Water crossing info

[Noob Nate]

Hey guys, had a quick question about water crossings as I stare Hurricane Matthew in the face and am required to hit the roads tomorrow to go to work. I sincerely apologize if this question has been answered elsewhere. I did a quick search but couldn't find a good answer and am a little short on time due to storm prep.

Been a creeper here for a bit but have yet to say hello so quickly will mention that I bought a 2006 LX about 18 months ago after being on safari in South Africa and our guide (while driving a Range Rover) said he wished he had gotten a Landcruiser because "those things will go anywhere." Had known I wanted to trade in my RWD 4 Runner for a 4WD but wasn't sure until that point what to go with. I found this LX in excellent shape and could not be any happier with the purchase. Looking forward to slowly getting some upgrades. Thanks to everyone for all the great info here.

That brings me to my question, she's still stock (no snorkel obviously) but has functioning AHC. Roughly what water level should I feel comfortable braving assuming all other parameters such as significant water current or obstacles are not an issue. Not going to be a cowboy here but would like to be able to get to and from work safely and as quick as possible but definitely don't want to ruin this baby.

Ironically here's a pic of the rig's only "offroad" trip staring at a small mud puddle that I decided not to cross since I was the only vehicle, Michelin tires, no winch or maxtrax, and the 4 month old baby asleep in the back. Yeah, I have some work to do.

 

[Hayes]

I'm not seasoned at water crossings, but you've got a couple things to consider:

1. Air intake
2. Electronics

The air intake is in the PS front fender, near the top, and relatively well protected from direct water ingress. I would guess that you could ford depths up to the top of the tires based on this.

There are a variety of computers that are lower than the intake, but they are on the interior (near your feet). As long as you're not spending too much time submerged, I would guess that they would fine.

Again, I don't do much in the way of water crossings. In my 80-series I did short, quick fords where water was up to the grill, and one time had water briefly wash up over the hood. No problem, but they were short and quick.
Hopefully others can offer more direct experience.

 

[savirc]

No experience with water crossings on the 100 but from a mechanics standpoint depending on the approach angle water is taken, the intake box opening is inside the passenger side fender about 1.5 inches from the top of the fender so its fairly high up. Your front tires would have to be completely under water for water digestion to begin on leveled ground. Many other electrical components would be compromised before water digestion would take place. ECU is just above the floor board on the passenger side.

Coming a Jeep forum background di-electric grease was bought by gallons by those guys and caking it up on all electrical connections seem to work well. None of the connections have that stock some have some gaskets but that will only hold for so long depending on the length of the crossing.

 

[bctlex]

I am not seasoned at water crossings, but a few things I would consider if I need to do that. With my stock LC, and assuming I am familiar with the environment where I am crossing, I would probably be comfortable crossing up to 1 ft water or even deeper. Having said that, a few things to consider:
- With deep water, you can not see what is in it. Is there a 2 feet deep hole in front of you? Debris that may puncture the tires or get you stuck? Since we are talking about crossing water during/after hurricane, there is a good chance there will be debris on the road. The road itself may not be there anymore, so be careful.
- Is this standing water or with pretty fast current? With fast current, it may carry debris and that could cause problem. And fast current can pick up the vehicle sideways.
- If you have to go, then go slow and steady to "open" the water and do not stop if possible.

Good luck and be safe!

 

[Tapage]

First I'll tell you it's don't do it ..

unless it's a clear poll in where you can see the bottom and possible obstacles under water and there is virtually no flow, and level it's barely over your bumper... don't ..

I've cross few rivers in my life and even if your Cruiser it's well prepared for it ( mine is ) it's always a risk involved ..

 

[Noob Nate]

Thanks so much for the all the great info. I was definitely unfamiliar with the placement of the electronics for sure so that is very helpful. @bctlex good point about the unseen debris. Definitely plan on being super careful and not braving any swift moving water but if it's a short push through 18" or so of water to get to my house it sounds like I should be in pretty good shape. Thanks again guys!

 

[abuck99]

If you have to ford it, when in doubt, walk it out first. Better to have some muddy feet than getting stuck, and stranded.

Edit: the t-case and transmission breathers are open to air -no check valve. These terminate on the side of the oil dipstick tube about 1/2 way up the engine block- you prob don't want to get these under water.

 

[nakman]

Lock everything, keep a consistent pace.. maintain a "bow wake" of sorts that essentially keeps your engine in a bubble. Your bumper and front skids are kinda acting like a little boat, keeping the water way. If you get stuck, then the situation changes quickly. Your fan can break smacking into water, and obviously getting water up to the intake level is bad. If you get in a bad situation, may be best to shut it down quicker rather than later.

And if you get stuck, the faster you can get yanked out the better, every second counts- water, sand, mud, just gets everywhere. To that end if we're doing a deep crossing we'll attach recovery straps first, and toss the coiled end up on the roof rack. that way in a panic you just have to jump out and toss the end to your buddy, who'll already be in position to yank you out. If you're alone, take fewer chances, but you already knew that one.

I have had water engulf the hood and splash up on the windshield when I hit a hole once. Not something I really want to repeat, but no question the truck is up for it should that situation present itself again. Top of the tires? all day.

 

[HFDPNL]

All solid advice, especially the safety reminders. Just a couple thoughts:

Deep water incursions involve more maintenance concerns the deeper you go. The hubs have seals, but you need to be aware of the potential for water getting in when submerged. Also, if your CVs are already leaking, there's the potential for water to get into the joints as well. Just things to think about before/after driving in deep water.
Diff breathers are at frame level, but so is the floor pan and potential for water in the cab. You can push deeper water with a "bow wave" to keep the truck dry, but as soon as you stop or get stuck, the water's coming in, as everyone else said. Another thing to think about in deep water if you're in a residential area, you might be pushing water into people's homes(or further into their homes, if they're already flooded). People can sometimes be pretty unhappy about that. Also, moving fast pushing water be keenly aware of debris, washouts, or open manholes(which I've seen frequently in rising water).

Last time I was driving in flood water I was able to keep it just at the body/sliders and had no issues.

 

[crimsonaudio]

Some great advice here.

 

[Noob Nate]

Some great advice here.

Completely agree. Thanks again everyone. Heading to work early now so getting there won't be an issue. See you guys once I get my power back on. Cheers!

 

[SmoothLC]

Be safe!