How deep can I safely go when fording streams, creeks, etc with the stock 4x4 height on an 03 Dakota Quad Cab? I've got BFG 265/70R16's on the rims.

Is there any axle venting?

 

yessir there is!

 

I don't suppose you could elaborate on that for me could you Travis?

I mean, I don't see any tubing or anything like that coming off the axle. What should I be looking for?

Also, any input on fording depth, etc? Obviously I don't want to take the truck swimming, but as a 4x4 newbie, I need a little info from fellow Dakota brethren.

Thanks!

JL

 

If this is your daily driver I would not advise in going too crazy. All it takes is a bad gasket in your trans, diff, transfer case, u-joints (see where I'm going with this) and your gonna have problems. And BTW, take a good camera with you, cause when you get stuck, andyou will just like the rest of ushave,I want to see some good pictures!!

 

Aye, it is my daily driver. I'm not planning on going crazy, but spring is here, I live in Colorado and plan on doing some exploring this year with my new toy which means I'll most likely be crossing a creek or two.

Is it safe to go with the rule of thumb to try not to go any deeper than about the center of each wheel?

Also, back to the axle vents. I looked again last night, but I have no idea what I'm looking for. On my buddy's Jeep, he's actually got tubing with the top mounted high up on the underside of the body and some sort of little filter nubby thing.

I will be sure to take a camera though.

 

moe in wichita ks
my 99 dak flooded out when the splash sheild came off. i think it hit the ign coil on the front of the engine. i think the fan splashed the water on the coil, the water was less then one foot deep. i have heard of moving the coil, but i dont know where.

 

I've had mine upto the top of the tires in water. there is axle vents on them. the front diff vents up by the fire wall and the rear diff vents too, but I never followed the line to see where it ends. if you do go in deep water, make sure to check/change your fluids after. and dont open your doors when you go through deep water