About this episode
Dive into the history and tech of Jeep water fording, from early military vehicles with deep water kits to modern Jeep Wranglers equipped for serious water crossings. Hosts Neil and Scott explore vintage techniques, engineering challenges like venting and air flow, and share personal stories about water crossings and vehicle maintenance. They discuss the evolution of fording depth, the importance of technique, and the impact of modern electronics and materials on water resilience. The episode also touches on off-road culture, environmental respect, and the joy and work involved in Jeep adventures.
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From the original WWII military Jeeps to today’s Wranglers and Gladiators, we break down Jeep water fording—how deep they can go, how it’s changed over the years, and what really matters when you hit the water.
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Fording
"...Anywho folks we're going to be talking about Fording which may or may not be appropriate..."
Fording means driving your car through water like a river or puddle on the road. It shows how well your car can handle water without breaking down.
Fording is the act of driving a vehicle through water that covers the road or trail, testing the vehicle's ability to handle water crossings without damage or stalling. It's a common challenge in off-roading and requires proper vehicle preparation and technique.
Ford Model T
"Moving up from the horse We went to I could do Model T's And all that kind of stuff"
The Ford Model T was one of the first cars that many people could afford. It was made a long time ago and helped start the idea of making cars for lots of people.
The Ford Model T is an iconic early automobile produced by Ford from 1908 to 1927. It is known for being the first mass-produced car using assembly line techniques, making car ownership accessible to the general public.
amphibious vehicles
"You had amphibious vehicles Which was an amazing industrial time"
Amphibious vehicles are special cars that can drive on land and also float and move in water, like a boat.
Amphibious vehicles are designed to operate both on land and in water. Historically, they have been used for military and industrial purposes, including vehicles that can float and move through water like boats.
Ford GPA
"And they did have the Ford version Of the Jeep The GPA Which was general purpose amphibious And that was a small Boat with a Jeep inside of it"
The Ford GPA was a special vehicle that could drive on land and float on water like a boat. It was made during World War II to help soldiers move through water and land easily.
The Ford GPA was an amphibious vehicle produced during World War II, designed as a general purpose amphibious version of the Jeep. It combined features of a small boat and a Jeep, allowing it to float and operate on water as well as on land.
general purpose amphibious
"The GPA Which was general purpose amphibious And that was a small Boat with a Jeep inside of it"
General purpose amphibious means a vehicle can work on land like a car and also float or move in water like a boat.
General purpose amphibious refers to vehicles designed to operate both on land and in water. These vehicles can transition between driving on roads and floating or moving through water bodies.
floating
""That's exactly what they were doing... But they were trying to float all the time... And then floating wasn't working... Because these big heavy military equipment wasn't floating very well""
Floating means making sure a vehicle or equipment can stay on top of water instead of sinking, so it can cross rivers or flooded places.
Floating refers to the technique or concept of vehicles or equipment staying on the surface of water to cross obstacles like rivers or flooded areas. It is often used in military or off-road contexts where crossing water bodies is necessary.
duck boats
""This, or the duck boats... And I got to say...""
Duck boats are special vehicles that can drive on land and float on water, so they can go across rivers or lakes without getting stuck.
Duck boats are amphibious vehicles designed to operate on both land and water. Originally used in military operations, they can float and propel themselves in water while also driving on roads or rough terrain.
Jeep
"When you are sitting in a Jeep"
Jeep is a company that makes cars designed to drive on rough roads and trails, not just regular streets.
Jeep is an American automotive brand known for its rugged off-road vehicles and SUVs, often used for outdoor and off-road adventures.
Rubicon
"The idea of Rubicon but they're not really saying it"
Rubicon is a special version of the Jeep Wrangler that is made to handle tough off-road trails better than regular models.
Rubicon is a specific trim level of the Jeep Wrangler known for its enhanced off-road capabilities, including features like locking differentials, disconnecting sway bars, and heavy-duty axles.
35 inch tires
"Extreme recon With the 35 stock"
35 inch tires are even bigger tires that help a Jeep drive better on tough trails by giving it more height and grip.
35 inch tires are larger off-road tires that provide better ground clearance and traction compared to stock tires, improving a vehicle's ability to handle difficult terrain.
Toyota
"If you were to go to A Toyota dealership As an example a Toyota Camry"
Toyota makes many cars and trucks that people use every day. They are known to be reliable and easy to own.
Toyota is a major Japanese automotive manufacturer known for reliable and practical vehicles, including sedans like the Camry and trucks like the Tacoma.
Toyota Tacoma TRD
"What your TRD taco What your fording depth is"
The Toyota Tacoma TRD is a truck made for driving on rough roads and trails. It has special parts that help it go over obstacles and through water.
The Toyota Tacoma TRD is a trim level of the Tacoma midsize pickup truck focused on off-road performance, including features like improved suspension and sometimes higher fording depth.
engine cooling
""And talking about Heating and cooling of your engine""
Engine cooling means keeping the engine from getting too hot. Cars have parts that help cool the engine so it works properly and doesn't get damaged.
Engine cooling refers to the methods and systems used to keep an engine from overheating during operation. This includes components like radiators, coolant, and oil circulation to dissipate heat.
oil pan
""If you dip the oil pan of the engine in the water It runs a lot cooler""
The oil pan is like a small container under the engine that holds the oil. This oil helps keep the engine parts moving smoothly and stops them from getting too hot.
