Rear Diff Cover Leaks

[hamholfarm]

I purchased an aftermarket rear differential cover because my original is rusting through and is beginning to weep fluid in several spots. The new cover is stamped steel, and there is no drain bung. On the inside of the new cover is a soft, bendable magnet in the shape of a washer. The outside diameter is 1 ¾ inch, and the inside diameter is 1 ¼ inch. What is this magnet for?

What should I use to make a new bung? What size would match the old plug? Should I use the old drain plug or a new one, and in what size (to match the new bung). Is it OK to MIG weld the new bung on?

Thank you for the help!

Chip

[94bigdiesel]

The magnet is to collect metal debris that may be floatin around the punkin.

There are a hundred ways to put a plug in a cover. I think Autozone sells a kit to put a plug in a tranny pan. Or you can weld a half inch half nut on the inside of the pan; then using a half inch tap drill, drill through the nut, through the pan; and then send a half inch tap through the hole. Now find an oil-pan plug gasket for a half inch bolt and you got a plug.

However, you should always pull your cover when you change fluid, in my opinion. A plug (unless its on the bottom of the case itself) will never completely drain the diff. Its good to take a look at everything in there, too, since there is no filter to trap floatin junk.

[God prefers Diesels]

I also see no reason for a drain plug. If I was changing fluid, I too take it off, check out the gears, get it all as clean and drained as possible. By then, they usually want some new silicone anyway.