Waterproofing

[dreamr]

After watching the explorer swimming thread I was inspired to do a little searching.
Now mind you, I hope to never do such a thing to my X, but if I did have to ford a deep stream or such what should I do to prepare my X for such a situation. Generally what are all the modifications, Or parts i would need to buy in order to prevent water damage.
I am sure that many would find a write up on this very useful.

Wheel Bearings, can I protect them?

Can I prevent the need to replace all my fluids?

What breathers are there, and how do i extend them?

Air snorkel?

Electronics?

I am sure I missed many, but can y'all pitch in a bit o,wisdom.

 

[Nate1]

Breathers: Tranny, Front/Rear Axles, Transfercase

99s have sealed wheel bearing I believe.

Don't worry about electronics unless you are going to custom install your own snorkle. You might want to check all your weatherstriping on your doors/windows too.

 

[dreamr]

thanks nweibley. Stupid question, but how would you go about extending those breathers?

 

[Nate1]

Buy some tubing from autozone and use hose clamps and fittings from home depot. I think the 8.8" breather is 5/16" or something weird like that.

Someone else can chime in with a better explanation that I can, I'm sure.

 

[Doug]

On your transmission, axles and transfer case you'll see a rubber hose coming off of each of them, get your self some vaccuum tubing or fuel line, Pull off the old line and stick the new longer one on. I extended the front diff and t-case up into the engine compartment and the rear diff into the fuel door area. You dont have to worry much about the electronics, the computer is up high in the firewall and sealed pretty good. A snorkle is a good idea and is cheap insurance against hydrolocking your motor. I know of some people getting better weather stripping for the doors to keep water from coming in but i haven't seen anything for explorers. I pulled out my carpet and herculined the floor so if i get stuck in deep mud or water i dont have to worry about cleaning out the carpet afterwards. The wheel bearings are sealed on 95+ explorers and you don't have to worry about them.

 

[jimbo74]

Originally posted by Doug
the computer is up high in the firewall and sealed pretty good.

if you plan on it, seriously get a snorkel... i hydrolocked mine wheeling because i didnt have one, it led to me throwing a connecting rod through the side of the block doing 80 mph on the freeway--scary stuff!.... now no matter what, any vehicle of mine that will see non pavement like surfaces will have a snorkel.......

is the computer on the firewall? on my truck, it is located in the passenger floor right behind the kick panel.... if water got into the doors, it would be easily able to nail the computer.... rick did a mod where he moved it up a foot or so, but i think he lost use of his glove compartment, although he doesnt use his anyways......

 

[Doug]

all 95+ explorer's have the ECM in the firewall. first gen's have the ECM in the passenger side kick panel.

 

[jimbo74]

where exactly is it at? i want to go try and find it on my moms 96, as it is kinda my dd right now while the yota and x are down....

 

[dreamr]

Sorry for the continued questions, but , I am a total newbie when it comes to creating a off road vehicle

(it took long enough to realize the VW golf wasn't one)

Thank you for the breather info, and I will definately get on that project. Now how about the snorkel. Does anyone offer an aftermarket part? If not, what would be a cheap and effective means of creating one. Efective is probably more important than cheap Thanks

 

[Doug]

No one makes a snorkel for our trucks but one can be made, do a search for snorkel and you'll find out all you need to know.

 

[jimbo74]

i dont think there are aftermarket ones available.... depends on what mods you would do to your car.... someone on here made one, but it looked very professional, the problem was it involved drilling a 5" hole through their fender.... zenzius owner of a first gen, made a removeable one, you could search for that... his was ugly looking, and temporary, but it would work if needed... and you would only use it when needed.....

 

[dreamr]

I really like these smilies

 

[Con Seann3ry]

allright, so the wheel bearings are sealed on 95+, but what about us first gens? (pardon my newbiness) but can we take wheel bearings from newer explorers? Or where do we buy sealed wheel bearings? Wait...are you sure the tranny has little hoses? I remember reading about it having some random holes that no one could figure out, there is a post somewhere on here about that, I remember SVO was looking into it.

 

[jimbo74]

cant steel bearings off a 95+ i used marine bearing grease when i did mine... get proficient at repacking yours....... and we have breather lines......

 

[unclemeat]

It also helps to get an electric cooling fan. You can turn it off during deep crossings. A additional exaust extension is also a good idea. If it stalls you can restart it, and water will not go up the exaust pipe.

 

[dreamr]

Evryone, thank you for your assistance, so just a quick recap to get my mind focused. (just woke up)

4 breathers to extend w/fuel line or such to hood compartmment
transfer case
rear end breather
front end breather
transmission

snorkel would be good, but I have to cut my fender
:question, how deep can i go with the stock
airbox in place( well theres a couple 2"
holes in it)

electric fan (that is a good idea) clutch fan would create all kids a water current under the hood
double or single application? I have heard of off- road overheating (me 70% city, 20%
primary and secondary forest roads,
10% truly off road or "strenous" roads)

Exhaust extension (invisions a semi)

 

[dreamr]

how does a snorkel hold up to heavy rain? would water not then enter? I live in Western Washington it always rains on me

 

[XplorerKid]

NOT MEANING THIS MEAN JUST ASKING A QUESTIO:

have you ever seen a snorkel ?

the top is slanted a little bit to try and keep what out... plus most of them incorporate a special trapping system that will trap and drain water.


if this is not clear ill ty and find a Picture

also you only have ONE transfer case....it behind the transmission.

You will want to extend the t-case, transmission,and Front end breather..... Also in the Back vent the Rear end.

PEACE

 

[dreamr]

See told you I was a total newbie to this

Actually I have never really checked out a snorkel on a vehicle, obviously I,ve seen them at various times, but did not know about the water trapping mechanism. I still need to search about details , just getting the picture straight

Thank you for the correction the list will be revised

 

[dreamr]

By the way Explorerkid nice truck