Completely draining front axle fluid L3800

[JasonW]

Today I was replacing the left side front axle plug PN 34070-13100 on my L3800HST and was wondering about draining the fluid. Replacement went seamless no problems there. When the old plug was removed there was metal flakes in the bottom of the housing though I'd say normal as the fluid has never been changed before. Though the metal would not be removed by a normal drain/refill service.

When I'm due for the front axle fluid change does anyone think it would be a good idea to do the normal drain/refill or remove the bottom plugs to get all the fluid and any metal material out? New plugs are under $9 a piece.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

You're not going to drain that much fluid or gain that much by doing it, but it's not going to hurt anything either.

 

[Bulldog]

I'm curious to which plugs you are talking about? My front axles have 3 drain plugs, are the new ones different?

 

[sheepfarmer]

I'm curious to which plugs you are talking about? My front axles have 3 drain plugs, are the new ones different?

There might be some model/size differences. My 3560 has rt and left drain plugs, a left check plug and one fill plug on the left. The wsm which covers all of the L60 series, refers to rt AND left check plugs. So either that is a mistake or the bigger 60's have 2 check plugs.

Where is your 3d drain plug located?

 

[Bulldog]

I know my L3000 has 1 on each hub and one for the housing itself, fill on the left side with dip stick which is currently replaced with axle vent.

If I remember right my M9000 has the same drains but each hub is filled individually and the housing has a fill port on the left with a check plug as well.

 

[JasonW]

I'm curious to which plugs you are talking about? My front axles have 3 drain plugs, are the new ones different?

Kubota calls it a plug, I would call it a cap or some sort. It's on the bottom of the bevel gear housing. I didn't take any pictures of the process changing it out I probably should have though. Yes mine has two drain plugs, one on each bevel gear housing, one fill plug and one check plug.

 

[Bulldog]

I'll have to look at mine and see if it has those. My drain plugs are at the bottom of the hubs and don't leave hardly any fluid anyway but I'll check for the others.