The oil pan is a component at the bottom of an engine that holds the engine oil. It is critical for engine lubrication and cooling, as the oil circulates through the engine to reduce friction and heat.
water crossings
""Really really really like\nWater crossings\nAnd we're very fortunate""
Water crossings happen when you drive your car through water like rivers or streams. It can be tricky because water can damage your car or make it hard to drive, so you need to be careful.
Water crossings refer to the act of driving a vehicle through bodies of water such as streams, rivers, or flooded roads, which is a common challenge in off-roading. Vehicles and drivers need to be prepared for the risks of water damage and loss of traction during these crossings.
flash flooding
"PSA at this exact moment To say That flash flooding is a real thing That water Traversing water"
Flash flooding means water builds up really fast and can flood roads quickly, making it unsafe to drive through.
Flash flooding refers to sudden, intense flooding caused by heavy rain or rapid water accumulation, often leading to dangerous driving conditions and risks for vehicles crossing water.
environmental laws
"Traversing water Ways It can be against local Environmental laws And it can straight up be dangerous"
There are rules called environmental laws that say you can't drive through certain water or nature areas to keep them safe and clean.
Environmental laws regulate how people can interact with natural areas, including restrictions on driving through water bodies to protect ecosystems and prevent pollution.
RTV
"And get out your tube RTV And just glue everything together ...Access To a approved Product like an RTV"
RTV is a special kind of glue that can be used to seal parts of a car to keep water and dirt out.
RTV (Room Temperature Vulcanizing) silicone is a type of gasket maker used to seal components and prevent leaks, especially useful for sealing vents or gaps in automotive parts.
transmission
"That axle, that transmission, that engine Into the water, just like he said"
The transmission helps the car change gears so it can go faster or slower.
The transmission is a vehicle component that transmits power from the engine to the wheels, allowing the vehicle to change speeds and torque.
scuba tank
"Nathan The scuba tank How big of a scuba tank Would your Jeep need to keep running under water"
A scuba tank is a big air tank that divers carry to breathe underwater. Here, they talk about how big a tank a Jeep would need to keep working underwater.
A scuba tank is a cylinder that holds compressed air or other breathing gases for underwater diving. It is referenced here metaphorically to discuss how a Jeep might keep running underwater.
winch
"Yeah it's how we knew you were serious You had a snorkel and a winch For looks But we had a customer come to us"
A winch is a tool on the front of some cars that helps pull the car out if it gets stuck in mud or dirt. It uses a strong cable to pull the vehicle to safety.
A winch is a mechanical device mounted on off-road vehicles used to pull the vehicle out of difficult terrain or obstacles by winding a cable or rope. It is an essential recovery tool for serious off-roaders.
off-road
"Wheeling at the outer banks and being off-road in a beach and oceanfront capacity"
Off-road means driving a vehicle on rough ground that isn't a normal road, like dirt or mud, which needs special features to do safely.
Off-road refers to driving on unpaved surfaces such as dirt, mud, sand, or rocks, requiring vehicles with specialized capabilities like higher ground clearance and traction systems.
mud line
"And the mud line was at the windshield and it no run no more"
The mud line is how high the mud has covered a car after driving through dirty or muddy places.
The mud line is the visible level to which mud or dirt has covered a vehicle, often indicating how deep the vehicle has been driven through muddy terrain.
four-wheel drive
"I got four-wheel drive well that's still Rob's Cherokee just so we're on the same page"
Four-wheel drive means the car can send power to all four wheels at the same time, which helps it drive better on mud, snow, or rough roads.
Four-wheel drive (4WD) is a drivetrain system that powers all four wheels simultaneously to improve traction, especially useful in off-road or slippery conditions.
seals
"It hurts your brakes It hurts your seals Gear oil will turn into this paste"
Seals are like little barriers in your car that keep oil and water where they should be. If they get hurt, stuff can leak and cause problems.
Seals are components that prevent fluids like oil and water from leaking into or out of mechanical parts. Damage or wear to seals can lead to leaks and contamination, especially after exposure to water or mud.
gear oil
"Gear oil will turn into this paste Mud that you gotta clean out"
Gear oil is a special oil that helps the car's gears move smoothly. If it gets dirty or mixed with water, it can get thick and sticky, which can hurt the car.
Gear oil is a lubricant designed specifically for transmissions, differentials, and transfer cases to reduce friction and wear on gears. Contamination of gear oil with water or debris can cause it to turn into a paste, leading to increased wear and potential damage.
power wash
"You should power wash You should remove wheels"
Power washing means using a strong spray of water to clean your car really well, especially after driving in mud or dirt.
Power washing is the use of a high-pressure water spray to clean dirt, mud, and debris from vehicles, especially useful after off-road driving to prevent damage and corrosion.
radiator
"So this weekend I got to put a radiator In my truck I don't know, I'm a little disappointed"
A radiator is a part in your car that helps keep the engine cool so it doesn't get too hot and break. It works like a fan that cools down hot water inside the car.
A radiator is a key component of a vehicle's cooling system that helps dissipate heat from the engine coolant to prevent overheating. It is especially important for vehicles used in demanding conditions like off-roading.
flat towing
"Scott and I did some flat towing Last week just for funsies"
Flat towing means pulling a car behind another car with all its wheels touching the road, like when you want to bring your car along on a trip.
Flat towing is a method of towing a vehicle with all four wheels on the ground, typically behind another vehicle. It requires specific equipment and vehicle compatibility to avoid damage.
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