What's the fording depth for the '81-'96 F150 and F250 4x4 trucks?

 

doesn't it vary if you have a huge lift or if it is stock and what size tires you got?

 

OK, average fording depth for stock 4x4 F150 and F250 trucks.

 

Well most owners manuals will tell you not to go into water that comes up past the hubs, but come on now...I guess as long as you don't submerge your vent hoses and definitely don't get water in the air intake and you should be fine.
I've had water over halfway up on my door on my old F150 and it was fine. Just make sure you have some good weather striping around the doors or you'll get water in the cab.

 

Be careful of water in the differentials, that will destroy them in a hurry.

 

keep an eye on the fan also when it is submerged it can act like a propeller and suck itself into the radiator!!

ford blue by you

fordnut1985

 

Would a clutched fan stop spinning once it is submersed or would it also get sucked into the radiator?

 

OK, if I installed an electric fan and vented the axles higher is it possible to ford 2-3 ft of water?

 

Yes I would definately think so, you may want to do some water proofing of your underhood electrical components. Splash shealds of some kind.

 

Another problem with those years are the computers. They're in the kick panel. If you get water in the cab it could get ugly.

 

I read in a 4wheel mag you can double wrap the computer in plastic it will be okay.

 

1. Extend both axle vent tubes.
2. Use silicone spray (liberally) on all electrical connections under the hood.
3. Run an open element air cleaner. Some may argue with this, as water will be splashed onto your filter. In real off road conditons, this is much better than it being "snorkled" through a small opening and directly into your engine, causing the dreaded hydrolock.....I have always ran carbed vehicles, but the principal is the same with efi. A snorkel mounted on the A-pillar would be ideal, but is a waste of time & money unless you really need it.
4. Spray WD-40 in your distributor cap (if applicable) and on anything that has become water-logged.
5. Beware of clutch damage if running a manual in deep water....it is very difficult to waterproof a manual trans setup.
6. Make sure the hub-lock seals are good, or simply check the hubs, clean & re-grease as necessary. ...after being in deep water.
7. Anything that can be greased with a grease gun: grease it until you get clean grease overflowing.....if you are getting "a peanut butter" looking substance running out....keep on pumping the grease gun.

There are other things that can/should be done, but these are the main things that I pay attention to before an off-road club run.

Roy

 

i agree with 78Buford, the open element filter will let splash of water in but it won't suck it up like a shop vac!!! I run a bead of silicone around the dist. cap the stock ford cap has a vent cap in the top make sure it is there and DO NOT seal it, it does a very good job of keeping water out and you need to vent trapped air in the dist. to prevent an ozone effect inside the cap. also after fording a deep pond you should re check all fluids, the "peanut butter" look he mentioned is what happens when water meets a petroleum product. If you pull the dipstick or check the pumkin and see this you took on water and should change fluids ASAP

if all else fails bring an inflatable life raft lol

ford blue by you

fordnut1985

 

i've drowned my 94 f150 on water up to the top of the bumper. i've since sealed my dizzy cap on and run a vent hose up to the top of the firewall with a small filter on it. i sealer and wrapped all the wires and haVEN'T HAD ANY PROBLEMS, BUT I WON'T GO ANY DEEPER THAN THAT. (oops stupid fat fingers) i just depends on how much waterproofing you do. and that computer thing is a big problem. i was only in the water long enuf to soak my ignition and have it stall as soon as i let off the throttle. thank goodness i was out of the water.

 

hey redinline, how did you attach the hose to the dist. cap, did you just stick a hose on the factory vent boss?

ford blue by you

Fordnut1985