Transfer Case Question (Fill Plug)
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Freshman User
Joined: Apr 2004
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Transfer Case Question (Fill Plug)
I have an 89 Bronco with an automatic transmission. I believe I have a Borg-Warner 13-56 Electronich Shift Transfer Case. I need to check the fluid level in it but the fill plug and the drain plugs are almost stripped out. I can tell that it takes some sort of square drive but I am not sure what size. I have tried a 1/2 drive (too big) and a 3/8 drive (too small). Is is metric or a different standard size? I do not want to try other things that might strip it completely.
Thanks for any help.
Thanks for any help.
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 14,285
Likes: 12
From: Bend,OR
its the 3/8s drive. you might have to use a drill and tap to remove them. just use liquid wrench and be sure to drain the fluid afterwards. I had this same problem then i went with an outy plug vs the inny
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,388
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From: SE Texas
Yes, the plug size is for a 3/8" ratchet drive. If the square hole is stripped out too large where the 3/8" won't budge it, you can try grinding down an old/ cheap 1/2" drive ratchet until it fits snugly. I also recommend replacing the plugs with the type that has the square center sticking out, so you can get a regular wrench or Crescent on it in the future. JSM84
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 601
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From: Chicagoland
Originally Posted by uscrpick
I have an 89 Bronco with an automatic transmission. I believe I have a Borg-Warner 13-56 Electronich Shift Transfer Case. I need to check the fluid level in it but the fill plug and the drain plugs are almost stripped out. I can tell that it takes some sort of square drive but I am not sure what size. I have tried a 1/2 drive (too big) and a 3/8 drive (too small). Is is metric or a different standard size? I do not want to try other things that might strip it completely.
Thanks for any help.
Thanks for any help.
Calvin
Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 7,952
Likes: 589
From: Greater Austin, Texas
I just did this on my '91 with the 1356. I used a cold chisel on the drain plug and worked it around until it unscrewed. The level-check plug I had to drill out. Replaced them both with brass "outies" from Lowe's.
Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2007
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Drain it again and better yet find one of those magnetic plugs. This way all the metal shavings go on the magnet.
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 497
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From: END OF THE OREGON TRAIL
Don't put the plug back in with air ratchet. I made a small crack in the flange from overtightening. which leaked. Cost me an extra $75.00 to repair when I had the transmission rebuilt.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2002
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From: Greater Austin, Texas
If I drill it out I am worried about getting metal shavings inside the transfer case. Any tricks that might prevent that?