the only problem if you tap it on the side is the cast is very thin in that spot, so be careful when tapping it to get in straight. also, don't run the taper on the tap down to far if you do it on the side. its a tight fit between the fitting you put in and the internals of the box. depending on how far you run the taper, you might end up grinding a bit on the end of the fitting for clearance. don't know what the brass pads are.
