Pontiac - Race The next Level

          
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Old 04-08-2003, 09:56 PM
rumair rumair is offline
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i've got the axles studded and the new rims/tires on, but can't get the square plug out of the right side of the housing to get the new fluid and additive in. i've tried the largest crescent wrench that will fit under there without any success whatsoever. intuition tells me that i won't be racing again until i make this happen. when we changed the gear a few weeks ago the car was on a lift and we were able to get good leverage on the bolt. any suggestions on how to break this thing loose with the car on jackstands and me on a creeper would be greatly appreciated.

97 Trans Am WS6
Best ET: 12.13
Best MPH 114.6
74 Formula 455
Best ET: 11.97
Best MPH: 112.58

  #2  
Old 04-08-2003, 09:56 PM
rumair rumair is offline
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i've got the axles studded and the new rims/tires on, but can't get the square plug out of the right side of the housing to get the new fluid and additive in. i've tried the largest crescent wrench that will fit under there without any success whatsoever. intuition tells me that i won't be racing again until i make this happen. when we changed the gear a few weeks ago the car was on a lift and we were able to get good leverage on the bolt. any suggestions on how to break this thing loose with the car on jackstands and me on a creeper would be greatly appreciated.

97 Trans Am WS6
Best ET: 12.13
Best MPH 114.6
74 Formula 455
Best ET: 11.97
Best MPH: 112.58

  #3  
Old 04-08-2003, 10:08 PM
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Jack Ferris Jack Ferris is offline
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  #4  
Old 04-08-2003, 10:15 PM
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I would think that there would be an 8-point socket available in a size that you could use to remove the square plug. Try putting some heat on the area with a torch to help loosen it up.

If all else fails remove the differential cover and drill a hole in it at the proper level. Weld a 1/2" FPT half coupling to it and plug it with a 1/2" pipe plug. You can add fluid and check the level from there.

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  #5  
Old 04-08-2003, 10:19 PM
larry davis larry davis is offline
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Get off the creeper first. You'll be able to exert more leverage w/o rolling around.
If that doesn't do it, tap it squarely w/a mallet or deadblow hammer and try.
Then resort to the heating of the plug, slightly.
While still hot try it.
Don't go burnin' the hell outta the housing or getting the plug red hot. The gear oil isn't flammable, but is combustable & will burn if hot enough or under enough pressure w/ heat.



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  #6  
Old 04-08-2003, 11:17 PM
LouisianaGuy LouisianaGuy is offline
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I happen to have a Custom made little wrench just for that pesky Diff plug :P
On one end its an open end wrench, and on the other its a Square that is just the perfect size to fit the Diff plug. Not even shure where i got it but man does it work wonders. It looks like 2 wrenches have been welded together to make it only problem is i have never seen a square drive wrench like this thing has on one end. Very off looking tool to be shure. But it works.
May wana look into making one, just measure the plug, and get you a piece of flat plate or something and cut the hole out to size nad weld it onto a wrench. If all else fails break out the Vice grips :P
Mike

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Old 04-09-2003, 04:59 AM
Goatman Goatman is offline
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All of this (and more) is why I bought a Jeg's cover with the drain and fill holes. Not only does it support the mains, it eliminates all this foolishness.

PS, I have a 9" rear end housing with drain and fill plugs installed for sale.

Chance favors the prepared mind.

  #8  
Old 04-09-2003, 05:35 AM
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First it's not a bolt that holds in the fluid, it's a pipe plug. If you have the type with a square head, an 8 point socket should work on a 1/2" xtra long breaker bar with small extension. If it's the type that's a countersunk square, insert small 3/8" extention, and use 1/2" breaker bar with 3/8 x 1/2 adapter. These plugs have either a tapered or straight thread, use the tapered as they are designed to self seal under moderate torque. Sounds like someone over tightened the plug. Use alot of elbow grease to turn plug counter clockwise. This plug is a hardware store item. Replace it with a tapered thread countersunk plug, preferably one with an Allen socket and don't over tighten!..

BIGGERISBETTER-15 yrs in NHRA tech ret. 400 .030 1977, RPM E-Take, Q-jet, 6X, TH350, 8.5 3.73 spool, 3650#, 78 Catalina, 14.50's. Check it out, www.nhra.com.

[This message was edited by tikiklubracing on April 09, 2003 at 08:44 AM.]

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  #9  
Old 04-09-2003, 06:48 AM
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6T9GTO 6T9GTO is offline
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What about using a pipe wrench on it. If you booger it up too bad with the wrench, use a new pipe plug - just don't tighten it too much.

  #10  
Old 04-09-2003, 07:26 AM
rumair rumair is offline
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i'm gonna try the 8 point socket theory tonight along with some pb blaster and maybe a torch. thanks for all of the advice, i really appreciate all the help people give on this board when somebody is in a jam.

97 Trans Am WS6
Best ET: 12.13
Best MPH 114.6
74 Formula 455
Best ET: 11.97
Best MPH: 112.58

  #11  
Old 04-09-2003, 08:35 AM
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SCOTT ESTERLE SCOTT ESTERLE is offline
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Just buy a cover with a plug in it. That's what i did much easier to fill that way.

  #12  
Old 04-09-2003, 10:14 AM
rumair rumair is offline
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scott- that's my last resort...

97 Trans Am WS6
Best ET: 12.13
Best MPH 114.6
74 Formula 455
Best ET: 11.97
Best MPH: 112.58

  #13  
Old 04-09-2003, 12:15 PM
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I'd use a 1/2 drive 4 point socket from the set my Dad left me

  #14  
Old 04-09-2003, 12:31 PM
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For 139.00 for a decent cast cover with brace bolts, plug, and no gasket, it is my last choice too. If you just want to fill , drill your old one at the top and weld a ($1.00) 3/4 x 1/2 pipe bushing and get a bigger hole to fill it, then use 1/2" hex pipe plug to seal. Russell and Earls make nice bulkhead fittings that will accept plugs, and no welding ( about $15.00 ea.).

BIGGERISBETTER-15 yrs in NHRA tech ret. 400 .030 1977, RPM E-Take, Q-jet, 6X, TH350, 8.5 3.73 spool, 3650#, 78 Catalina, 14.50's. Check it out, www.nhra.com.

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  #15  
Old 04-09-2003, 02:51 PM
Goatman Goatman is offline
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Except they always leak. There is NO WAY to duplicate a cast in hole.

You're a racer. Spend a few $.

Chance favors the prepared mind.

  #16  
Old 04-09-2003, 04:16 PM
basketcase70gto basketcase70gto is offline
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You could try a B&M transmission drain plug. The hole is pretty small but it should get the job done. Any parts store should have it and they only cost a few bucks.

  #17  
Old 04-09-2003, 04:21 PM
basketcase70gto basketcase70gto is offline
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Goatman, What mounts are on that 9" you have? I'm looking for a housing that has or can put a-body mounts on. I also need the dimensons and a price. You can E-mail me at nobottle@hotmail.com if you want. Thanks

  #18  
Old 04-09-2003, 07:50 PM
rumair rumair is offline
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<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by PLAY400:
I'd use a 1/2 drive 4 point socket from the set my Dad left me<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

that's what i ended up doing. i also had to cut the tail pipes off above the axles to clear the inner edge of the tires. i'll definitely be back at the exhaust shop soon to ditch my current setup. we rolled the car without me in it and didn't find anything rubbing. i'll put some water down on the street tomorrow evening and break in the slicks a little, then it's off to the races friday night and sunday.

97 Trans Am WS6
Best ET: 12.13
Best MPH 114.6
74 Formula 455
Best ET: 11.97
Best MPH: 112.58

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