High water crossings can be tough and dangerous at times. Here are some suggestions to make crossing water a little easier on you and your vehicle. Never cross water that is moving swiftly.
Difficulty: Hard
Time Required: Depends on the water
Here's How:
- Determine how deep the water is and how smooth the bed of the crossing will be.
- Lock in your hubs if they are manual hubs.
- Put vehicle into 4-wheel drive. Put it into low range if you have low range on the transfer case.
- If the water is going to be higher then the hubs; remove the fan belt or unhook the wires on an electric fan.
- Make sure the air intake for your air cleaner isn't going to enter the water. Move it if you have to.
- Cross water slowly!
- After you are done with the water crossing replace all wires and/or belts.
- If you relocated your air cleaner intake system put it back.
- When you return home; check/drain all your axles, transfer case, and transmission and put new oil in.
Tips:
- Water is much stronger then one would think. It could force the fan through the radiator. This is the reason for step four.
- The air intake for the air cleaner can suck water right into the motor if it is low and isn't moved. This is the reason for step five.
- Water and oil do not mix. If water gets into your axles or transmission, transfer case, motor or bearings; damage will be quick. This is the reason for step nine.
