Water crossing questions!

[Globetrotter78]

Ok so I'm new to the offroading scene and I am building my '18 Runner to tackle most everything I'd be brave enough to throw at it (3.5" lift, Icon Exten travel susp, SSO sliders etc) but I have a few questions.

The trails near me have a few stream crossings that are remarkably fun to traverse. After rain, some of them are quite deep (for a small mountain stream, see pic) at about 18-24". In preparation for such adventures and obstacles I have already installed a rear diff breather and am considering a snorkel to tackle deeper waters without entering into dangerous territory.

My questions:

1. When you see guys practically hood deep in water with a snorkel are these guys also ankle deep in water inside or are the door seals THAT good?

2. How are vehicles, that are mostly electronic, capable of being practically submerged??? Is there some prep (dielectric grease?) that they have done to each sensor/connection in the engine bay?

3. Is there anything problematic with a submerged exhaust (aside from blowing bubbles like a toddler lol)?

4. Any other considerations?

Thanks gang!!!

 

[Whippersnapper02]

I'd only go as high as the hubs.

 

[Heavy_GD]

Chocolate is my favorite flavor gear oil.

 

[mteolus]

My mechanic if I remember correctly said you can run it up to 36" deep. I ran mine through 27" and was fine except for it messed up my starter. No water leaked into the doors. Some others have had the same problem including quite a few of those with FJs but I don't think the odds are it will mess up your starter. Some once it dries out will start working properly again. I think mine because it didn't dry out immediately might have caused the problem. It's working for now though after my mechanic did something to the grounds, probably just tried to clean them out, not sure exactly what he did. Took a repeat visit to fix it though. Almost had to replace it.

Regarding the diff breather, I don't have one and no problems. I think your axle has to be very hot and then dunked into really cold water for there to be any chance of water getting in there.

Nonetheless, water is bad for everything. It can creep into place and corrode things slowly. Not worth it to go into water too often IMHO.

 

[Globetrotter78]

I'd only go as high as the hubs.

I've already exceeding that with ease and no apparent hesitance on the part of the vehicle. Ive had the truck up to the rails but these look a goooood bit deeper.

 

[Globetrotter78]

Well I did more searching and found a link from years back on T4R that may answer some questions too. Didn't think to search "fording" but here we go.

Waterproofing and Fording, Pt. 1

 

[pDubs]

YouTube

 

[kenwilliams0803]

The door seals will be ok if you aren't sitting there for hours.

We used to use "keep it under the bottom of the headlights" as a gauge when doing Jeep wheeling. Always worked from my experience.

The T4R starter is prone to water issues though. So that's a worry.

I honestly just avoid water and mud these days if I can. If you can't, then the key is go slow and tread lightly, both on your rig and on the environment if possible. A snorkel will help with engine water ingestion but that's only part of the preparation you should really do if you intend to do headlight-deep water crossings all the time. You are correct to be concerned about electronics. I bet you could find some cool youtube videos about guys bagging up their ECU's, sealing wire connections, etc. That's full water prep but I'll never go there. I raised the breathers in my JK but that's as far as I should ever need to go with prep for water. I've got about 42" until I get to the headlights on that thing. 37" on the T4R.

 

[Mutant138]

Yes you need diff/elocker breathers (anything higher than the hubs). Don't let anyone in the comments give you the wrong idea.

You can comfortably go up to the headlights with a snorkel (i've seen it done without but that's gambling). Mud and water are bad generally speaking. If you can avoid it I really would.

What "not needing a breather" looks like.

1. When you see guys practically hood deep in water with a snorkel are these guys also ankle deep in water inside or are the door seals THAT good?

Pretty good as long as your not chilling.

2. How are vehicles, that are mostly electronic, capable of being practically submerged??? Is there some prep (dielectric grease?) that they have done to each sensor/connection in the engine bay?

Pretty good. Hear about starter issues. Seems to be fine if you dry it out. Never had an issue myself.

3. Is there anything problematic with a submerged exhaust (aside from blowing bubbles like a toddler lol)?

Na, as long as you're not chilling there.

4. Any other considerations?

Avoid if at all possible. It only takes one little imperfect seal to cause a headache. It's fun but, if there is another route take it.

 

[Globetrotter78]

Thanks guys! I really have no expectation of going "full aussie" like those safari rigs and such in the pics but its just part of me learning what a vehicle like this can really do when it all comes down to it. I think I'll consider the snorkel and greasing some connections (breathers I already did) but Ill leave it at that and let someone else in a bigger rig depth check before I try anything. I am really loving this thing though!!

I'm off to try and gain some experience and hone skills in the Uwharrie Natl Park in NC this weekend so wish me luck! :eyebrows: