I was unsuccessful at changing my Transfer Case and Auto Transmission fluids today

Before attempting the transmission fluid change, I first wanted to be sure I would be able to FILL the thing. After becoming practically double-jointed, I finally got the filler plug out. Then to my dismay, neither of the two transmission funnel's tubes that I have were small enough to fit into the filler hole...so scratch that one!

Moving on to the transfer case, I was unable to find anything in my tool collection that would remove the inspection plug. It looks like a 3/8ths drive fits the plug, but my ratchet alone wasn't long enough to fit and my extension was too long. I might have an allen head socket that would fit it, but then there wouldn't be enough room there for the combination of the socket and ratchet.

I'm wondering what others have used....

 

Seeker, as for the TC drain plug removal, I recall using a 1/2" drive ratchet with a 1/2" to 3/8" adapter. That is short enough it will fit in there, but long enough to get past a lot of the supports.

As for a fill assembly for the tranny, you may want to consider finding a 1/2" NPT to 1/2" compression union (straight piece, about 1.5" long). You can then screw that into the tranny and then you can bend yourself some 1/2" copper tubing and put a compression fitting on the end of that. Then you can fit a funnel on to the end of the copper tubing that would be up above the engine. The parts shouldn't be that expensive and can be picked up at a local hardware store.

 

There are some ratchets that are thinner than others. I use a thin ratchet with a short extension. another option is to use a 1/2 inch ratchet with a 1/2-3/8 adaptor. I find the plug is a little small for a 3/8 I have to look around the tool box to find one that is a little smaller so that it fits in. BTW, (NOT an inspection plug - as in a plug you can look in, because oil should pour out, it is at a random level, and just to beat a dead horse, it does not represent the fill nor the drain level)

 

Thanks gents! I figured I could eventually buy or make a way around my dilemma...good tips!

As far as the "inspection" plug terminology goes...I just use that name for convenience, I'm aware of the fact its not really an inspection/level plug.

 

Use one of these..3/8" should work..works for me everytime

3/8" Universal

 

Mine must be larger than yours....I tried a universal joint and didn't have the room.

 

The 3/8" u-joint I bought specifically for getting to the TC access plug is only slightly larger in diameter than the square portion itself. The sucker cost me $18 at True Value but worked like a champ.

Getting the plug out is only the beginning of the fun since it sounds like you have the same clearance as I did.

 

Hey Seeker

I pulled the battery out and sat it sideways on the top of the battery box. that gives you east access to the bung and the fill hole.

 

Sidewalkman...

Are the cables long enough to do that without disconnecting them from the terminals?

I'm lazy and don't want to have to reprogram anything...LOL!

 

No way! You will definitely have to disconnect the cables.

 

I guess I would have discovered that without asking...but as I said, I'm lazy!!

Perhaps then I'll just loosen the battery hold downs and "shift" it over to give me a tad more room to reach the filler hole.

Thanks!

 

Yeah it stretched.