Diff breathers?

[AndrewR Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close AndrewR]

I have a 2015 GXL 2.8, do I need diff breathers?

[pradoprime Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close pradoprime]

If you plan on doing any off roading especially where there may be water, definitely get diff breathers, because you can never say i wont go through water that deep, you just don't know.

[JohnC80 Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close JohnC80]

Are they really needed? I've never had them in my previous cars (not Toyota) and had water over the bonnet plenty of times. Never had any water in the oil.

[JimmyC Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close JimmyC]

Are they really needed? I've never had them in my previous cars (not Toyota) and had water over the bonnet plenty of times. Never had any water in the oil.

That's a good point but it is along the same lines as 'I've driven on the beach plenty of times and never needed a snatch strap'.
It's a true statement but how many of us always have one in the car even though we rarely, if ever, use it?

[Symo Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close Symo]

More importantly where are they located in the Prado? I thought the were at wading depth anyway.

Going deeper is going to risk much more serious issues that diff oil even if you have a snorkel (which is for dust!) like the clutch fan lunching the radiator.

How many people tie off the fan before crossing deep? None. Do you need diff breather extensions? No.

[mjrandom Out of control poster! Find all posts View Profile Close mjrandom]

First and most importantly the factory units are not breathers. When drawing air through they block off. Thus making your diff at a lower pressure than the water you are driving through. Secondly the rear diff 'breather' is on top of the axle housing. Third the gearbox and transfer 'breathers' are on the bell housing and probably ok except there are reports of drowned auto gearboxes. One from a PP North American correspondent who started a diff breather thread for the 120s. The front diff 'breather' is up near the starting battery.

It is an easy job, some joiners, some 1/4" fuel hose, some breathers. Some skin, some blood, some swear words. Finished.

And yes I have seen diffs with water in. Not from a crossing as such but the 4wds in question stalled and sat in water long enough for that water to make its way inside.

Should still have the pics of what a Patrol front wheel bearing looks like after a couple of hundred km of mud lubrication.

Like all mods do what you think you need or want. For me snorkel and breathers are a must.

[JohnC80 Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close JohnC80]

I run a bra up front when going deep so hopefully that helps any water into engine bay issue.

Mjramdom, is your rear run into the engine bay.

If you get bogged or stall in deep water diffs would be the least of your worries.

[mjrandom Out of control poster! Find all posts View Profile Close mjrandom]

My breathers are all up on the firewall. My build is in my signature if you are bored.

[JohnC80 Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close JohnC80]

Awesome. Thanks.

[Spilsy Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close Spilsy]

A cheap and relatively easy modification that may save issues down the track.

Here's my diff breather write up:
http://www.pradopoint.com/showthread...l=1#post481223