Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ radiator

Crossing streams

Matt H

Matt H

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Joined
Sep 1, 2025
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48
Location
Usually Belize…
Good morning, I’m planning a ride to a remote jungle area and will need to cross several streams. Nothing too deep but I want to check all my vents / hoses first after finding the hose from my front differential hanging down. I’ve found several threads on specific vents but want to ask the general question of how many locations are supposed to have vent hoses? I am aware of the front and rear differentials but what about the axels - are there additional vents for these or does this refer back to the differentials? I have a 2002 4.0 auto so it is a 32RH tranny which I understand does not have a hose, just a vent. Is this on the top of the bell housing? How high up is it? And the transfer case has a vent hose? Are there any other locations to check? I’m currently at work on a ship while the Jeep is at home in Belize so I can’t go outside and look at the moment but I’m planning ahead for a trip shortly after I get home so want to understand exactly what / where to check as soon as I am back. And since they are cheap enough I may order some new vents proactively. I know the front diff vent for the top of the hose is missing, so there may be as well. Anyway, thanks in advance for any guidance…!
 
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Harold Ramis Dont Cross The Streams GIF by Ghostbusters


Just kidding 🤣 🤣

As long as the vents are still in the stock location you should be fine.
 
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Once you start submerging things like the diffs and transmissions you're going to find out really quickly just how fast water ruins things, including your TJ. Don't take my word for it though, try it out and report back in a year or two, you'll see ;)
 
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Chris, thanks for the helpful and constructive reply. I am trying to learn, and to establish for myself where the limits are, to avoid damaging my jeep. Not to just do it and “report back in a year or two”…

I live in a jungle environment, not a desert. Are you saying that crossing any streams is a bad idea, even if 12”-15”?

I thought it was a straight forward question of what and where vents / vent hoses are, so I can check them to try to protect my jeep. Sorry if my newbie question rubbed you the wrong way.
 
Matt H said:
Thanks! That’s what I am trying to learn - what are the stock locations, as mine may not be…


Thanks! That’s what I am trying to learn - what are the stock locations to check as mine may not be there…
Click to expand...

As high up as you can get them. Front diff is normally at the top of the radiator. Rear diff is up in the rear 1/4 panel by the gas fill neck.

Transmission I would route it up on the firewall.

12" to 15" you should be fine. No matter what, I would be prepared to change the diff fluids and Transmission fluid when you get done.
 
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John Cooper said:
As high up as you can get them. Front diff is normally at the top of the radiator. Rear diff is up in the rear 1/4 panel by the gas fill neck.

Transmission I would route it up on the firewall.

12" to 15" you should be fine. No matter what, I would be prepared to change the diff fluids and Transmission fluid when you get done.
Click to expand...

Okay, thanks. Are there any others or just the front & rear differential's, transfer case and transmission? Does the 32RH transmission have a hose? I thought just a vent? Anyway, I appreciate the reply.
 
Stock:
Front diff vent hose runs up along radiator on drivers side.
rear diff vent hose runs up along fuel fill hose
231 Transfer case hose runs up firewall on passenger side
241 Transfer case (Rubicon) does not have a hose, it has a cap on the vent.
Manual transmissions all have a cap on the vent
Auto - not 100% sure, but I think it is just a cap on the vent.

12-15" water is nothing, just make sure your diff vent hoses are still connected and run to stock locations.

For deep water I have done the following on mine:
Front and rear Diff both vent at the top of the radiator.
(I run rear diff to the front since when you are coming up and out of stream, it if is steep climb the entire rear could get submerged)
Transmission and Transfer Case both vent above battery. You will have to replace the cap with a hose if yours is has vent cap.

Water and Mud sucks but it is reality in most places. Just keep up with the maintenance and go out have fun and don't worry about.
 
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Yeah I relocated my front vents to just next to my brake booster and the rear is above the gas cap.

My only constructive suggestion is playing Jimmy Cliff's Many Rivers to Cross...


And if you want the down and dirty on parking in a creek... @John Cooper is the one with the award winning story...

-Mac
 
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Check / re-grease the U-joints and centering-ball in your driveshafts after stream crossings.

Some U-joints and centering balls are re-greaseable, and need it. Some are not, and seal pretty well, but if water gets in, they can rust the needle bearings too.
 
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OldBuzzard said:
Check / re-grease the U-joints and centering-ball in your driveshafts after stream crossings.

Some U-joints and centering balls are re-greaseable, and need it. Some are not, and seal pretty well, but if water gets in, they can rust the needle bearings too.
Click to expand...

Also what OldBuzz says is 100% true. Grease every grease fitting you have, if you have non greaseable fittings I would look at swapping them out.

Always remember what a good friend told me once.

IMG_20250403_070111.jpg
 
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gasiorv said:
Stock:
Front diff vent hose runs up along radiator on drivers side.
rear diff vent hose runs up along fuel fill hose
231 Transfer case hose runs up firewall on passenger side
241 Transfer case (Rubicon) does not have a hose, it has a cap on the vent.
Manual transmissions all have a cap on the vent
Auto - not 100% sure, but I think it is just a cap on the vent.

12-15" water is nothing, just make sure your diff vent hoses are still connected and run to stock locations.

For deep water I have done the following on mine:
Front and rear Diff both vent at the top of the radiator.
(I run rear diff to the front since when you are coming up and out of stream, it if is steep climb the entire rear could get submerged)
Transmission and Transfer Case both vent above battery. You will have to replace the cap with a hose if yours is has vent cap.

Water and Mud sucks but it is reality in most places. Just keep up with the maintenance and go out have fun and don't worry about.
Click to expand...

Thanks!
 
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macleanflood said:
Yeah I relocated my front vents to just next to my brake booster and the rear is above the gas cap.

My only constructive suggestion is playing Jimmy Cliff's Many Rivers to Cross...


And if you want the down and dirty on parking in a creek... @John Cooper is the one with the award winning story...

-Mac
Click to expand...

Thanks Mac, I’ve got Jimmy Cliff keyed up! 😁
 
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The 32rh stock vent location is in the bell housing. Relocating it is a chore. I would do some research on the topic. I have read that forward momentum keeps the water out, but that is just what I read. If you get stuck in water as high as the vent, it can be costly.
 
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John Cooper said:
If and you probably will be in mud, I suggest getting one of these. Cleaning the underside is a must....... don't ask how i know.

View attachment 670065
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Thanks, I will look into that. My last mud experience had me on my back under the jeep with a hose and wearing a dive mask. This looks better…
Pretty much anywhere I go, there will be mud!
 
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Rickstar321 said:
I recommend always being the second Jeep in line for the crossing... You never know when a bad storm has made a washout you can't see... even if you've crossed it before.

Don't be a Rick...
... I know I learned the hard way...

Click to expand...

Nooo! Yeah, I plan to be second. And/or walk it first… Man, that looks like a bad day!!!
 
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Rickstar321 said:
I recommend always being the second Jeep in line for the crossing... You never know when a bad storm has made a washout you can't see... even if you've crossed it before.

Don't be a Rick...
... I know I learned the hard way...

Click to expand...

Dang it man....... feel your pain!!!! I just wasn't that deep, mine was just hitting the underside of rhe floorboards.
 
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