39 rear drain plug
 

Hi Gents

Trying to drain and replace rear gear oil. The drain plug is square female.

What tool do you guys use? I tried my 1/2 it’s too big and 1/4 too small.

Re: 39 rear drain plug
 

Is it 3/8, like the end of an extension? Can't remember if the 3/8 works directly or if you have to grind them down a bit.

Re: 39 rear drain plug
 

I took a 1/2" allen bolt and ground/filed the end square with a slight taper. I haven't used that for ages though, 9 times out of 10 a 3/8 ratchet fits well enough to undo the plugs.

Mart.

Re: 39 rear drain plug
 

3/8" ratchet works fine.

Re: 39 rear drain plug
 

The 3/8 ratchet is too small. My old arms/muscles need the 1/2 breaker bar. I also think it’s closer to 7/16 than 3/8. I’ll borrow a 1/2 - 7/16 pipe plug remover socket.

Re: 39 rear drain plug
 

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Re: 39 rear drain plug
 

Kube when your 85 try and let me know how you make out.

Re: 39 rear drain plug
 

Hi Everyone, on my '35 and '36 the female square in the rear drain and fill plugs are not an exact fit for a 3/8 extension or ratchet. But that's the tool I use. I just try to be as gentle as possible.

Maybe a long handle 3/8 ratchet or a 1/2 to 3/8 adapter on your 1/2 inch ratchet or breaker bar? I can't believe I'm saying this but maybe a shot of slick-em-up would make it turn easier?

I might suggest you make sure the fill plug is free before you try to get the drain plug out.

Re: 39 rear drain plug
 

As we get older, we also tend to misunderstand each other more often, but of course I never had that problem myself.

Re: 39 rear drain plug
 

Plug may be worn on inside making it look bigger. When you do get it out you could replace it with a male plug which is easier to work with.

Re: 39 rear drain plug
 

I use a home made tool for that purpose; I used a piece of 1/2" keysteel [1/2x1/2 square], ground the end down with a slight taper to approx 7/16", so it fitted the plug nicely, then heated and bent the steel 90* so it resembles an allen wrench.

Re: 39 rear drain plug
 

Lots of ways to work with 3/8 such as cheater bars over the handle, adapter for a 1/2 drive, etc.

Re: 39 rear drain plug
 

Good advise, thanks. I still need the length / leverage from the breaker bar. At 85, laying on my back, I need all the assistance I can get from the tool.

Re: 39 rear drain plug
 

I have a tool that each end has 4 different size square male protrusions on it and I can always find one that will work, even on plugs that have been messed up and enlarged.

Re: 39 rear drain plug
 

Ford put the tool on the end of the adjustable wrench in the tool kit.

Re: 39 rear drain plug
 

If I make it to 85, I'm willing to bet I'll still know the difference between 3/8" and 7/16".

Re: 39 rear drain plug
 

LOL, what he's saying,guys, is that he needs the length of the 3/8" tool handle to be as long as the 1/2" so he has enough arm strength to loosen the plug. :)
Terry

Re: 39 rear drain plug
 

I wanna see that 7/16" ratchet! DD

Re: 39 rear drain plug
 

Correct! And the 7/16 is the male socket. And I thought I had senior moments.

At times this site just likes to bust chops!

Re: 39 rear drain plug
 

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