Does anyone have an easy way to remove the plug from a 12 bolt diff. Or should I just get a new cover with a plug in it?
Thanks!

There should be a fill plug on the passenger side of the OE hogshead, 3/8 inch drive. Aftermarket covers have plugs. If it is not leaking, don't mess with it, use the OE plug.
To drain, pull the cover.

Welcome to the Club!

If it is the square type plug you will need a 8 point socket to remove it.

The plug that's in it is the square 1/2" type, it's not leaking and doesn't look like it's been out for quite a while. What I need to do is replace the gasket on the cover, because it has been leaking for a while. The only way to refill the lube is through the plug , right? That's why I asked about the cover with the plug.

right, that plug need to come out to fill it.

For a 1/2" square "outie" you need an 8 point socket Sears sells them. I like to "rattle em" with an impact to break em loose. Don't hammer on it, just a gentle rattle to shake loose any rust and she'll start to spin out.

Confused?

Pumpkin side plug and also an aftermarket rear cover plug?

Right..

Either one can be used for filling it.

I went years and years fighting filling the suckers, now I have a cheap HFT lube/tube sucker! $5.00 or + S&H!! I can't believe i fought doing this crap all those years w/o one!!

pdq67

Thanks for all your input about my situation. I ended up getting the plug out on Saturday. I kept spraying it with WD-40 and bought a Gator Grip socket and with very little effort the plug came loose, it worked great! A couple corners were rounded over so a wrench didn't work. Tried the 8 point socket also. So if anyone has the same problem give the Gator Grip socket a try.

Here is the easiest way I got mine out. Jack up the car and place the jack stands under the front leaf spring pockets. This will allow the rear to drop. Then take the largest adjustable wrench you have(14" or 16") and it will come off. Mine was a b***h, but this way made it pretty easy. I would definately get a new cover though. Either way you will still have to get that plug out each time. That is the only way to know you have the proper amount of fluid in the rear. Moser makes a nice one that comes with a drain and fill hole along with tension studs for the caps to keep them from flexing under heavy load.

I can't for the life of me understand why some people think they need to tighten things down that much! Oil filters are another example. What are they thinking anyway?