Increasing the fording capabilites of the Deuce AND reducing the fording PMCS

[cranetruck]

TehTDK, send me a PM with your email address and I'll get you copies.

 

[quickfarms]

Before fording with a vehicle we service and grease it like normal.

After fording we wash everything down pull the brake drums and inspect. Check all fluids for contamination and grease everything. If we find anything then we go further. Most of time we do not find anything but some times we do and additional work us required.

For preparation we either install a fording kit to pressurize the axles and gear boxes or on civilian vehicles we just extend the breathers above the projected water level. On civilian vehicles we also modify the fresh air intake so it does not suck up water so easily.

 

[patracy]

Having read this thread and being an ATV owner... Can't the axle vent be replaced with a barb-fitting and tubing be ran up the back of the cab for all axles and thereby eliminating the water intrusion??? Just a thought.

Short answer, no. But it's because of the seals.

Steve6x6x6 I believe has the solution to rockwell 2.5t axles. He mentioned in the past he has a process to machine the housing to install a double lip seal. It also converted the wheel bearings to a wet bearing. Couple that with the fording kit, and you'd have a dunk proof axle.

 

[cranetruck]

Having read this thread and being an ATV owner... Can't the axle vent be replaced with a barb-fitting and tubing be ran up the back of the cab for all axles and thereby eliminating the water intrusion??? Just a thought.

The axle housing is sealed off with breather valves, which will keep water from entering if working perfectly.



The thread is standard 1/8 NPT and can easily be fitted with an extension as you suggest or with a pressurized air line. However, the biggest problem
with the axles (as with commercial vehicles) IMHO, is the seal that keeps water from entering the bearing housing and there is no way to know after submersion if it did or not except for actually removing the hub and do a visual.


As mentioned above some vehicles have pressurized brake/wheel bearing housings to make the unit waterproof...