I was out trying to muzzle load hunt yesterday. In s fl we are very wet right now. Anyways, I have a 4 in lift with 35 inch tires. The top of my axles are at 18 in, the bottle of the doors at 28 in. I spent a lot of time going in and out of 20 to 24 inches of water, once maybe to 28 inches in a hole. I have not extended the breather tubes on my axles.
Based on others experience, do I have to change the diff fluid, or not, due to water intrusion in the breather tubes?
Thanks
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If your seals are in good condition you're fine

 

Excellent. That's the easiest solution. Any other thoughts out there?

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For peace of mind through any amount of water, install a small band clamp on each breather hose at the diff for added water security

 

Did you out axle seals in the front? If you did then you are fine up front... The back is different... They are open and if you went in water above the hub then I would change! Even if you have a doubt i would change it! Better safe then sorry and I played in Florida mud for a few years in my jk and take it from me... It isn't fun to find chocolate milk in your differential!

 

There is only one way to know for sure.
Open the fill hole and look at the oil. Maybe even open the drain plug and drain a liitle out.
If it's still pure oil, no need to change.
If it looks milky, clean it all out, fill with clean oil.

 

Thank you

You always have the best info and tips!

Matthew

 

That sounds like the thing to do. I'll be doing that this weekend.

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While down there, ensure your breather tubes are still connected. If you didn't do something to extend or reroute, they may pull off the nipple (hate when that happens).

 

Wouldn't the water be on top? If the two separate water and oil? Unless you drove it. Got it hot then checked the fluid. So you Wouldent be able to tell just by draining it out. Water would be on top because there is less?