Found a 1/2" O.D. black hose, approx. 2' long, hanging from a small metal pipe atop the front axle housing - I assume this is a vent tube but am not 100% sure. The hose is capped with a clear plastic device that has a head on it that moves around like a bobble doll. How's that for a description!

Can anyone tell me what this hose is and where it should be attached to keep it from dragging the ground. Chilton's is no help on this one.

Many Thanks!

sounds like the vent hose. i've heard of the rubber clip that it secures into will dry out and sometimes break apart for no reason, leaving the hose dangling below. i think you could just zip tie it or something. someone posted about this a few weeks ago as well with pictures so you may want see if you can find those. good luck..

Mine broke off from flexing and left a half inch of hose there on the differential nipple. As long as you didn't go through any deep water, you can just clean the end off and reattach it. Fluid is still probably ok.

Thanks for the info, looks like I was pointed in the right direction after all. I assume that the higher up in the engine compartment I secure the hose the better...

One slight problem - I haven't been through any water lately but I was out wheeling yesterday in about 10" of snow. We are getting dumped on right now - expecting 2' by tomorrow afternoon. Would it be a good idea to have the fluid changed afterdragging the hose end through the snow yesterday?

Sorry about these questions - my usual source of shade tree wisdom is out of town for the next few days.
Thanks guys!

You may want to rethink running it into the engine compartment. The 96's have a defect that makes them spit fluid out of the vent tube when in reverse.

RebelYell,
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MBrooks - good point, I'll put it where it can't make too much of a mess.

All - sorry about the long signature - forgot to uncheck the show sig. box. :redexp: