(^^@#%@ got the best of me!!

[Gatafly]

I hate it when I can not complete a task, but today the 4Runner got the best of me and it won.:redbrick:

I set out to change the transfer case and differential oil and all was fine until the front differential. The back was first and all was well. The transfer case was next and still no problems. Now the problem came when trying to loosen the drain plug. The fill plug loosened ok even though it was a bit tight. I could not get the 10mm hex in easily so I had to hammer it on. This 4runner is new to me so I am going through it and changing all the fluids and this was a sign of things getting worse I think. Anyway, I ended up splitting the 3/8 inch socket drive 10mm hex. I sprayed the plug down with penetrating solvent and let it sit for awhile. I then went with a regular 10mm hex and put a long wrench on the shaft and tried breaking it free. . . . . .to no avail.:redbrick: It would be much easier with a lift and better tools, but this should not have been difficult and it really @%^$*(# me off!!

I have officially given up and thrown in the towel. I need to get the timing belt changed so I think I will just have them take care of it for me and use my Amsoil that I was putting in. I just hate paying someone to do something I am normally very capable of, but oh well, not much of a choice. Thanks for letting me vent. Anyone else have this happen?

 

[badboyrr]

Beast of me. 2006 4 Runner.

I installed a xmsn cooler Saturday and it almost ate my lunch. Not so much of a auto mech.....but got it done. Thanks to my girlfriend! Sometimes you eat the bear, sometime the bear eats you. Keep on truck'n my friend.

 

[Cale]

Ha! Your not alone. I did the same thing this weekend and also failed to get that stupid plug out. Last time I changed the gear oil I ran into the same issue and had to take it down to the shop down the street. I told them to watch the torque on it, but I guess they didn't listen. I'm at the point now were I'm starting to destroy the hex head...ugh!

 

[4RunnerFan]

Yep, last place I took mine also torqued it on too tight, so I took it back to them and had them loosen the darn thing. I then replaced the gear oil and torqued it to spec myself using a micro torque wrench.

So, just curious, has anyone replaced the front diff hex drain plug with something more traditional, eg a plug that looks like other diff drain and fill plugs?

 

[pontodbx]

Maybe try tightening it a bit to break it loose, then back it out. It sounds counter productive, but sometimes works.

 

[Gatafly]

Well, at least I am not alone. :wink2:

 

[CXS]

Hardly alone! I had to resort to welding a large nut on mine and using a huge breaker bar. Finally got the damned thing off! Hope you don't have to go to that extreme!

 

[Gatafly]

Hardly alone! I had to resort to welding a large nut on mine and using a huge breaker bar. Finally got the damned thing off! Hope you don't have to go to that extreme!

I wont, the guy who is going to change my timing belt will get to deal with it.:banana: Feel kind of sorry for him.

 

[Zuke]

I hose mine with pb blaster everyday for 2 weeks. Never got it off. The hex socket started to strip...

 

[tacticalcustoms]

I used a regular socket that fits a 10 hex and then attach that to a breaker bar. it came out pretty easy for me. Sorry its been so difficult for you guys.