What Size Differntial Drain Plug ?

[mswiek]

What size wrench/socket is the square drive plug to drain the front and rear differential oil in a 2002 DII ? Thanks.

Mike

 

[KevinNY]

1/2"


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[mswiek]

Thanks muchly.

Mike

 

[cdodkin]

Mike - be careful with the plastic filler-port plugs on the diffs, they tear up easily!

Especially if you use a non Metric socket to open it, as it is of course Metric!

There are some nice brass replacement plugs from places such as Expedition Exchange

https://www.expeditionexchange.com/cart/product.php?productid=18972&cat=0&page=1

Worth the few bucks - and they won't tear up with a non metric socket

Chris.

 

[mswiek]

Thanks Chris,

I didn't realize the filler port plugs on the diffs were plastic ! This is my first time changing the diff oil. They were black, like the diff housing, so I assumed they were steel, like every other vehicle I have owned !

Thanks again.

Mike

 

[SGaynor]

Especially if you use a non Metric socket to open it, as it is of course Metric!

Chris.

You mean you haven't changed all of your tools over to metric?

Heck, 1/2 the nuts/bolts on my 2000 Suburban are metric

 

[superpowerdave]

Sorry to bring up an old thread, but does anybody know the size of the bolt and thread of the filler plug? Mine got shredded on a rock and is leaking some and I'd rather hit a fastener store tomorrow rather than wait until next week (holiday weekend) for the part to arrive.

 

[ptschram]

They are 1/2" BSPP, british standard parallel pipe. It is highly unlikely you will find one at your local fastener store.

Don't use a tapered plug as the diff cover material isn't thick enough.

EE has the brass ones as referenced above. While expensive on this side of the pond (I bought a handful at the Sod for .50 pence each from a guy selling them from five gallon pails), they are the right part for the job.

 

[superpowerdave]

PT-

So if I call up my nut and bolt guy here in town and tell him

They are 1/2" BSPP, british standard parallel pipe.

they should know what I'm talking about as far as length and all?

Thanks!

 

[jrsimpson]

So if I call up my nut and bolt guy here in town and tell him ...
they should know what I'm talking about as far as length and all?

Read PT's second sentence carefully. I'd go so far as to say that it is unlikely the local fastener guy will even be aware of BSPP, yet alone carry any in stock. For a fast (generally next day) and inexpensive solution try McMaster-Carr. They appear to have the plug, albeit with a hex socket rather than square.