Changing the Differential fluid in my 12

[retiredfireman]

Ok, so, I decided it's time to change the diff fluid on the Ram.
Got me 2 Qts of Amsoil 75w90 and 1 4oz. tube of limited slip additive.
In the past, I have removed the diff cover, but I see that we have a drain plug and fill plug, so I decide to use them.
First off, I find it is NOT a square insert, like the old ones, but a 6 point 9/16 hex insert.
Of course I don't have one of these the right size:

so I need to improvise.
I first thought I could use a bolt with two nuts jammed together on it- no go.
then I decided to use the same bolt and file down/crush in the vise to get an open wrench on it - vise afterwards:

so then I went to the hardware store and got one bolt and 4 nuts, and jammed them on as best as I could- end result- it worked:

 

[toofart]

So now you're out a vise and have one bolt, four nuts... instead of just buying the correct size hex key? Interesting way of doing things.

 

[PCA4208]

Sucks for the vise! Haha but got job. Instead of jamming 4 nuts on it, you should just get someone to weld on one nut.

 

[Casper]

Two words: Harbor Freight

 

[retiredfireman]

well, I believe 'ham ******" and 'stubborn" would be a good way to describe some of the ways I have managed to work on things.
Ordering the correct tool would be the right way to do it, but sometimes you have to improvise.
Welding the bolt was my next step, a neighbor who's got a welder on his truck pulled in right as I finished.
Maybe that's a good segway to get my own, hmm.

 

[PCA4208]

They're cheap at harbor freight. I've built some pretty cool **** with my welder.