ez out..i got all the drain plugs and filler plugs out with them..or a star head instead of allen head..i recommend the ez out tho if the star wont work easily

 

I just changed my engine, gearbox and both diff fluids along with all new Super Daves front a-arm bushings in my old Commander yesterday.

Try This Trick: I had one front diff drain plug that was really, really tight, (an old mechanic showed me this trick on an old rusty exhaust manifold stud many years ago). Heat the steel plug with a small torch (don't over do it) and stick a candle up on it and the wax will soak up into threads (wear gloves/long sleeves for safety) I know it sounds silly, but it works. Then take a good 6mm Allen socket (you may want to file/grind the end to ensure a good grip) and drive it firmly into the plug until it bottoms out and try it. Worked for me.

If you don't feel comfortable drilling and using an e-z-out to remove the plug. I would just use a marine lower unit gear oil pump (less than $20 at any boat shop, screws right onto plastic quart oil can) and feed the hose around the ring gear to suck the old oil out.

FYI, if you don't ride in mud and don't use 4X4 much I would't even worry about changing it. I seen a Commanders with 8K miles on it (never changed front diff oil) looked like new, could still clearly see the blue dye in the oil. Your call.

Good Luck!

 

The heat/wax really works? I would think the plug would expand and make it even tighter so nothing could get in. Seems like it would be easy to try if I don't set myself on fire...

Any tips on access? I don't have a lift and getting at the (rear) diff requires raising the dump bed and lying on the tire. I haven't tried removing the drain plug since if I can't get the filler plug out I won't have a way to refill it if I drain the oil.

We do use 4x4 and low 99% of the time but I've only got the 150 hrs/750 mi on it.

 

Sorry, just noticed you were referencing the rear diff as well, that should probably be changed to avoid future issues (IMHO).

Good Luck!

What do you mean "to avoid future issues"? I've mostly focussed on the rear
since that seemed "more" accessible. The front looks even worse.

 

Sorry, just noticed you were referencing the rear diff as well, that should probably be changed to avoid future issues (IMHO).

Good Luck!

What do you mean "to avoid future issues"? I've mostly focussed on the rear
since that seemed "more" accessible. The front looks even worse.

The rear diff carries more load and is more prone to metallic contamination and why it should be service more frequently "to avoid future issues" as they have been known to fail, especially on an early 2011 model that has never been serviced. Yes, the front is more difficult to get at. I would follow Takethetime's advice and buy new plugs and ask for some help.

 

There is stuff called PB Blaster, it's a penetrant that works very well, a little heat and it will suck up as well. Do not get it in your eyes and do not allow over spray to land everywhere.

Based on your driving I would not be worried about the oils but if your keeping it I would try to get the filler plugs out at least. A good mechanic in your area could do it for you, I would order new plugs all around and have them on hand,

 

I've got a 2011 commander but that doesn't get used much. (We use it for getting around our property, hauling equipment, wood, etc. No recreational use.)

I've done all the oil changes and inspections myself but didn't do the final drive / front diff oil change since I couldn't get the filler plug out. I am now approaching 150 hrs and 750 mi but way past the 2 year time frame for changing the front/rear oil.

I decided I couldn't wait any longer and used a 6mm hex head with an extension and a big ratchet on the end. In spite of having pretty good leverage, it just won't budge. Taking it to the dealer is really not an option. The local one no longer services can-am so I'd have to haul it 120 mi and would have to rent a trailer.

Any advice? Can I procrastinate even longer or do I really need to get the oil changed? Note that I'm in northern CA where the weather is relatively mild and this machine has never seen mud. It spends most of its time in a garage.

The drain plug on the front diff is under the very bottom of the diff and the fill plug is on the side and is a 6 mm Allen. The drain plug under the bottom is a smaller size.
My 6mm Allen fill plug always get stuck also I insert the Allen in the plug and tap on it then it seems to break loose for me. After you get it out I'd put some anti-seize on it then reinstall it and make sure you don't loose the gasket that's on the plug.