Topping up Diff
 

This is on a 2003 4.2 so I think the power connector is in a slightly different place to the early cars. Hence I drilled the first hole.

I drilled the first hole, and realised it was too low, so i cut another one with a vibrating saw.
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1Lz...n4qzJ52G3yAA1V

In the picture below you can see through the hole to the filler plug. I just put an 1/2" extension straight onto the plug and pulled it out.
Simple and easy, no fancy knuckle joints, just simple extension about a foot long.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1Gk...UqTyTeDla0oZpB

I shall pop rivet a cover in place and spray to finish.


Hope this helps

That seems like a lot of trouble to go to when all you need is this.

http://racediagnostics.com/cms/uploa...filler%202.jpg

If you already have the stub, and you have a ramp, then you might be right, and I wouldn't disagree with you.

Having neither garage, ramp nor shelter, and I unfortunately don't have a 1/2" stub to hand in my toolbox, then I consider it easier to cut the hole because I have immediate access to a saw, and all I need is an 1/2" extension straight onto the plug. I can then fill up, knowing that the car is level when I do so. But then if it's leaked oil out, then my investment in the trap door, allows me to top up again easily in the future, when you consider it's cheaper to put in oil, than a new diff.

Appreciate the comment, and I can see from your point of view.

Is your car a coupe or convertible?

We used a 1/2" dia. piece of square bar stock (Steel) . Cut it to 7/8" length and locate a thin 1/2" open end wrench to remove the plug. The Thin wrench is used by Old School Mechanics to adjust valves on a OHV Car. To drain the fluid, we cut a 1 1/4" hole with a hole saw in the rear X-Member just to right of the housing seam (looking from front of car), drilled a correct size hole (using grease on the drill) in housing. Then tapped it with a 1/8" pipe thread tap. No future problem to drain or re-fill. Do not forget to radius the
1 1/4" hole to discourage any future stress cracks.

It's a coupe.

Coupe Dibbit. 2003 4.2

Thanks. I couldn't see your signature as I was browsing on my phone. I think my convertible has an extra strut in the way - I'm going to have a look the next time I have the back up in the air as I do like the idea of making a permanent access hole if possible.