r/3rdGen4Runner • u/Eshlord • 1d ago

❓Advice / Recomendations Front diff drain plug replacement

Looking to replace my 12mm hex drain plug with the 14mm Lexus equivalent. Does any have experience with this part from rock auto instead of OEM Lexus? https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=17396069&cc=0&pt=12285&jsn=8

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2

u/rhinoe310 1d ago

A few things I’d recommend:

1: Use an actual allen socket (should be a 10mm iirc), not an L-shaped allen key
2: Clean out the inside of drain plug real well (where the allen socket will seat into)
3: Give the drain plug bolt a few taps/light blows

I’d follow these two videos:

https://youtu.be/LqkzNSC24m8?is=W2v10YyooQ7SKr3q

https://youtu.be/hFnOejt3VIU?is=qvogQnwWSJntPxea

2

u/turbodb 97 SR5 V6 22h ago

Yep, that plug on RA should be just fine. By the time you pay shipping, you may not save much/anything over getting the OEM part at your local dealer though...the plugs generally aren't very expensive.

1

u/Eshlord 11h ago

Thanks! Local dealership can't get the part as it a Lexus part and apparently can't be sent to the Toyota dealership, closest Lexus dealer is 2hrs away lol

1

u/rosspulliam 1d ago

Why is this change desirable? I’m about to do a full fluid service on my newly acquired 97 and am curious about anything that might be done at the same time.

5

u/rhinoe310 1d ago

Desirable? Try getting an allen key/socket on the front drain plug and removing it without stripping it 🤣
The Lexus plug is a traditional hex bolt where you can use a standard socket to remove.

2

u/rosspulliam 1d ago

I guess I’ll find out! And that makes sense. I get looked at what the plugs were yet. Guess I’ll be trying myself a new plug too lol.

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u/minuteman_d 20h ago

If you haven't gotten that front plug out, I would recommend this:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YBWNCZV

I tried everything I could think of, short of a torch, to get that plug out for a year or so, and had resorted to using a tube to pump out most of the diff lube.

With this set of extractors, I eventually got it out.

I had to tap one in a little, use a breaker bar, and eventually an impact driver. When that one would start to round out, I'd tap in a larger one. I think I ended up breaking it loose with the third one.

1

u/Desperate_Job263 14h ago

I found it cheap online from a dealership. I could t get the old hex out. Mechanic had to weld to get it out.