What tool? Changing the diff oil!

[knac1234]

Hello,

Changed the tranny and OD oil this weekend. Nut on the tranny, and allen screw on the OD to drain---no problem.

The front & rear diffs and the transfer box have a big slotted round plug. I could not remove it to drain the oil. Is there a specific tool for this, and if so what is it called??

Regards,
Julian

[amcordo]

Is it an indented square on a round plug? If so, use a 1/2 ratchet extension with no socket attached. It'll fit in there perfectly.


Hello,

Changed the tranny and OD oil this weekend. Nut on the tranny, and allen screw on the OD to drain---no problem.

The front & rear diffs and the transfer box have a big slotted round plug. I could not remove it to drain the oil. Is there a specific tool for this, and if so what is it called??

Regards,
Julian

[Mercedesrover]

Use the heal of a 1/2 open-end wrench.

[Andrew IIA]

This is the specific tool. I use this on my rear diff drain plug; my front diff accepts the 1/2" square drive socket.

http://www.roversnorth.com/store/images/Product/medium/RNT0003.JPG
http://www.roversnorth.com/store/p-5706-drain-plug-tool-.aspx (http://www.roversnorth.com/forums/../store/p-5706-drain-plug-tool-.aspx)

[stomper]

As Andrew said, I have the specific tool, only because it came with the Rover from the previous owner. a 1/2 inch wrench will slide into the groove, and then you can use a second wrench attached to the shaft of the 1/2 inch wrench to turn it with some leverage. Don't waste your money on the specific tool, and I doubt you will find one available anywhere except a Land Rover specific site. I asked around at NAPA, and other various auto supply shops, and they had never heard of such a tool.

[leafsprung]

Id say the tool is worthwhile, make your own if you can. I pretzeled a snapon 1/2 wrench trying to get one unstuck . . .

[bkreutz]

Google "Drag link socket", it's like a giant screwdriver bit that fits on a ratchet. (works good for removing the bungs on oil drums too:D)

[Nium]

or if Sears isn't too far away
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/search_10153_12605?keyword=drag+link+socket

[disco2hse]

Or replace them with 1/2" square drive plugs. Then all you will ever need is a 1/2" socket drive.

[Mountain132]

I ground the shaft of a bolt flat so that I could turn it with a socket

[knac1234]

Thanks for all the great ideas. Might try a couple of the cheap fixes (like the bolt grinding idea). If it doesn't work, will get the right tool. Should be able to put some clean oil in those places now this weekend!!

Regards,
Julian

[NickDawson]

Thanks for all the great ideas. Might try a couple of the cheap fixes (like the bolt grinding idea). If it doesn't work, will get the right tool. Should be able to put some clean oil in those places now this weekend!!

Regards,
Julian

Try the side of a wrench first - has worked for me every time.

[artpeck]

I also use the heel of an open wrench. Fits perfectly and gives a lot of leverage.

[knac1234]

Just a head's up......

Found a small piece of scrap steel that fit the slot perfectly on the plugs. Cut it to about 6", put a crescent wrench to it, and removed them easily.

Regards,
Julian