Unfortunately some freak flooding happened while out of town, and my 2nd gen was largely submerged. Anyone have an opinion on whether this might be salvageable? Water level got pretty high, visible on the steering column

 

Yikes. Put the whole truck in a bag of rice. Haha. Looking at a full fluid change at the minimum. Hopefully the electronics are ok.

I would change the engine oil and see if it still runs. Then go from there.

Not totally related, but the dirtheads did an episode where they sunk a truck then got it running again. https://www.motortrend.com/videos/1_...ruck-repaired/

 

Grim.
I've dealt with flood vehicles. It's not fun.
Pull the battery. You don't want anything getting power for awhile.
Drain engine oil and pull plugs. Blow compressed air into cylinders then add some ATF to coat cylinder walls and turn engine over by hand.
You'll need to pull the interior. Seats, carpets, and possibly interior trim panels if water got behind them. Then put fans inside to move air. Hang the carpet, the backing takes a long time to dry out.
But obviously the biggest concern is electrical.

Water has dissolved minerals and salts. This will be your biggest enemy over the long run. Even after something dries those minerals stay behind, and they cause issues down the road. You need to open every electrical component that got submerged and flush with distilled water, use a soft paint brush or toothbrush gently to help break anything loose. then let it dry thoroughly.The ECU will be the major one, but all the various electrical components that got wet will need similar treatment. It's ok to get circuit boards wet, just not when they have power. That would be bad.
Same with connectors. Clean, then allow to dry. A bit of di-electric grease would be a good idea when reinstalling.
lastly, You'll have to change every fluid on the vehicle; engine oil, trans, transfer, diffs.

I saw a lot of vehicles that were flooded, and brought back to life, but only to be a constant problem. They were easy to spot, they typically had something green growing on the electrical, especially at connections. Insurance companies got tired of the on-going costs of flood vehicles (typically electrical) and made a rule that if the ECU got wet then the vehicle was totalled. So you can see why diligent cleaning is needed.

 

A shame you couldn't get it on high ground before this. I had a 1985 that got flooded and perhaps I was lucky but after getting the moisture out of the seats and heater vents etc etc, and fluid changed, I went on to drive it a couple years no issues

 

Flood damage can be devastating..
Given the water level reached the steering column, it's likely that the truck suffered significant water intrusion.
Salvageability depends on several factors:
1. Water level and duration: The higher the water level and the longer the truck was submerged, the more extensive the damage.
2. Water type: Freshwater is less corrosive than saltwater, which can accelerate damage.
3. Electrical system: If the water reached the electrical components, there's a high risk of damage to the wiring, computer systems, and other electronic components.
4. Mechanical components: Engine, transmission, and drivetrain components may be damaged or rusted due to water exposure.
To assess the damage, do these;
1. Inspect the truck thoroughly: Look for signs of water damage, rust, and corrosion on the body, mechanical components, and electrical systems.
2. Check the engine and transmission: If water entered the engine or transmission, it may be damaged beyond repair.
3. Evaluate the electrical system: Check for signs of water damage, corrosion, or short circuits in the wiring, computer systems, and other electrical components.
4. Consider professional assessment: If you're unsure about the extent of the damage, consider hiring a professional mechanic or appraiser to evaluate the truck.
Even if the truck is salvageable, you may face:
1. Rust and corrosion: Water exposure can lead to long-term rust and corrosion issues.
2. Electrical gremlins: Water damage can cause intermittent electrical problems.
3. Mechanical issues: Water exposure can lead to premature wear on mechanical components. Before deciding to repair or replace the truck, consider the cost of repairs, the truck's value, and your personal safety.
Cheers
Fugarr