Winch Getting Submerged.....Problem?

[HayashiK1]

I want to start off by saying I am new to the Jeep world; and I am also new to working on automobiles in general. So all this is new to me all together.

I am considering buying a snorkel kit from AEV. And I have a question regarding winch being submerged.

Currently, I am waiting for my Red Rock JK Rubicon with base package to arrive from AEV sometime next week. :D I am hoping to be able to get a lift, new gears, and bigger tires from AEV in the near future.

And, as I look at what other mods I would like to do, I have some questions.

I have read on other JK forums threads talking about extending breather lines to transmission and differentials. I am taking note that that's very important in regards to water fording. I need to work on that soon.

Since I now have a winch, I was looking through the manual from Warn website; and noticed this in the manual.

"No lubrication is required for the life of the winch, unless the winch is submerged in water. If this occurs, a qualified service center must complete service as soon as possible to prevent corrosion damage. If the control pack is submerged, it must be replaced when the winch is serviced."

It is my understanding that installing the AEV bumper with winch is a long process. So is it going to cause problems when it comes time to get it serviced if my winch get submerged?

Maybe there are things that I am not aware of. I would appreciate it very much any input I can get.

Thank you very much for your input in advance.

[JeepinJon]

If it just gets wet quick in fresh water you should be fine, but if you submerge it in salt water, or have a prolonged submersion then you will want to have it be serviced. What winch are you running? If you are running a Warn 9.5ti this should be sealed really well. If you are running a winch with an external control pack you can mount that up a little higher and put it under the hood for some added protection.

[HayashiK1]

Thank you very much for your reply. I appreciate it very much.

My winch is Warn 9.5ti. I want to get the Snorkel Kit just in case I need it and not because I want to go in the water that deep on the regular basis. So I guess I don't have to worry about it too much.

[JeepinJon]

One other thing you may want to look into is extending the breather lines for the axles, differentials, and ransmission and transfer case. If these become submerged in water, the cool water will create a vacuum like effect from the temprature difference sucking water in through the breathers and seals. If you can get the end of your breather above the water line then this will greatly reduce the likely hood of this happening. The differential breathers are run to the top of the shock towers, and the transmission and transfer case are all run under the hood. I would think that if you make sure they extend to the top of the hood you would be very safe.

[HayashiK1]

JeepinJon,

Thank you very much for the tip!! :)