Got a little deeper than expected. Should I change the diff fluid?

[Mishra42]

So we took the Bronco out offroading for the first time and had a blast. At the end of the day though as we came to the trail end I pulled onto the main road on some mud puddles I thought we'd already gone through. Turns out that was 50ft to the right and we sank down to the tires.

We pulled the Bronco out and went back the way we came and a day later it seems to be running fine, but someone mentioned checking the diff breathing tubs and changing the transmission fluids. Does anyone know if I'm ok?

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[Happy]

Aahhh the wonders of 4x4. Get you stuck even better.
Did you get out without flooding your interior?

 

[Theherofails]

You can check it real quick to be safe, but my Bronco has been deeper for a lot longer and my fluids were absolutely fine.

Rip up the trim by the doors and wash out the cable channel. It collects gunk. Just dump clean water in and let it all drain and then button her up.

Your fuse box was close to the water line though, so I would peak in there and just make sure it's all dry. It's under the steering wheel area on the driver side despite what the manual says.

Counter to what most people think, you won't short much out by going in water, which is why the battery can be submerged. Almost all the electrical connectors are passenger side behind the glove box so you're ok there.

 

[HBTFD]

Check it to make sure. Let us know what you find.

 

[Mishra42]

Well I just came home to a small puddle of yellowish fluid maybe about the size of a coaster. It would be under the front diff. I'm guessing that's not good. Sorry it's blurry, was about the size of a coaster.

 

[Mishra42]

Aahhh the wonders of 4x4. Get you stuck even better.
Did you get out without flooding your interior?

Nope

 

[Big Jim]

This is a learning experience

 

[BroncoAgain]

Check the oil levels. If they are high then you probably got water in it. Oil floats on top of water. Oil will turn milky when water is added.

 

[ROKBRNC]

Wait….aren’t you worried about rock chips and paint scratches!?!? <sarcasm>

Actually great to see that some people really use their Bronco for their intended purpose! However to answer your question, normally axles and other components are sealed and as long as as you didn’t exceed the height of the breather tubes you should be fine but it would still be a good idea to check your levels and make sure the fluids are clean. If they’re milky or discolored in any way, then change them. Your puddle could just be water that collected in the CV boots or frame horns so I would not be too concerned about that, but I would still double check your fluids to make sure you didn’t tear a seal.

 

[Last Ride Bronco]

Was it worth it? Here’s your answer:

Try to get that smile at the mall!

 

[Sooner]

Fluid change is cheap, if you are concerned about it change it.

 

[Mishra42]

Wait….aren’t you worried about rock chips and paint scratches!?!? <sarcasm>

Actually great to see that some people really use their Bronco for their intended purpose! However to answer your question, normally axles and other components are sealed and as long as as you didn’t exceed the height of the breather tubes you should be fine but it would still be a good idea to check your levels and make sure the fluids are clean. If they’re milky or discolored in any way, then change them. Your puddle could just be water that collected in the CV boots or frame horns so I would not be too concerned about that, but I would still double check your fluids to make sure you didn’t tear a seal.

You're sounding like the guys who ran the park! It was my first time out ever. Harder than the guys with me expected for green trails. I told them I got it to use it! Thanks for the advice I'll check and report back and put together a trip report.

 

[Firefight911]

Page 294 of your owner’s manual shows fording depth limitations. You look fine to me.

Very important to wash off the mud, especially from your radiator so it doesn’t pick full of mud. Clean off everything with water at a moderate pressure, not high pressure as you can push the mud into crevices and damage seals, etc.

 

[wetdog]

Mr alternator definitely went for a swim too.

 

[NevadaDesertExploration]

Thank god I live in Nevada!

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