FRONT DIFFERENTIAL BOLT IN COVER ?

[dbell]

HI All,
Been a while since I visited the forum.
I have a 1984 G.W.
My front differential has a 5/16" bolt from the inside of the front diff cover that has a nut & gasket on the outside of the diff cover. It has developed a leak at this bolt. I tried to tighten the bolt but it just spins. What is the purpose of this bolt ? What is it securing on the inside of the diff ? I assume I'll have to pull the diff cover off and put a new gasket on to stop the leak ?
PS, the jeep has been converted to manual hubs with the shift collar welded inside the front diff, if that has any bearing with my above bolt issue.

Thanks for your help,
Dan

[threepiece]

It seems that someone placed the fasteners and gasket to plug a hole that was not there originally. Perhaps they made the hole to facilitate future oil changes.

My name is Dan too

[rang-a-stang]

Some folks use a gasket on the cover some don't (those that don't just use a quality RTV). I would buy some gear oil, 2 cans of brake cleaner, and a gasket and pull the cover. I am with Dan; someone probably added that hole. I would watch craigslist/marketplace for any Dana 44 cover and replace it. The front covers are much heavier/thicker than the rear, BTW.