Had heavy rain today, drove through really high water

I don't drive through high water much so I never did rear differential breather mod. Water level was definitely over the rear differential for a pretty long stretch of road. Should I be worried?

Thanks guys!

 

If you're worried about contamination, drive, drain, refill. A Jefferson is worth the peace of mind.

 

If the breather works as it should, you probably didn't get much water in the diff.
The breather/cap is "supposed to" act as a open/closed valve.
Typically the temp in the diff is warmer than most any water you submerged in.
This rapid cooling of the diff and fluid creates a negative pressure in the diff, which in turn closes the breather cap.

The problem is, it doesn't work instantaneously.
So a small amount of water can get before it closes.
It can fail altogether or get clogged.

If it were a really big deal. I think we'd see many more boat owners in with diff problems.
As they sink diffs frequently.

Your off road guys seem to be the ones in more danger.
As mud and muddy water are worse than "clean" water.
Muddy water clogs stuff up. Like your breather.....

 

While I agree with you to an extent, I own a boat and have never submerged my diff at the ramp ever. If I had my whole boat trailer would be submerged and ineffective for extraction. Can't speak for everybody, but I've never seen it.

 

I've seen it. A lot.
Not a lot on Tacoma to say.
But one of my best fishing spots is right next to the boat ramp.
I see it... I see a lot of things there you wouldn't believe.

 

I say if you're in doubt, just change it. I changed my own and it was super easy. It's worth $40 for some peace of mind.

 

Just change the oil, it probably is due for maintenance anyway if you've never changed it.

 

I hear yah. I've seen a lot too. But the ramps I launch and extract from are really nice. Maybe that's why I've never seen to many wild things.

 

Thanks for the info guys! It has been at least 20,000 miles since I changed the oil in the rear differential, and you guys are right "better safe than sorry"

Guess I am autozone bound

 

It's not completely necessary, but I recommend a pump to get the oil in. I just squeezed the bottles directly in and it was a PITA and a bit messy. The pump would've saved a lot of frustration.