Later aluminium diff carrier and diff - filler plug

[trevbeadle]

The '80 onwards C3s have an aluminum Dana 44 IRS (Independent Rear Suspension) differential and cross-member. I see no signs of a filler plug on the side as per the cast diffs of earlier years. Are these 'sealed for life' or can I check and top-up the diff oil? Looking at my photo with the spare carrier removed, is this the filler plug on the rear of the diff facing rearwards with hole for hex drive. ? It seems low down (below the level of the drive shaft ujs) and would hate if it were the drain plug and I dropped all the oil!

 

[Emc]

Thats the filler plug Trevor, there should be a O ring seal behind it

 

[trevbeadle]

Thanks Gavin, standard Hypoid EP80/90 to bottom of filler aperture I guess?

 

[Emc]

Yes put new additive if you are doing a oil change

 

[trevbeadle]

If I do a change what do you recommend as an additive that is freely available (say Halfords)?

 

[Emc]

None except the correct one , I have them if you need

 

[Chuffer]

Halfords ???? Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah !

 

[trevbeadle]

Have yet to get the filler plug out...methinks it was put in by a gorilla friend of Bubba!!

 

[Chuffer]

Have you tried soaking it with WD 40 over a period of a day or so ? Being aluminium it would be all too easy to damage the thread then you will be in deep poo !

 

[trevbeadle]

Drenching it daily, Chuffer. Will try again at the end of the week!