The Ford Barn

Joe/Ct · 06-05-2023, 09:30 AM

I have tried using a 3/8" socket extender (too small) and a 1/2" one (too big) to remove each of the plugs. It appears that the plugs have been rounded inside. I have also used a flat head screwdriver with the 3/8" but no joy. Suggestions????

PS: I also have a Columbia 2-speed attached that has a plug that I can use a wrench on. Will that plug also fit the differential?

marko39 · 06-05-2023, 10:52 AM

I have ground down extensions to make them fit. When you do get it out replace it with one that has external “nut”.

Flathead Fever · 06-05-2023, 01:07 PM

At work, on stuff like that if there was room for it, we welded a thick-headed nut to them or drilled them out and used a large easy to take them out.

Tim Ayers · 06-05-2023, 04:04 PM

I've found it worthwhile to purchase a set of female (socket is male) drain plug sockets. They were cheap and can be found on Amazon or other on-line vendors.

I did a quick Google search and these came up at Walmart. I would look for Sunnex or similar brand.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/18pcs-Oil...ive/2569355942

Joe/Ct · 06-06-2023, 06:02 AM

Hi Guys, Thanks for all your suggestions. I seem to have implemented a little bit of each. It turns our that I had an oversized 3/8" extension that, while a little lose, did the trick. (Who would have thought that some would be different.) I will be replacing both plugs with ones that have an square head.

JM 35 Sedan · 06-06-2023, 06:32 AM

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Once you have the proper tool and good plugs that are not wallowed out from someone using the wrong tools in the past, you would not have problems installing or removing the original type plugs. Personally, I would not want the plugs with the extended square on a banjo rear, especially on the the bottom plug. JMO

Terry,OH · 06-06-2023, 06:47 AM

Third Gen Auto sells the plugs with a slightly smaller inside so a 3/8 ratchet fits. There is a very tight space between the rear frame cross member and the banjo make sure any plugs with an extended head do not touch the cross member when the spring is compressed.

34fordy · 06-06-2023, 07:05 AM

I believe that folks WAY over-tighten plugs. The interference fit along with a bit of pipe dope or pipe tape eliminates the need to force them as far in as possible. IMHO

06-05-2023, 09:30 AM	#1
Joe/Ct Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Waterford, CT Posts: 250	1939 differential plugs I have tried using a 3/8" socket extender (too small) and a 1/2" one (too big) to remove each of the plugs. It appears that the plugs have been rounded inside. I have also used a flat head screwdriver with the 3/8" but no joy. Suggestions???? PS: I also have a Columbia 2-speed attached that has a plug that I can use a wrench on. Will that plug also fit the differential? __________________ Joe/Ct "The older I get, the better I was"

06-05-2023, 10:52 AM	#2
marko39 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: harpursville ny Posts: 1,040	Re: 1939 differential plugs I have ground down extensions to make them fit. When you do get it out replace it with one that has external “nut”.

06-05-2023, 01:07 PM	#3
Flathead Fever Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Yucaipa, CA Posts: 1,095	Re: 1939 differential plugs At work, on stuff like that if there was room for it, we welded a thick-headed nut to them or drilled them out and used a large easy to take them out.

06-05-2023, 04:04 PM	#4
Tim Ayers Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: NJ Posts: 6,182	Re: 1939 differential plugs I've found it worthwhile to purchase a set of female (socket is male) drain plug sockets. They were cheap and can be found on Amazon or other on-line vendors. I did a quick Google search and these came up at Walmart. I would look for Sunnex or similar brand. https://www.walmart.com/ip/18pcs-Oil...ive/2569355942

06-06-2023, 06:02 AM	#5
Joe/Ct Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Waterford, CT Posts: 250	Re: 1939 differential plugs Hi Guys, Thanks for all your suggestions. I seem to have implemented a little bit of each. It turns our that I had an oversized 3/8" extension that, while a little lose, did the trick. (Who would have thought that some would be different.) I will be replacing both plugs with ones that have an square head. __________________ Joe/Ct "The older I get, the better I was"

06-06-2023, 06:32 AM	#6
JM 35 Sedan Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Near Rising Sun, Maryland Posts: 10,859	Re: 1939 differential plugs Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Once you have the proper tool and good plugs that are not wallowed out from someone using the wrong tools in the past, you would not have problems installing or removing the original type plugs. Personally, I would not want the plugs with the extended square on a banjo rear, especially on the the bottom plug. JMO __________________ *John* *"Never give up on what you really want to do. The person with big dreams is more powerful than one with all the facts". Albert Einstein*

06-06-2023, 06:47 AM	#7
Terry,OH Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 4,752	Re: 1939 differential plugs Third Gen Auto sells the plugs with a slightly smaller inside so a 3/8 ratchet fits. There is a very tight space between the rear frame cross member and the banjo make sure any plugs with an extended head do not touch the cross member when the spring is compressed.

06-06-2023, 07:05 AM	#8
34fordy Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Fort dodge, Iowa Posts: 825	Re: 1939 differential plugs I believe that folks WAY over-tighten plugs. The interference fit along with a bit of pipe dope or pipe tape eliminates the need to force them as far in as possible. IMHO