Diff Breather Plug MOD Question

[lpittman]

Hey everyone! My first post here! Yay. I just bought a 98 SR5 and am beginning some work on it (basically my first time doing any mechanical work, so bare with me if I word things incorrectly).

The truck has a leaking rear axle seal (driver side) ... so while I save up some cash (and courage) to attempt to fix this I thought I'd see if I can figure out why it happened. Sure enough I discovered the breather plug problem with these trucks and thought I'd apply the mod that I found in this forum while I was waiting.

So - I picked up the parts and have begun. I got the old breather plug removed (was just a ball of rust, lol) and have put in my union fitting (not from Toyota, but threads are the same), however my concern is this:

The length of the threads (that screw down into the hole) is slightly longer than that of the stock breather plug. Should this be a concern?

I've never seen the inside of a differential so I'm not sure what all is in there. Is anything moving close enough to the edge of the casing that if this sticks in an eighth of an inch it'll hit it?

I have searched around for this question but was unable to find any answers...

Thanks!

Luke

 

[justwoody1]

It'll be fine. The OE one's are about that much longer too.

 

[lpittman]

Awesome, thanks man. I'll get it in there then.

 

[Drcoffee]

The breather uses pipe threads which by themselves aren't water tight. Use some teflon tape or silicone on the threads before putting the new union in the axle housing.

 

[lpittman]

The breather uses pipe threads which by themselves aren't water tight. Use some teflon tape or silicone on the threads before putting the new union in the axle housing.

Yep, did that. Thanks. Got it all together now and it worked out awesome.

Now to get the courage up to actually repair the axle!