Got tired of dealing with the buggered heads on the drain plugs and ordered the hex ones from Toyota. Under 25 bucks for all eight and what a difference. This should be one of the first things everyone does when they get an FJ.
Change your drain & fill plugs
- Thread starter Devortex
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Which ones are the new ones? I can't tell by the picture.......................Ha!
You're right on- those allen head plugs make it so much easier.
Yet another "cheap and easy to do" thing I've had on my to-do list since I got the truck........12 years ago 
Didn't realize the drain & fill plugs are the same P/N. I should go ahead and just freakin do that when I change my fluids next.
Uses a 3/8" allen head doesn't it?
Didn't realize the drain & fill plugs are the same P/N. I should go ahead and just freakin do that when I change my fluids next.
Uses a 3/8" allen head doesn't it?
- Thread starter
- #4
Yep...10mm / 3/8" allen.
I didn't know those were available from Toyota -- Got mine from SOR... Wonder if the ones he sells are OE ? Not that it makes any freaking difference, but inquiring minds.
Nice thing about those plugs, you'll notice they're a bit longer, so they bite a bit more thread making them less likely to strip the soft alum case holes.
Nice thing about those plugs, you'll notice they're a bit longer, so they bite a bit more thread making them less likely to strip the soft alum case holes.
- Thread starter
- #6
orangefj45
Supporting Vendor
i almost always replace the factory 24mm plugs with the magnetic allen plugs. i have actually seen the hex plugs come loose on the trail after hitting a rock in just the right spot. no chance of that happening with the allen plugs. i also run them on all my t-cases and some transmissions.
georg @ valley hybrids
georg @ valley hybrids
Matt60
KiSS of Death
harder to strip out.
the only reason I do not like allens.. ( not enough to make me not want to buy them.. )
is that if you get someone who isn't familiar with them.. they can strip them .. or at least strip the first 20-50% if they are full of mud or dirt and you only get partial insertion.. and then give them a good reefing..
I didn't know they were so cheap.. I should get a few.. are these for diffs.. motors.. tranny's.. etc
is that if you get someone who isn't familiar with them.. they can strip them .. or at least strip the first 20-50% if they are full of mud or dirt and you only get partial insertion.. and then give them a good reefing..
I didn't know they were so cheap.. I should get a few.. are these for diffs.. motors.. tranny's.. etc
orangefj45
Supporting Vendor
advantages:
easier to remove than a 24mm hex style
rocks won't "loosen" them for ya
dis-advantages:
can fill with dirt ( so can the area between the welded on ring and hex bolt outer edge )
can strip if wrong tool is used ( then again, that goes for any type of fastener )
easier to remove than a 24mm hex style
rocks won't "loosen" them for ya
dis-advantages:
can fill with dirt ( so can the area between the welded on ring and hex bolt outer edge )
can strip if wrong tool is used ( then again, that goes for any type of fastener )
Six point socket works really well. I bought one when I changed the fluid on my buddies 4Runner. I'm sure it will work just as good on mine.
rusty_tlc
Dain Bramaged Member
Buy a 3/8" drive 10mm allen socket when you make this change . It makes life a lot easier.
ntsqd
technerd
I use a section of a 10mm Allen key cut to a length that is about twice the depth of the pocket in those plugs rather than a socket. That gives me the option of using the key with an end wrench if clearance is tight. Otherwise I just slip the section into a 10mm socket....
I'm changing my clutch right now and thought I'd make the switch. Above you said "$25 bucks for all eight". Which other ones do I need besides t-case drain plug/ fill plug and transmission drain plug/ fill plug? I count 4...
Butt Ugly Chuck
Fish Biologist
rusty_tlc
Dain Bramaged Member
Just a suggestion, stash a couple of the old fill plugs in your tool box.
I've seen more than one diff plug fall out on the trail. It's good to have a couple of spares for yourself or someone else. I say fill plugs because they are usually in better shape than the drain plugs, if you have drain plugs that aren't to bugger up that would be better.
It's also a good idea for everybody in a group to carry a quart of gear oil. Individually it's not enough to fill a diff or t-case but collectively you usually have enough to get by with. In a pinch you can use motor oil.
I've seen more than one diff plug fall out on the trail. It's good to have a couple of spares for yourself or someone else. I say fill plugs because they are usually in better shape than the drain plugs, if you have drain plugs that aren't to bugger up that would be better.
It's also a good idea for everybody in a group to carry a quart of gear oil. Individually it's not enough to fill a diff or t-case but collectively you usually have enough to get by with. In a pinch you can use motor oil.
Dumb question but looking at the invoice posted above, the OP bought 8 of the same plug and then 2 of one gasket and 6 of another.
It is the same plug for the fill and drain on the tranny, TC, and diffs?
It is the same plug for the fill and drain on the tranny, TC, and diffs?
- Thread starter
- #20
Same plug for all eight but you need standard crush washers on the axles and transmission and alloy washers for the t-case.
