2006 TJ X with a 4.0 and auto trans...question is, what is the most concerning issue with these vehicles as far as running through water on the trail. Not crazy water, but deep enough to worry about having the pull the floor plugs out later in the day after getting wet. Not talking salt water just wondering what I should really pay attention to when I encounter these types of situation. I don't have or want a snorkel and don't plan on major river crossings (yet) but figure some of you guys have a good idea of what I should watch for such as vent tubes etc....thanks
Waterproofing question
- Thread starter gunnerside
- Start date
LoneWrangler
New Member
I also have an 06 TJ X with automatic transmission. A friend suggested that I get a snorkel but I pointed out the battery and fuses are right next to the stock air intake so a snorkel wouldn't allow me any additional depth. I also found a hose coming off the rear differential that was disconnected when I first bought it. So if I had gone more than axle deep I would have been in trouble. I'm not sure if there are other vent tubes to check on gas tanks, transmission or anywhere that need to be checked before going through water but I imagine there could be. I also had a friend whose dipstick tube came loose from where it connected to his oil pan and the oil pan filled with water.
I've had mine up to the wipers. Makes sure your vents for the trans, front and rear diffs are good. Hydrolock is your biggest risk and that can happen with pretty low water levels. Respect the very low numbers the factory suggests or roll the dice and don't complain when things go south. Wiring is a non issue.
Also the transfer case vent.
But often neglected is the fact that the water can get past the axle seals, especially if the water is cold since it could make stuff contract just enough to let water by. So if you spend any time in water, it's a good idea to check the diff fluid afterward. I'm reading your mind: yes, even those janky outer axle seals that look like they might really be useful only they aren't even good at the thing they're designed for.
Biggest concerns would be the auto trans and the air intake but that really only becomes an issue when you reach headlight height water for the most part. Learning to drive smoothly and let the bow wave be your friend helps. Most of the TJs electrical is good and can be made even better with connector grease and products like Penray Connector Seal. If your TJ has a distributor you can put a boot around the cap (us four popper guys can use a nitrile glove) and a vent hose. Maintenance is absolutely a must as even with the best waterproofing strategy nothing is perfect.
Sounds great everyone thanks for the pointers and I will be sure to check everything soon enough.
I'll just add for somebody reading this a year from now that your transmission (42RLE) has a breather tube on top, but the 32RH (which came in TJ's from 97-2002?) has a vent hole behind the torque converter. If you're planning to get into water deep enough to get to the bell housing area, you're in trouble with a 32RH unless you've already dealt with moving the breather.
LONGJP2
TJ Expert
Great thoughts on the difference thanks. I'm pretty sure I'm good as I ran thru water and mud over the years with no issues but now I want to really pay attention as I have some serious trips planned in the future. SMS.....Stupid Man Syndrome! We all have it fellas!
Just a mistake. I've been lucky but have friends that really haven't. Things go bad at ridiculously low water levels. My biggest problem has always been crushing the idler pulley bearing. The cold water shrinks the metal pulley and crushes the bearing. I've replaced half a dozen of those but consider that lucky.
LONGJP2
TJ Expert
