Alright,

So were out wheeling on this farmers land. *Talked to the guy; said he didn't care as long as we didn't so much as touch his crops...deal* as were going along we come to this creek. Now, Im very wary about water. Mud is one thing, but running water scares me. To many variables.

My question, ive got a 2in lift and 235's for tires. Whats the safest water depth you'd try?


BTW I said hell no when they tried to get me to cross the creek. No one would try it; and i was not about to be the test vehicle.

 

as long as it's no deeper than your front bumper. and not a fast rushing river, then i'd say it's pretty safe as long as you have proper tug points and a recovery vehicle.
but it's not common practice (tread lightly) to cross fresh water streams/rivers.

remember, your air intake comes through the grille, so if you push water that deep, you're into hydro lock territory.

 

Its a rather slow moving creek, and its been crossed before. We would not be the first group.

Bumper? That's about 2 feet.

What about breather lines?

 

Depends on where yours are routed.

Watch the splashing as well.

 

Stock. Were they routed different and different years?

 

o hell just go for it, the worst that is going to happen is the water could push your jeep down flip over no biggy, they roll over so your good.

 

Not really, but other owners could have modified them ir their location, or could have deleted them alltogether.

After seeing some mods done by current and previous owners, I wouldn't put anything out of mind.

Just check to see where they are routed.

 

Ya, maybe he ran it into the wheel well so it could suck in some nice rain water to keep the engine cool!

 

Also remember that your OEM air intake and coil/distributor are about headlight level....if you haven't done any waterproofing.

 

I was more aiming at the breather tubes.

 

i have a 3.5 in lift with 31s, no idea where my breather lines are. i just limit mine to my bumper. if it goes past that i throw it in reverse and backout. no reason to flood my engine. as for worrie of being pushed. ive heard anything past the hub can lift a move your vehicle if the water is power full. for testing that. if i cant walk through it i normally dont drive through it. (even though im sure my jeep can hold up against a lot more than i can)

 

You should always avoid fresh water crossings whenever possible...just so the tree huggin, dirt worshippin, spotted owl lovin hippy enviromentalists who think they are saving the world from the evil 4wheelers, won't sick their yuppy lawyer and politician friends on you and close your favorite local 4wheeling spot.

but....when it is not possible just take it nice and slow and I usually go with bumper level as a back out point. I don't like deep water anyway so I have never done any waterproofing to my intake or ignition. Always remember, your common sense is the best tool you have in the tool box. a little water in your breather lines won't stop you dead on the trail. You'll just need to check and if need be change the gear oil when you get home. Water in the cylinders or in the electronics will stop you dead.

 

Well I've got a 2000 so its the distributorless system.

Appreciate the help. Bumper seems to be the limit.

 

Top of bumper is as deep as you can go with stock intake.although a factory airbox is better than you think. Purple jeep in my pics(bro daves xj)has crossed rivers in Pa that was over his headlights & even over front half of his hood without a miss)(I don't have factory intake box) Breather line should have cap on em. & nothing wrong with playing in creeks or rivers. Many states don't care if your junk isn't leaking crap into the system. Lake meridith park is state or federal owned n has miles n miles of river to wheel in(Canadian river). Here in misery I was told by sheriff only a farmer chasing livestock can wheel a river. If your worried about breather tubes, extend em with new longer lines which is probably a good idea anyhow as yours might be cracked or plugged. Word of advice. Don't stop very long in a river with sand & moving water.

 

Did you ever cross the water?