so my buddies got a spot that we want to take our trucks across a creek. how for under can you put a dodge before you start messing things up (tranny, transfer case, etc.) and when i do cross it do i need to change diff, transfer case, tranny fluid, and motor oil? or can i get away with not changing the oils/fluids. does it depend on how clean the water is or should i play it safe and change everything anyways? is there any links for info on this that you guys no off the top of your head?

 

Not very far at all. Best advice, don't do it.

 

How deep is the water?

I took my blazer thru a 'creek' that I thought was only a foot or two deep.... (at least, it was as far as I could reach....) come to find out.... it was MUCH deeper. Had water washing over the top of the hood as I went thru. I was already committed, so, I just motored slowly on thru....

Checked fluids after getting thru it, no water in either differential, nor in the engine. Still ran great......

Basically, it depends on how good your axle seals and such are. Sure way to test 'em? Drive thru some deep water........

One member here drove thru water that was coming up to his floorboards, (maybe deeper...) and got water into the trans via the vent on top, so, that is definitely something to keep in mind...... There are steps you can take to make your truck more capable in water, some of the offroad magazines/sites have some good articles on it.

 

We had a really hard rain here in Michigan, It flooded a few roads i travel and since I drove through them my trans has been in limp mode. Still trying to figure out what is the problem.

 

Do not go above your bumper (air intake is fender height). Take it slow enough not to splash but fast enough to get a bow wave and have momentum. If anything with fluid gets under water, play it safe and change it. Be really careful if the water is moving!!!(in fact dont cross moving water...) If your truck is your daily driver and the water is more than a foot or so deep i would highly advise not doing it because water can really mes up a truck.

 

I've had my truck up to the head lights in water and no harm done.

 

Yea but much more than bumper/headlights and you can suck water in. To stay safeish follow my post and other peoples ideas.

 

Yea, I agree, I totally would not do that with a stock truck. When I had my trans rebuilt I had the guy plug the vent hole and some other stuff.

 

Trans needs to be able to breath. Put a piece of tubing on it, and run it up somewhere near the cowl. Grab one of the little valve dealywhoppers they put on the axle vent lines.... Should be good to go.

 

I cant wait for the "I hydrolocked my engine" thread.