Deep, dirty water - now what?

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pedroridesagain

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I spent the past two days in Port Arthur and Beaumont (Texas) driving my skiff around helping out where I could. For the better part of two days I was driving in water anywhere from 6" deep to hood level crossings. My 4runner is new to me.

I am taking it in for it's 5,000 mile check up. What, should I ask them to do/check outside of the normal check-up? Should I ask them to change the diff fluid? Transmission fluid?

Please advise. I know I put my truck at risk by doing this but it needed to be done. People needed help. Now, I just want to do what I can to ensure a long life for the vehicle.

Here is a picture my friend took while standing in the boat as we searched neighborhoods.

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Awesome stuff going and helping out the folks in Texas, if I weren't so far away I'd have done the same. It's through individuals like yourself that the area will be able to eventually make a full recovery and rebuild what was lost.

Most important thing is more than likely your differential fluid, if you don't have an aftermarket breather installed this is something you definitely need changed. As far as items in the engine bay, I'd check your wiring to ensure nothing in your electrical system was harmed either. Again, all depends on any kind of aftermarket additions you've made.

I'm not a Toyota Tech but these are really the main things I can think of that immediately come to mind. I'm sure others will chime in here to shed more light, but hope this helps.
 
Youre actually using it for what it is for, I dont think you need to change anything. The runner is built for this situation.. Unless you drive a jeep then maybe you need to have liquids replace.
 
just give everything a good wash and spray off the underside real well

it's probably fine but you can change the rear diff fluid if you want, if you do go ahead and install a rear diff breather while you're down there
 
First off thanks to you for helping those who are in some serious need of help. I would probably have the diff done just to be safe. Wont hurt either way.
 
Props to you and everyone who went down to help out in texas. Definitely check front and rear diff fluids, oil and possibly trans and transfer case.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
 
it's people like you that make the world go round!! This is inspiring...it's people and community and state like you that's what is drawing my wife down to Austin this October to make a move out of CT!!! If i was closer id be there behind you my friend!! AMEN! My thoughts are with you and your TRD LIFESAVER PRO!! :usa2:
 
jstack2 said:
it's people like you that make the world go round!! This is inspiring...it's people and community and state like you that's what is drawing my wife down to Austin this October to make a move out of CT!!! If i was closer id be there behind you my friend!! AMEN! My thoughts are with you and your TRD LIFESAVER PRO!! :usa2:
Click to expand...

I grew up in New Britain, CT. You'd love it here.
 
I don't know if the diff breather mod is the same as you would want in a 4th Gen, but if it is, I would probably do that mod and change the diff fluids if you were fully submerged.

I dont know how easy it is to get water in a diff housing, but new gear oil would be an inexpensive item to change for preventative maintenance if it was a concern.

I don't do much deep water stuff but I guess the goal is trying to not get water into your intake. If you didn't do that, ur probably good to go. Other than that, I don't see much of anything you really need to do.
 
I agree, it's people like you that gives us relief that humanity is still intact!!! Thank you for your efforts and hope the best for the 4Runner. Looks like through everyones advice, you will be good to go.
 
Rear diff is the main area of concern. For the front diff/trans to get water you pretty much need to have water up into the intake also.

You should be fine, but there could be some long term effects (alternator, steering rack..) but nothing you can really do preventive. I would just change the rear diff fluid and drive it. Relocated breather in the rear if you think you might be in water again.

I'm in Austin and can help if you have issues. Just send me a PM.
 
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Go to a carwash and clean clean clean that undercarriage.

If you are worried about contamination, change the rear diff fluid. I might pull the front hubs to see, but I doubt you will have a problem given the new seals.

I would not sweat the trans or xfer case, they are sealed with high-mounted breathers.

Ultimately, you must ask what peace of mind is worth to you. For $250 or so, you can check the usual suspects.

I probably would.
 
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I was pretty deep in that muck too. At one point I stuck my hand out the door and felt water. I'll be changing the diff fluid out at each and and will just keep an eye on it. Some of that water was nasty.
 
I would change the oil in the front and rear diffs and trans and transfer case just to be on the safe side. Or at least the diffs and see if any water did get in then go from there.
 
Awesome of you to help those that are in need - I would do the same thing if I were there...hopefully Irma doesn't hit us. If so, I'll be out there with my truck too.
 
Additionally, I'd also recommend re-greasing your driveshafts (all 6 points). I went through some not-too-deep water once (only like 1/8 mile or less), and next time I greased my front driveshaft, the old grease I pushed out of the spider joint was watery and runny.

I checked my rear diff fluid, and it was good (not a milkshake), but not likely as deep or as long as what you were driving through to help people in my area :) (we were OK in my subdivision in Houston in Evacuation Zone B, but had like 5' of water in the street - I wasn't going anywhere!)...

You rock! :hatsoff:
 
Thank you everyone for the encouraging words and suggestions. I just went and had my 5,000 mile check up. Asked them to change the rear diff fluid. It was "black" they said so they recommended changing everything else. They also changed the drain or refill plugs? I would need to look at the paperwork but it came out to over $300. It's a bummer but it pales in comparison to what others are having to shell out right now.
 
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