Wading prep

All tech relating to the Suzuki Vitara that won't relate to any other models, Front IFS etc.
Post Reply
User avatar
CopperBottom
Got muddy boots
Got muddy boots
Posts: 15
Joined: Sat Oct 04, 2014 5:47 pm
Location: NE Hampshire

Wading prep

Post by CopperBottom » Thu Oct 16, 2014 12:34 pm

Hey everyone

Whilst I'm mechanically savvy, im clearly short on knowledge on off road prep is fairly minimal at best. I got chatting to a couple of blokes in the pub last night, both of which have LR's they off road. After I mentioned I was going to Slab this weekend, they mentioned a couple of bits that I should consider if I plan on getting fairly deep in water

First being the breathers for the diffs, and extending the breathers. Made sense, and having looked at the breathers this morning it's clear they're pretty short. Easy job

The second was a drain plug for the bell housing. Now whilst I understand the theory that if mud and water get in the bell housing it will cause issues, but I don't really know what I'm looking for to see if the Vit already has one installed, and if not, what I need to do to have some sort of drain/waterproofing for the bell housing.

Can anyone educate me?

I'm going to take it that the bell housing hasn't been modified already. If so, would it be wise to avoid any deep water for the time being?

Cheers

User avatar
twiss
SCUK Computer Wizard
SCUK Computer Wizard
Posts: 6110
Joined: Mon Nov 08, 2010 2:28 pm
Location: Birkirkara, Malta
Contact:

Re: Wading prep

Post by twiss » Thu Oct 16, 2014 12:41 pm

Personally I wouldn't seal up the entire bell housing.
Yes a bit of mud might get in there, but you can wash it out pretty easily by holding a hose over the timing hole plug

I think if you seal it all up, water and mud would probably get in there somehow, but it would be much more difficult to clear it out.
Twiss

'93 Suzuki Samurai Sport 1.6 16v SU. Virtual lift, spring under, 31s
'93 Maruti Gypsy MG410

"If brute force doesn't fix your problem, you aren't using enough of it."

User avatar
CopperBottom
Got muddy boots
Got muddy boots
Posts: 15
Joined: Sat Oct 04, 2014 5:47 pm
Location: NE Hampshire

Re: Wading prep

Post by CopperBottom » Thu Oct 16, 2014 12:46 pm

So does the bell housing have a natural drain hole/slot for water to drain out as it is?

courior
Can I have a tow
Can I have a tow
Posts: 357
Joined: Wed Jul 02, 2014 8:00 pm
Location: Malta

Re: Wading prep

Post by courior » Thu Oct 16, 2014 8:33 pm

Also think about breathers for the t.box and g.box. rubber glove on the dizzy. Decent ht leads and maybe check the knuckle seals on the steering knuckles.
Maruti Gypsy MG410
Electric Fan upgrade
5 speed box
30" Insa Turbo Saharas
1.5" Shackle Lift
LWB Pickup Conversion
Lots of stickers and a Skull gearknob.
Daymaker led lights

User avatar
Hodgie812
Engaged 4wd low
Engaged 4wd low
Posts: 110
Joined: Wed Jun 12, 2013 7:39 pm
Location: Glasgow

Re: Wading prep

Post by Hodgie812 » Thu Oct 30, 2014 9:21 pm

Land rovers have a threaded drain hole in the bottom of the bell housing, you fit a wading plug in it to stop the clutch getting wet. Maybe this is what the are on about? I'm sure Vitara's don't have one.
Built with ebay!!!

User avatar
donkeychomp
I spend far too much time on here
I spend far too much time on here
Posts: 3582
Joined: Thu Aug 18, 2011 3:49 pm
Location: Shepperton, Middx

Re: Wading prep

Post by donkeychomp » Thu Oct 30, 2014 10:43 pm

Try not to stop for too long in deep water, your wheel bearings will thank you for it...
If it ticks over...leave it

User avatar
Jordi
Bow down before me
Bow down before me
Posts: 7535
Joined: Sun Nov 29, 2009 2:35 pm
Location: Darlington, Co. Durham

Re: Wading prep

Post by Jordi » Thu Oct 30, 2014 10:54 pm

donkeychomp wrote:Try not to stop for too long in deep water, your wheel bearings will thank you for it...
As will the interior if you're really in deep water for too long, seats take forever to dry out.
1988 Samurai - Truck Cab & Tray Back - 1.6 8v & HIF44 - Snorkel - Stack Exhaust - PAS, YJs & 33s - Trussed, Gusseted & Pumpkin Capped Axles - 4.3 R&Ps - 4.16 T/Box - Rear Air Locker - Full Float Back Axle & Discs - RCV Front Shafts - X-Eng Handbrake - Custom Fuel Tank

User avatar
Ladaman
Suzuki Guru
Suzuki Guru
Posts: 1090
Joined: Thu Sep 08, 2011 10:56 pm
Location: Huddersfield, W. Yorkshire
Contact:

Re: Wading prep

Post by Ladaman » Thu Oct 30, 2014 10:57 pm

donkeychomp wrote:Try not to stop for too long in deep water, your wheel bearings will thank you for it...
Yep I can agree with that.


Click Here for Youtube Video




This could be the outcome a few months later.

http://forum.suzukiclubuk.co.uk/vi ... =2&t=11165
YouTube
Ignis Sport 1.5 16V; Jimny gearbox, 410 transfer box; 5.125:1 Vitara diffs; rear Lockright, Rob Storr full float rear axle, rear discs, YJ springs, virtual lift, 31" Grizzly Claws, beadlock rims, +50mm LR arches, LED rear lights, LED roof spots, bucket seats, Luke harnesses, internal cage

Post Reply