013 Share Posted March 19, 2013 BTW, the 13mm square socket can be bought at Harbor Freight Tools. One is contained in a kit that provides a selection of other sockets for $15. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1 Lucky Texan Posted March 19, 2013 Share Posted March 19, 2013 I used a 1/2" breaker bar on 2 diffs so, 4 plugs total. I did have to use the floor jack to break 'em loose. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ozzierabbit Posted March 19, 2013 Share Posted March 19, 2013 Just wondering, Mr. Texan, how did you use a floor jack to loosen the differential plugs? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coolskaterkid Posted March 19, 2013 Share Posted March 19, 2013 (edited) Just wondering, Mr. Texan, how did you use a floor jack to loosen the differential plugs? If hes like me i use the handel of my floor jack as a cheater bar. Edited March 19, 2013 by coolskaterkid Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1 Lucky Texan Posted March 19, 2013 Share Posted March 19, 2013 (edited) I put the breaker bar end on the pad of the floor jack and pushed up with it. (car was on jacks) cheater should work too. I believe there's some type of sealant on the threads, dunno what the FSM recommends putting on there. Probably plenty of people have no problem reinstalling as-is. I used teflon pipe tape. Looking back, probably should have only used it on the drain plugs but, I'm not too concerned about it. Not ideal I know but... Edited March 19, 2013 by 1 Lucky Texan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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