Differential and T-Case Fill & Drain Plugs/Gaskets

[Barrie4Runner]

Changing my fluids this weekend and decided to buy new hardware being in the rust belt of Ontario Canada.

Some of the new hardware is not matching what's on my rig...

Here's what I 'think' but would appreciate feedback before I start breaking these plugs loose:

A = Rear differential drain plug (largest diameter w/ magnet)
B = Picking this up tomorrow; I'm guessing T-Case drain plug? Update: 'B' is exactly like C, but w/o a magnet. I guess it's T-case drain.
C = Front differential drain plug (w/ magnet)
D = Fill plugs

It's strange that the largest diameter plug (rear diff.) has an allen-key type input, whereas the one on my rig is a regular 24mm bolt. I asked the parts manager at the dealership why it appeared different and he said they may have just 'improved' the oem replacement part

Any tips on how to get the torque spec correct with an allen key?

Thanks in advance for any help. Love this site!

 

[kball]

Your "A" looks like the front diff fill plug. Use these for torquing the allen type plugs. For that matter just use them because they make the job a lot easier.

Amazon.com: Neiko 10074A Metric MM Pro-Grade Allen Hex Bit Socket, 13-Piece: Home Improvement

 

[Nelsonmd]

A and C look like the front fill and drain plugs, not sure which is which. D looks like rear fill plug, may be for the trans case too, I don't remember if the drain and fill were different.

Rear drain plug is a flatter external hex.

 

[Tango71]

A and C are for the front diff. I just took my "new to me" Runner on a trip from Ontario to Alberta and changed all the fluids before I set off. The Allan key plugs are for the front diff only. The Transmission, T case and rear diff use a Hex plug.

I couldn't find the right size allen key socket at Canadian Tire so I went to princess auto and bought their Pro Point set for like $24.99. Has both the sizes you'll need.

Side note. I was very close to picking up a 4Runner from Barrie. lol.

 

[george16]

The correct size of the Allen wrench needed for the diff plug is 10mm.

 

[TheDurk]

The correct size of the Allen wrench needed for the diff plug is 10mm.

Later ones, like my 1999, use 12mm. New ones, I believe, are 12mm only, so you might get either.

 

[Nelsonmd]

Later ones, like my 1999, use 12mm. New ones, I believe, are 12mm only, so you might get either.

I thought 1 was 10, the other was 12, like drain 12, fill 10. I don't remember what mine were when I re-filled my front diff though.

 

[Barrie4Runner]

All 10mm

I picked up a set of allen-key sockets and checked size...all plugs are 10mm.

Also, it looks like 'A' actually is my rear diff drain plug, even though the plug currently on there is a 24mm flat hex. Toyota Parts Dealer said it was what they had for my application and that it may have changed.

I asked if it was an allen key and he said 'not exactly', but you can use an allen key. I asked if they had the proper tool if it's not an allen key and he said they don't sell them. Would they do this to try and make it more difficult for do-it-yourselfers?

 

[Nelsonmd]

I picked up a set of allen-key sockets and checked size...all plugs are 10mm.

Also, it looks like 'A' actually is my rear diff drain plug, even though the plug currently on there is a 24mm flat hex. Toyota Parts Dealer said it was what they had for my application and that it may have changed.

I asked if it was an allen key and he said 'not exactly', but you can use an allen key. I asked if they had the proper tool if it's not an allen key and he said they don't sell them. Would they do this to try and make it more difficult for do-it-yourselfers?

A should not be your rear drain plug, I think you want to use the 24mm flat. The rears I think take a beating from road spray, and you want a more robust torque feature than an internal hex. I don't think it even changed.

I don't know what he is talking about that it isn't an allen key, it is. They aren't going to put a funny fastener on a part you have to remove regularly for maintenance.

 

[TheDurk]

I thought 1 was 10, the other was 12, like drain 12, fill 10. I don't remember what mine were when I re-filled my front diff though.

I did my Spring fluid check last weekend. Both of mine are 12's. My old bit set only went to 10, so I had to buy a 12 just for this the first time I did it. But I know 10's are more common. I'm only saying both are out there.

 

[Barrie4Runner]

A should not be your rear drain plug, I think you want to use the 24mm flat. The rears I think take a beating from road spray, and you want a more robust torque feature than an internal hex. I don't think it even changed.

I don't know what he is talking about that it isn't an allen key, it is. They aren't going to put a funny fastener on a part you have to remove regularly for maintenance.

I'm rethinking trying to start this job if I may not have the right part. Should I try ordering them at another place?

 

[gannonrt]

Kball - thanks for posting that tool set. The amazon app on my phone is dangerous with one touch ordering.

 

[kball]

I'm rethinking trying to start this job if I may not have the right part. Should I try ordering them at another place?

Being in SoCal I have no rust experience but it looks like you have plenty of spare plugs to get this done unless yours are really in bad shape. Your original plugs may still be okay..?