Milford Cubicle II
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Out there.
I just saw a new GC commercial where they talk about its "watertight drivetrain" and it got me thinking. I wonder what they do to make the drivetrain "watertight." The benefits are obvious. I know that people have been fording water just fine for years without "watertight" drivetrains but I figure if you can do more to keep water out of the drivetrain then why not?
To be honest, I have no idea how much water even gets into the drivetrain when crossing creeks and stuff. Are most axle seals watertight, are certain brands more watertight than others, or are there seals specifically designed to be water tight? And that still leaves the pinions to seal as well. Then there's the transmission. I *think* that the AW4 only vents through the dip stick which is obviously fairly well protected from water. But how can you make all of the input and output shafts on the tranny and transfer case watertight? Special seals or bearings I suppose?
And it seems to me that the flex plate leaves a lot of room for improvement in watertight-ness. I don't plan on parking in any lakes or anything, but I still think it would be nice to have a well sealed drivetrain. Ideas, ho!
To be honest, I have no idea how much water even gets into the drivetrain when crossing creeks and stuff. Are most axle seals watertight, are certain brands more watertight than others, or are there seals specifically designed to be water tight? And that still leaves the pinions to seal as well. Then there's the transmission. I *think* that the AW4 only vents through the dip stick which is obviously fairly well protected from water. But how can you make all of the input and output shafts on the tranny and transfer case watertight? Special seals or bearings I suppose?
And it seems to me that the flex plate leaves a lot of room for improvement in watertight-ness. I don't plan on parking in any lakes or anything, but I still think it would be nice to have a well sealed drivetrain. Ideas, ho!