Rear differential rubber drain plug

[tjr1973]

Any body ever run across a rubber drain/fill plug on a Cherokee rear (dana 35) differential cover? I am servicing mine and was suprised to see this rubber plug instead of a square threaded metal plug. Can these rubber plugs be re-used or should they be replaced. I am tempted to put a bead of black rtv around the old rubber plug and see what happens....

[Dale Aeppli]

Originally Posted by tjr1973

Any body ever run across a rubber drain/fill plug on a Cherokee rear (dana 35) differential cover? I am servicing mine and was suprised to see this rubber plug instead of a square threaded metal plug. Can these rubber plugs be re-used or should they be replaced. I am tempted to put a bead of black rtv around the old rubber plug and see what happens....

Most of them come from factory with rubber plugs, probably have one on front diff. cover Dale e

[Ray H]

Originally Posted by Dale Aeppli

Most of them come from factory with rubber plugs, probably have one on front diff. cover Dale e

I think the last year they used metal plugs on the XJ rear diff was 89. If the plug isnt torn or doesnt have a hole in it and it fits tight, its fine to reuse and I wouldnt put any sealer on it. there will always be a "wet" spot around the plug but thats normal as long as its not dripping or running out. The front diff will have a metal plug that a 3/8 inch ratchet extension fits nicely into.