Well I've been working on this project here. Every since I sucked out the rear diff fluid out of my '12 last fall, which was a pain in the butt. So I been brainstorming about away to put a drain plug in. So I remembered an old episode on Powernation about how they put one in. So I did it and FYI, I'm not a professional welder and using a Harbor freight 110V mig welder, so yes the welds are very UGLY. I used little JB Weld to help it look better. I took the cover to work and put some thin oil we use on the presses to do my final check for leaks, after 8 hours of oil sitting in the cover, NO LEAKS!! So going to install the cover on my '13 this week when the weather gets nicer.
(http://i1382.photobucket.com/albums/ah244/bamkmm91/Mobile%20Uploads/20160225_115549_zpskfnst1lp.jpg) (http://s1382.photobucket.com/user/bamkmm91/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160225_115549_zpskfnst1lp.jpg.html)
(http://i1382.photobucket.com/albums/ah244/bamkmm91/Mobile%20Uploads/20160225_125707_zpszvtkmjii.jpg) (http://s1382.photobucket.com/user/bamkmm91/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160225_125707_zpszvtkmjii.jpg.html)
(http://i1382.photobucket.com/albums/ah244/bamkmm91/Mobile%20Uploads/20160225_130458_zpsjt0hchvi.jpg) (http://s1382.photobucket.com/user/bamkmm91/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160225_130458_zpsjt0hchvi.jpg.html)
(http://i1382.photobucket.com/albums/ah244/bamkmm91/Mobile%20Uploads/20160225_130508_zpsnssczba2.jpg) (http://s1382.photobucket.com/user/bamkmm91/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160225_130508_zpsnssczba2.jpg.html)
(http://i1382.photobucket.com/albums/ah244/bamkmm91/Mobile%20Uploads/20160225_130524_zpsbjaxrmmb.jpg) (http://s1382.photobucket.com/user/bamkmm91/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160225_130524_zpsbjaxrmmb.jpg.html)
(http://i1382.photobucket.com/albums/ah244/bamkmm91/Mobile%20Uploads/20160304_150129_zpsdrqbju1a.jpg) (http://s1382.photobucket.com/user/bamkmm91/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160304_150129_zpsdrqbju1a.jpg.html)
For those wanting a video on how to do this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21CvanhKILA (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21CvanhKILA)
Tighten the bolts to 23 Nm (17 lb-ft), and the filler plug to 29 Nm (21 lb-ft).
I know this is an old post, but figured I'd add what I did in case anyone stumbles upon the post like I had. I drained the rear diff on my Flex and figured I'd go through the procedure above, before realizing I had blocked my welder in. I got to thinking and looking at the rear diff and the flange at the bottom seemed to be the perfect size to drill/tap for a plug. Used a 1/8-27 NPT tap and plug.
Good location. Did you loctite the plug?
I did not, honestly hadn't thought of it, but also not sure how well loctite would react to the oil in the threads. I'll put a paint marker type line on it and keep an eye on it for any movement though
Quote from: SHOdded on August 23, 2018, 05:35:24 PM
Good location. Did you loctite the plug?
Just updating the thread with my solution for rear diff drain plug. I followed what nickstewartroc did above. I went with a larger 1/4" NPT plug. I first ground the flashing so I had a flat and smooth surface. Then started with a 1/6" drill bit, 1/8" bit, 1/4" bit and lastly the 7/16" bit. Then tapped. After cleaning up I installed the stainless plug with RTV and its holding fine so far. Below is list of parts and pics.
I also used a cutoff wheel and took off the unnecessary hanger and then sprayed some stain black rust preventative paint over the frame in the area.
- 1/4" x 18 NPT - 316 stainless hex socket plug from Grainger (https://www.grainger.com/product/GRAINGER-APPROVED-316-Stainless-Steel-Hex-Socket-4WPL3): $2.06
- 7/16" drill bit from Ace Hardware: $9.59 (https://www.acehardware.com/departments/tools/power-tool-accessories/drill-bits/2000693)
- Irwin 1/4 x 18 NPT tap from Ace Hardware (https://www.acehardware.com/departments/tools/hand-tools/taps-and-dies/23136): $9.99
Looks good!
@- fordfanstan Nice job! Z :thumb: