Differential Fill/Drain Plug Question

[CharlieHustleX5]

2004 3.0i, ordered new drain plugs for the differential with the rubber seal ring embedded into the plug itself. When I removed the plugs from the differential, they were the older style with seperate aluminum sealing rings. Can I still use the plug with the rubber seal instead, without any worries of fluid leaking from them in the future? Or do I need to get new rings because these plugs are not compatible?

[dkl]

The plugs are compatible. The aluminum sealing rings shouldn't leak with just 1 reuse. But if you want to use the newer plugs, it should work as well. My original plugs had the aluminum sealing rings, but a tech at my indy accidentally toss them during the fluid change and it was leaking without those sealing rings. I ended up buying the new style plugs with the built-in rubber seal as they no long make the ones with the aluminium sealing ring. The new plugs are in for almost 1 and a half years now without any leak.

[wallyx5]

I changed my diff fluid for the first time tonight. I also did the transfer case. I re-used the old metal washers. They looked to be in good shape. I was suprised the old oil didn't look too bad. Kinda looked golden brown with a little bit of sentiment. No metal

[CharlieHustleX5]

My differential oil was a heavy dark brown color. Real Nasty...Nothing close to the golden yellow Redline fluid I pumped in.

[II Kings 9:20]

Originally Posted by CharlieHustleX5

My differential oil was a heavy dark brown color. Real Nasty...Nothing close to the golden yellow Redline fluid I pumped in.

How many miles for the dark fluid?
I agree, plug washers are compatible-just a different style crush washer. Don't forget to check the torque specs to tighten.

[John Galt]

Originally Posted by wallyx5

I changed my diff fluid for the first time tonight. I also did the transfer case. I re-used the old metal washers. They looked to be in good shape. I was suprised the old oil didn't look too bad. Kinda looked golden brown with a little bit of sentiment. No metal

I did them last year. That front diff was tough to get to, took longer than the rear and the transfer case combined.

[CharlieHustleX5]

Originally Posted by II Kings 9:20

How many miles for the dark fluid?
I agree, plug washers are compatible-just a different style crush washer. Don't forget to check the torque specs to tighten.

95,228 Miles, both differentials spilled out dark brown fluid.

[CharlieHustleX5]

Originally Posted by John Galt

I did them last year. That front diff was tough to get to, took longer than the rear and the transfer case combined.

Agreed....rear was a breeze. Just loosen plugs, drain, and fill. Front differential required removing the front skid plate and the stiffening plate to access the drain and fill plugs. While you're there, it may be a good time to change your sway bar bushings if they're already worn out since you'll be unbolting the brackets anyways.

[II Kings 9:20]

Guys, don't forget to loosen the fill bolt first. If you drain first and the fill bolt is frozen shut, you will have no way to put fluid back in.

[CharlieHustleX5]

Originally Posted by II Kings 9:20

Guys, don't forget to loosen the fill bolt first. If you drain first and the fill bolt is frozen shut, you will have no way to put fluid back in.

....Exactly what I did first because there's no way you're going to be able to refill the diff unless you have access via the fill hole.