Complete Waterproofing for Fording

[95GSTRaCeR]

What would be EVERYTHING i would need to do to waterproof my jeep for deep water fording. Engine, electronics (including cd player and what not), and everything. I dont know if this is completely possible to do everything but i want to be able to be in at least 4 feet or more.

[John-the-Limey]

1) Relocate the air intake to above the roof. Protect it from the rain.
2) Protect the computer. I put mine in a large Tupperware container with the opening downwards. No need to seal it.
3) Disconnect every single connector in the vehicle including plug wires. Liberally apply silicone di-electric. DO NOT use silicone RTV.
4) All of your vents need to be above the water line. That goes for Transmission, transfer case, axles and motor. If you don't do this, you will get water in your various oils. I ran all of my vents to a breather box and pressurize all of the components to 5psi when I ford. If there are any leaks, the air leaks out, not the water in.
5) Check every single electrical connection. If someone has used electrical tape or wire nuts, cut the wires, solder them together and cover with heat shrink tightly.
6) Replace all stock air intake pipe with Home Depot PVC sewage pipe and use "Fernco" rubber connections where the pipe has to be flexible.
7) As far as practical, replace nuts and bolts with stainless steel nuts and bolts.
8) Any holes in the firewall, fill with RTV silicone.
9) Replace the original metal floor plugs with quick pop-out plastic plugs.
10) Plumb a couple of floor plug holes to an RV 12volt water pump to exhaust the water. This step is a bit radical, but it works.
11) Make sure that the power steering reservoir and the brake fluid reservoir are also plumbed in to the box in step 4.
12) Replace the entire brake system, calipers, wheel cylinders and master cylinder, (not as expensive as you might think) purge the old lines with compressed air and B12, then refill with silicone DOT5 fluid.
13) Seal the bellhousing using whatever is necessary. Make sure you have a closable drain hole.
There are many more steps, but my memory is poor.
I used to work with tactical military vehicles, that's where I learned this stuff. Good Luck!

[rob j]

Fording deep water is a gamble, especially if you are in the middle of nowhere. deisels are the best for this because of no plugs, distributer coil. you can really screw up your rig in so many ways it's not even worth it. water has a way into everyyhing.

[rob j]

Originally Posted by rob j

Fording deep water is a gamble, especially if you are in the middle of nowhere. deisels are the best for this because of no plugs, distributer coil. you can really screw up your rig in so many ways it's not even worth it. water has a way into everyyhing.

not to mention if you get water in the bell housing.

[wilwith1l]

if you sink your rig... i mean sink it good, cause you found the soft bottom. odds are you'll be finding a tractor, or callin a wrecker. during the 2-6 hour wait, you learn there is no such thing as "waterproof".

[fredjacksonsan]

LOL, but these are Jeeps, not U-boats.

[sevenslotgrill]

Oh man.....be careful. been there - done that - been winched out - and was lucky. But if you gotta do it - after you do the waterproofing as suggested make sure you got a 4" or better lift - mtr's or better - and lockers. Also tow hooks and a suitable "recovery strap" (NO METAL HOOKS). and another 4wd following you. A winch is good too. Do not lose forward momentum.

I'm not advocating this. 4 ft of water is too much because it's 4 feet plus whatever your 4,000lbs of Jeep is going to sink into the bottom.

Remember that it's not a submarine.

[3000Star]

Originally Posted by sevenslotgrill

Remember that it's not a submarine.

they are to submarines
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NiDW5o4NL8

[4x4grey88]

Wrap it in plastic.

NOT

Jeeps are made for 4X4ing and Boats are made for deep water.

The trick is to keep the engine and doors above the water, that way you don't have to sit on the wet spot...

[spielightdude]

I would also maybe wonder about the exaust pipe being under water?

[fredjacksonsan]

As long as the engine is running fast enough, you'll have pressure to keep the water from coming in.

Mythbusters just had a show where they tested the "banana in the tailpipe" (and other things). Without exception everything they put in there got shot out.

[JacobHum]

Originally Posted by 3000Star

they are to submarines
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NiDW5o4NL8

O god i almost died laughing. Seriously

[terrymason]

Submarine Jeeps!

http://video.jeepz.com/video/2620

(I think this is the video that was linked to earlier)