The Little X That Could

[ScottyB]

off to another camping adventure this weekend.  one of our goals is to hit a 4 mile out-and-back trail in search of some high altitude wild trout.  we should be up against at least 4 river crossings as we weave across the same water.  probably doable in 2WD on a good day but after the hurricane rains we'll likely do it in 4HI.  definitely excited. here's a portion:



in preparation for more trips like this, i'm working on making a higher rear axle vent tube than stock.  the front diff has an extension from the factory but Nissan decided the rear diff didn't need it?  the current axle vent is just a little pipe on top of the axle tube, so our safe fording depth is really only like 14 inches or so.  if we're moving through creeks there is very little chance for water intrusion but if we ever got stuck in a deep hole and had to sit for a while i have no doubt we'd get water seeping into the axle.

here's how it will look:


ordered up OEM part 38323-C601A which is a breather fitting extension from a Titan.  should screw directly in and the extended bung will allow me to just pop a 1/2" rubber or vinyl line on with a screw collar and extend the line up into the chassis.  most guys seem to like running the vent tube up through the chassis rail to behind the rear tail light.  that puts fording depth at waist deep, which if that happens means we have some other serious issues to address anyway.

intended termination point:


naturally the new breather will arrive the afternoon after we leave, but i think we'll be fine for this trip.  will report back with some pictures of big fish and big splashes.