Can the D80 rear end suck water in if immersed past the hub line like a regular half ton non floating rear end will?

Thanks, Kurt

 

Dunno about the Dana 80 specifically, but the Dana 70 in my 1992 Dodge sucked in some water the way you describe when I crossed a little creek once. I'd bet the D80 would also do it.

Mike

 

I did a creek crossing above the hub line an did not have lubricant contamination issues (changed lube some time after that just for maintenance reasons). But I did not sit in the water, just drove across it. I'm sure the seals would leak eventually if left immersed. The vent on mine is plumbed to the bed with a tube so that wouldn't be an issue.

 

my vent as well is going to the bed. now if you have a vent I have heard of vents were it goes into the pumpkin dryrot/crack etc and this caused leaking. dont know if all 80's had same style of vent

 

The extended breather tube certainlly helps. the problem is caused by being in water with warm diff. The air inside diff cools and contracts pulling water in if vnets, ect are under.

 

Yeah dozer12216, htat was my concern. I dipped the fill plug with a wire to see if any milky fluid was in the bottom of the diff but it looks like it is still pretty clean. I dropped a boat last month and was right at the point where it may have gotten an axle tube in the water at the very bottom. I guess its time to R&R the fluid so that may be my best route on this one! Thanks, guys.

Kurt