Rear Differential Cover
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Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 26
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From: South Carolina
Rear Differential Cover
I just bought the Ford aluminum differential cover and I wanted to put a drain plug in it. Has anyone done this? I remember seeing it on a forum somewhere but I can't find it anymore. Anyone that has done this, any advice?
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 6,748
Likes: 118
From: Tallassee, ALabama
I doubt the cover is thick enough to put a very large diameter drain plug into it. look for the thickest spot near the bottom or bottom side.
I would not go over 1/4" npt if i tried to put a drain in it. Also, do not tap it deep, start the tap, make a few turns for threads, then check your plug fit. If not deep enough, tap 1/2 turn at a time between test fit. It is easy to tap too deep with npt tap.
I would not go over 1/4" npt if i tried to put a drain in it. Also, do not tap it deep, start the tap, make a few turns for threads, then check your plug fit. If not deep enough, tap 1/2 turn at a time between test fit. It is easy to tap too deep with npt tap.
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 4,807
Likes: 125
From: Colorado Springs
I'd suggest using a LUBELOCKER Gasket instead of trying to tap yours. The LL is so much cleaner and quicker than the RTV goop. The other benefit is its reusable so you can drain and inspect your diff then simply reinstall, fill and go....No waiting for RTV to cure. I've been using them for years on my Jeep Rubi and on my D80 in my 7.3L, never had a single problem ever!
Another option is to return the Ford cover and look for one with a drain plug. I picked one up of EBay for my D80, aluminum with cooling fins $60, no issues with that either. Good luck.
Another option is to return the Ford cover and look for one with a drain plug. I picked one up of EBay for my D80, aluminum with cooling fins $60, no issues with that either. Good luck.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,812
Likes: 88
From: Thousand Oaks, CA
Also, have the Lubelocker gasket, nice gasket.
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Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
From: South Carolina
I just put the cover on because I had to get it done, but seeing yours I think I’ll do that when I change the fluid again, thank you for the replies. This site is definitely helpful.
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Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 4,392
Likes: 22
From: very South Texas
Remember, the drain plug is to remove the fluid.. (eaiser)
but you still need to remove the pan.. to get out the grit/junk sitting at the bottom...
Please do this part...
my opinion.
but you still need to remove the pan.. to get out the grit/junk sitting at the bottom...
Please do this part...
my opinion.
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