Deep Mud/Differential Fluid

[Thai]

I'm confused??? No need for me to look. I just did. Like I said, "I just confirmed..."
I saw it by popping the hood. The V6 has 2 front vent extensions. One from the front diff, the other from the trans case.

Yeah, but then i read this:

And of course on the 2008 the front diff and front diff actuator breathers are located in the engine bay and easy to find.

Front diff...and...front diff actuator?? That seems like there are TWO tubes for just the front diff.

If you read the thread above, then you can see this post regarding transfer case breather:

It is relatively easy to find. Either reach from up top between the engine and the firewall or lay underneath and reach up above the transfer case and transmission feeling for a braided nylon hose. It is not bracketed on or anything, just kind of laying up there loose (at least mine was). It has the same kind of metal breather as the rear diff and e-locker.

This is why i am all confused now...and since i don't have a 4runner nor FJ handy, i can't make judgement.

 

[Thai]

Another useful link: http://www.fjcruiserforums.com/foru...-rear-differential-e-locker-breather-mod.html

"Transmission & Transfer Case Breathers:

If you open the hood and along the passenger side towards the rear of the the top of the engine, you need to reach down inside and feel. You will find (2) breathers right on top, a plastic one (this is the Automatic Transmission Breather) and a small silver cap one like the E-Locker breather. Both of these need to be removed and placed higher inside the engine bay."

 

[USMC_4runner]

IDK if moving the front breathers up higher would do too much to enhance your capabilities w/o a snorkel. My problem was i hit a few of those ponds a little too fast which made the mud splash everywhere under my hood (there wasn't a square inch w/o mud and dirt on it) and to make matters worse, i got a TON of mud in my timing belt killing both that and the tensioner pulley. can't wait til i get out of florida and into some country w/hills and off road trails that don't involve tons of mudding.

 

[Kmvreter]

OK, now I'm not confused. I ass-u-me-d the 2 vents were from the 2 cases. I didn't follow the hoses all the way down to their source. I can't get at the FSM or under the hood now but I'll check it out later.

 

[Kmvreter]

... I can't get at the FSM or under the hood now but I'll check it out later.

Checked out the FSM.
Confirmed that the 2 vents up by the fuse box are both from the front diff and actuator.
The tranny has a short breather at the top rear of the bell housing. The transfer case also has a breather but I'm not sure how short it is. (Both files for these are too big to attach.)

 

[martini]

So i just got back from the dealership, there was water in the transfer case, and both differentials, and the rear was the worst. $200 out the door. I'll be moving those vents around a little and avioding the deeper water/mud.

Did the dealer just change the fluids (oil) in the differentials and transfer case or did they actually open them up to inspect them? I did the extended diff breather mod a few weeks ago (while it was freezing out) so I'd take as much time as I should have. I didn't clean around the old breather before taking it out or putting the union in (I tried to be careful to not get any dirt in, but can't be sure I didn't) also in trying to get the tube up to the gas cap I may have accidentally gotten some sand in the end of it from touching the under body leading up to the gas cap. Should I be looking to change my rear diff oil soon or should I be ok with only a tiny amount of sand possibly in there? Any idea how much the dealer would charge to do just the rear and if they'd open it up or not to check for damage (just want to make sure over time I'm not killing the gears/threads)? I'm almost thinking of temporarily disconnecting the breather hose on both ends (remove the breather and the union) and blow some air through it with a compressor to make sure it's clean. What do you think about that idea, good, bad, neutral?

 

[CJ3Flyr]

Did the dealer just change the fluids (oil) in the differentials and transfer case or did they actually open them up to inspect them? I did the extended diff breather mod a few weeks ago (while it was freezing out) so I'd take as much time as I should have. I didn't clean around the old breather before taking it out or putting the union in (I tried to be careful to not get any dirt in, but can't be sure I didn't) also in trying to get the tube up to the gas cap I may have accidentally gotten some sand in the end of it from touching the under body leading up to the gas cap. Should I be looking to change my rear diff oil soon or should I be ok with only a tiny amount of sand possibly in there? Any idea how much the dealer would charge to do just the rear and if they'd open it up or not to check for damage (just want to make sure over time I'm not killing the gears/threads)? I'm almost thinking of temporarily disconnecting the breather hose on both ends (remove the breather and the union) and blow some air through it with a compressor to make sure it's clean. What do you think about that idea, good, bad, neutral?

How much sand? I think you're right but perhaps "over thinking it".

Unlike other diff designs you can't pull a cover. This one requires more complex dis-assembly.

1) Do blow the line out with air, maybe even a touch of brake clean.

2) Wipe the area around the nipple on the axle. Remove the nipple, wipe it, put a dab of silicone on the threads.

3) Re-assemble and change the diff fluid. After that don't look back. You're fine... Any shop can change that diff fluid easily. It doesn't have to be the stealer. It's two plugs and tough to screw up.

That's my two cents...
:cheers:

 

[martini]

Thanks Chris. I am over thinking it I'm sure. The amount of sand if any, would be just a couple of grains, just wondering over time how that would affect things if it's in there. I did use teflon tape on the threads of the union when I did it to keep dirt out. Changing the oil should get what little dirt may have gotten in out right? And it's best to get anything even if minor out of there as soon as I can too? I'll definitely clean out the tube first.

 

[CJ3Flyr]

Thanks Chris. I am over thinking it I'm sure. The amount of sand if any, would be just a couple of grains, just wondering over time how that would affect things if it's in there. Probably never an issue. There's a one-in-a-million chance that a grain of sand could get to a bearing and that wouldn't be good. I did use teflon tape on the threads of the union when I did it to keep dirt out. Good :bigok: Changing the oil should get what little dirt may have gotten in out right? Yep. And it's best to get anything even if minor out of there as soon as I can too? Don't waste a 'sick-day' but sooner is probably better. I'll definitely clean out the tube first.

You're on the right track. Did you notice I dialed in on the over-thinking instantly? I've been known to have that problem once or twice:lmao:

 

[michael90630]

So i just got back from the dealership, there was water in the transfer case, and both differentials, and the rear was the worst. $200 out the door. I'll be moving those vents around a little and avioding the deeper water/mud.

How did water get into the transfer-case? I can understand that without breathers, front and rear differentials can take in water in prolonged fording. I thought the T-case is sealed and probably water/mud-proof and therefore does not need a breather. If it does, does anyone know how to fix it or prevent water damage other than not attempting deep fording?

Thanks

 

[CJ3Flyr]

How did water get into the transfer-case? I can understand that without breathers, front and rear differentials can take in water in prolonged fording. I thought the T-case is sealed and probably water/mud-proof and therefore does not need a breather. If it does, does anyone know how to fix it or prevent water damage other than not attempting deep fording?

Thanks

From this thread: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/350703-post22.html

The t-case is vented.