so while i'm under the front of this thing is there a drain plug for the front diff? i sure can't see one.....the fill plug is pretty easy to spot.....was pretty obvious on the 04 escalade....but this one i don't see it! any help would be appreciated........thanks

 

This is a somewhat trick question. Some do not have drain plugs. Some have it incorporated into one of the lower perimeter bolts that bolt the two halves of the front axle together.

 

i guess i could take a bolt out at a time and see if it leaks out?? like my kids old yamaha 80!

 

Similar question, but when i pull the shift cable from the front diff will that also be a drain for me? I plan on doing both anyways but just hoping something actually goes my way for once!

 

You shouldn't get much, if any, fluid draining out if you were to remove the front diff engagement cable.

 

I thinking since it's aluminum, maybe i'll drill a hole and tap the threads....it will most certainly be a bloody mess......but maybe a good idea anyway? when i pulled the plug on my 04 escalade, all kinds of metal crap came out......now when i drain it out it looks pretty good....gawd only knows what's hiding in there after 15 years and 166k!

 

I'd be careful with that... That aluminum might not like to take threads all that well. Either a hand pump or electric vacuum pump through the fill plug would be much easier on your wallet than messing up the front diff housing!

 

well i've got a 2 gallon vacuum tank with a long thin plastic line, and it won't go in the diff hole far enough to suck anything out........