Yes! You can use a 3/8 ratchet and/or 3/8 torque wrench for that plug and all the others. You will need to buy shallow sockets like I gave links to in the 1st post of this thread.
Also, Kedis, I really like Amsoil products, I use them all the time in our other, out of warranty machines. I decided to stay with Mazda branded and recommended products throughout the warranty period for the CX-5.
LOL! That rug came from Big Lots for 15$ back in 2005. It has been my loyal 'creeper' since! I used to use large pieces of cardboard until I went all Deluxe with the rug.
Do you think too tight to get a torque wrench in there? Of course... fill hole not so important other than not over-torqued IMO.
Thanks for posting your experience. This is a good thread for front transfer case and rear differential lubricant change. It seems I can wait until 50K miles or longer to change both. Our '98 Honda CR-V AWD calls 75,000-mile lubricant change interval for rear differential but has no mention to the front transfer case. And I have never changed the front for 180K miles.Fluid condition was pretty clear and just a small amount of material on the drain magnet. IMO.. the fluid still had a lot of light left in it.
Even though I can probably re-use the existing washers I picked some up at my dealer to have on hand if needed.
Torque specs for drain/fill plugs are --->
[Front]
40—58 Nm {4.1—5.9 kgfm, 30—42 ftlbf}
[Rear]
40—53 Nm {4.1—5.4 kgfm, 30—39 ftlbf}
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20K miles is probably premature but remember what owners manual says:
If the vehicle is operated primarily under any of the following conditions, replace the rear differential oil at
every 48,000 km (30,000 miles).
a) Towing a trailer or using a car-top carrier
b) Driving in dusty, sandy or wet conditions
c) Extended periods of idling or low speed operation
d) Repeated short trips of less than 16 km (10 miles)