Water Issues

[Sleepytime]

We got a really heavy rain here last night, and my wife drove her Malibu into a "puddle" that happened to be about 12"-18" deep. Her car is now a very expensive paperweight, but my concern is with my new truck.

 

While trying to get her car going, I had to park in the water for a while so I could see with the headlights. The water was almost up to the rocker panels in the truck, but not deep enough to get into anything major that I can tell. After about 15-20 minutes screwing with the car, I just pushed it backwards to dry land (I know, I should have done that first, but I was trying not to screw the car up any worse, but thank God for grille guards). Other than the differentials and a good lube all around, what do I need to worry about checking/changing. This truck only has 3700 miles on it, so I really don't want to have anything screwed up yet. BTW it is an 05 ECSB 4x4 with the aluminum 5.3 HO, G80, etc.

 

Just FYI, got the car to start after pulling plugs to let water out, but it is knocking bad, so I am sure rods are bent. The air filter and intake were both soaked, so I know it took in quite a bit of water. The water was up to the bottom of the seats too, so no telling what all is screwed up inside. Hope insurance just totals it, cause I know it will be nothing but problems if they fix it after that.

 

Sorry for the long post, just wanted to get some info and share the story.

[mudbug660]

I would go ahead and grease all the grease zerks, change the front and rear diff's. You might have to put an additive in the rear because of the g80 rear end if you choose to change it. But I would check to see if the diff oil is looking a little milky. Since you were in the water for only 15-20 min I wouldn't really worry about anything happening to your truck. You might could check the diff fluid now then after 100 miles or so check it again just for good measures.

[Ape0r]

The G80 locker does not require any additional additives as long as you use the GM-specified gear oil. I once asked a GM mechanic (worked at a shop over the summer) if it was really necessary to use the expensive GM stuff (~25-30/quart), and his reply was that allegedly it is made for the seals. Have heard of many people having fine success with M1 gear oil, which runs 6-7/quard.

[MS3DALE]

Yes,The additive in the rear-end is not recommended by GM.

And if you change your transfer case fluid make sure you use the Auto-Trac II stuff from your dealer if you have the AutoTrac transfer case (DO NOT USE ANYTHING ELSE!)