Posted by Keith on Friday, September 17, 2004 at 12:18PM :
In Reply to: Deep Water Fording Questions posted by Paul(in NY) on Thursday, September 16, 2004 at 9:44PM :
deep water fording is bad for trucks, no matter what parts you've screwed onto them. Water is going to get into moving parts, so changing out fluids in the cases (2 diffs, trans, t-case, engine, winch) is still required after this type of play. Even the M37 with its extensive water proofing, has differentials with vents which will let in water.
Technique, rather than hi-zoot parts will get a truck through most water situations. Entering and driving very slowly is most important. Manifolds and other hot parts will cool if the truck is gradually driven into the water very slowly. If the engine is not spinning at a high RPM, the fan will not push excessive water or distort much.
I've seen J**ps with no special fording equipment actually begin floating and pivot into the flow of the river, where experienced drivers will then begin using the front end as a tiller to direct the vehicle to the shore.
Wanna to go really deep, especially with kids on board? I would consider bringing a life jacket before I would worry about a carb snorkel.