Rear end drain plug

I used a cheap suction gun from harbor freight in my dakota 9.25. Worked fine but it is better to pull the cover off or gear out to inspect and clean out if you haven't done it for some time.

Definely go the magnetic drain plug route. Google, ebay, Amazon, they're available everywhere. Buy the one you like then get whatever female threaded piece you need and weld it to the rear. If you're going to get something with pipe thread, make sure that the female threaded bung is not cast iron... the weld won't hold or seal correctly. If you get a plug that's 1/2" fine thread, a regular 1/2" fine thread nut will work just fine. Yes... keep it out from under the ring gear, but low enough to get the majority of the fluid out. Works like a champ. If you're really good with the welder, drill the hole big enough to get the nut almost flush with the surface of the rear end housig. That way the drain plug won't hang down very far. Happy welding !