Searched the forum couldn't find a thread - a little help please. Been awhile for me since I have been on this forum. So thanks ahead of time.

Like WTF, right? Long story. Live on a lake in Florida (yes typical Florida Man story here).

For reference:
Pulled out my long *** pontoon boat to fix her up. 2002 F250 7.3 Supercab 4x4 8 ft bed 4 inch lift 35's, was backed up in the water up to rear step up bumper under water.
Could step out truck on step without being in water, although stepping down was in water. Loaded pontoon and pulled out in 4 L, no problem.

week and half later...
Pontoon ready top go in water ( what I didn't pay attention to was how much the lake had lowered during this time, at least a halve a foot based on the pontoon fender adjustment I had to make for the dock - hot, no rain).
Back the pontoon in the lake and could not get it to float off (clearly a sign of a change right?). Continued backing until water was 2 inches below door. Still couldn't get pontoon off. Boat engine was moving it a couple inches a time but was rpm'ing the heck out of it, so no longer a option.
Decided to try the old pulled forward, put it in reverse and sudden stop move to get it slide off. Tried it twice and gave is big shot the second time. Zero slide.
Spoiler alert* Here is where a unknown about the shore line rears its ugly head, it appears the shoreline lowers and then farther out raises again and then drops down again.
So now I can't pull the trailer forward without digging and cannot get the truck rear end over the rise. And since the front of the trailer is up in the water the boat still wont slide.

We'll thats F'd up!

So I went for it, lol, with my Wife's encouragement. Thank you Honey I love you! And buried it, well almost. Got water coming in the cab, door about 2 inches above bottom.
Just for the record I did not WOT it, I have been in the mud before. Its alot easier to pull a truck out when its no bottomed out.
The lovely bride left to go get the Polaris and I crawled out the cab NASCAR style to tried moving the pontoon again. Since I buried the rear end to where the right rear was just churning the water the trailer front end lowered enough to drift the boat. So pontoon off trailer - check. Plus removed some restriction for the truck.
Before wife got back with Polaris, I got the truck to pull with the front up some, which I think at this point the trailer tries were near the crest of the rise of the shoreline.
At this point I get plenty of water in the cab and about 1/3 up the body. Both front 35's under water and all rear end right side buried. Probably one good thing about LSP left was under but not bottomed.

Roped up the Polaris (1000) with the Truck (2 inch hawser line old Coastie here) and after several attempts and final ******, she pulled out. I could feel and see the left front grabbing and pulling. I think the truck just needed the small ****** to help umph the trailer over the rise. Wifey was pretty excited she had pulled me out and the rooting out lawn with15 to 20 foot rooster tails throwing.

So I hope you enjoyed the tale. Now looking for advice.

I pulled plugs under cab and sides and aired the truck with a fan for the carpeting, its a lariat. Everything still works, and no water in the cold air induction.

I plan on changing out the front and rear ends since I clearly went above my vents (frame was submerged even with 4 inch lift).
I believe I need to inspect the front hubs.

Do you think I need to do anything with the transfer box or transmission?
Its not a daily driver so other then taking it to the barn it has been driven.

Thanks for any input.
I work odd hours so I will no be able to respond right away.

ab

 

Trans and TC should be drained. Cheap compared to being wrong about water in them.

Good luck!

 

Are you familiar with the term "Pics or it didn't happen".

 

What’s funny is what I got out of all that was... you got a heck of a woman there sounds like . 😊

 

Maybe next time let the air out of the trailer's tires to get the boat to float?

 

Good story Florida Man!!! And agree, good woman there too.

I would definitely change fluid in the axles. The vents for transmission and t-case should be on the top, front of transmission, behind the bell housing. If floor pans were submerged, it’s definitely possible for water to get in there. I’d say go ahead and do a full transmission drain including torque converter and also change t-case fluid.

 

What FTN mentioned or, install gliders on the runners

 

Great story and even better signature line! I, too, was a Davey Allison fan. I stuck with RYR drivers until the Yates name stuck solely to engine building. Carl Edwards was my driver when I created my handle here, hence his nickname. Now, I love the old soul of Blaney.

 

"this thread is worthless without pics"

I concur with the other guys on the above, good chance the original vent lines on trans and t-case are cracked at the bends and could have taken water..

Also might be worth checking the IDM for water intrusion, notably the connector? Maybe the pcm too?

 

I know a couple of guys who lost all of their guns in events like that.

 

Not on a 4x4. The vent is routed up the firewall via a rubber hose. So it may not have been submerged.

I would still change the trans fluid.

 

Thanks for the advice. I get it. Through a little money at it now and don't have to worry.

 

Thinking that way. One less thing to worry about and constantly checking the tranny fluid.

 

LOL, pulling out my phone was the last thing on my mind.

 

pics of vents..