Could I use the original diff breathers as end caps for my extended lines, or do I even need to worry about any kind of filter at all? Reason being is that I'm not spending $10 at the parts store for one of those breather filters (or 2 for $20)...

I got the brass fittings at work for free, but dropped $20 into 10' of rubber hose and four hose clamps so I can't justify spending another 20 on filters for the ends.

 

yes you can use the old ones.

just make sure that you clean them so they are working

 

You can try that, some folks find there is not enough length on the fitting to hold the hose on securely. I use some generic 1/8" NPT brass hose barbs from the hardware store, they cost about a buck:



http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTri...html#Breathers

 

no, no, no, I got the brass pipe fittings with the barbs to clamp the hose to. I'm talking about at the end of the hose. I know you had a little filter on the end of yours (behind the tail light) and I thought you also said that you took it off, so does that mean you have nothing but an open hose on yours?

I thought I could use the stock breathers as an end for the hose, so no debris gets down in there.

 

I have my diff breathers wrapped in a coil in a dry spot to avoid any water getting in. And a I taped an old peice of denim to keep out bugs and dirt.

 

I use a little air filter on the end (a small K&N breather filter). Ideally you don't want the stock breather cap on the end as it can let a vacuum build up (it is a one way valve) and if you submerge your axle in water, it'll cool, air inside cools and that can suck in water past a seal if one is weak. Some folks use a small in-line fuel filter, like the kind used on a lawn mower engine. You do want something to keep bugs and what not from getting inside the line.

 

Yeah that's the $10 filter I mentioned. I think I'll bend the tube in a "U" shape pointing back down to the axle and try to find some kind of mesh screen to cover it with. I may actually have a spare fuel filter laying sround somewhere. Thanks for that idea Jay, and for the info on the diff breathers in your site 4crawler.

 

the fuel filter is a great idea I think I might pick up 4 of those for my trucks

 

I run fuel filters on my breathers. Simple inline filters cost me $2 each. Hoses--free from work. Ran Trans and diff hoses into my toolbox. Now DEEP water not a problem.

 

I just extended my breathers last week and used some scrap stainless steel screen we had at work. It's basically window screen, folded over the end of the hose and secured with a zip-tie. I also ran my rear up behind my right taillight and coiled it there. As my truck sits most of the time. I'm more worried about bugs getting in and plugging the line than it collecting to much dust.

I would think denim wouldn't last long and would rot away? But I guess it depends upon where you live. And how moist it gets.

I had not thought about the fuel filter idea. Theoretically, you could run it into the air filter for the engine. Then you would also be making the environmentalists and people pushing smog equipment happy! lol That's why your engines valve cover breather goes back in.

brooklee1000: Did You build your bumper? It looks pretty good! Nice box too! Good place for your breathers to be extended too. lol

 

I wonder what the bugs would do to your gears...

 

Not so much the gears as plugging the vent line. Do that and pressure builds up and you blow gear oil out the weakest seal, BTDT.

 

Just be careful because I blew an axle seal because the mine was clogged with dust or whatever. I would blow compressed air through it or just make sure its not clogged.

Also, I ran mine into the gasoline door on the side of the car. Very clean look and it is protected from bugs, dust, dirt, etc. Just a suggestion...

 

I wonder what the GEARS would do to the bugs!

Oh, and for an update, I have been risking leaving the front one open for now, and make sure you attach the rear one very well, first run on the trails and it came loose and drug itself through the mud. So much for a diff breather now... I have both of them snug up and covered with fuel filters now.

 

Well I have my rear breather routed in behind my taillight, there is hardly ever a drop of water back there so im not worried.
I have not capped my front breather though, its routed into the cowl....

 

Someone help me out here, I'm new. Just picked up a '87 xtra cab last week.

If the stock breathers are one way why extend them?

 

They work fine for most conditions, just not well in all conditions:
- http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTri...html#Breathers

 

Thanks! That's one more thing on the long list of things to do on this truck.