Thread: Taking a P38A Rangie for a swim - advice please

Hi all - I'm doing a "sand and water crossing" course with the Southern Tablelands 4WD Club in a few weeks. I think I'll be ok with the sand bit... drop tyre pressure, take a shovel, ladders and a snatch-em strap or two. It's the water crossing bit that has me worried.

I've done a bit of trawling though these forums on this subject. I apologise in advance if this has been answered elsewhere and I just didn't find the info I was looking for.

To date I've done some mild water work but nothing that involved extended periods of time in the water or depths that required bow wave know-how. I'm looking forward to learning, and would appreciate some advice beforehand on potential problem areas for the P38A.


Mine is a 1995 4.6L petrol V8 auto, Cooper ST tyres and Arnott Gen III air springs with Bilstein shocks. Some areas of concern that I would appreciate your views and experiences are:

• should I plug/tape the drain holes in the doors? they don't seem to sit inside the rubber seals as far as I can tell.
• are there any holes under the car that I should know about? I'd hate for the BECM under the driver's seat to get wet.
• holes in the firewall?
• where do the rear diff breathers vent to? should I extend them? I think the front diff and transfer case breathes in to the engine bay.
• is it a good idea to disconnect the fans before entering the water? if so, please tell me how. Will this upset some computer in the car?
• I noticed that the fog lamps on the front skirt have breathers/vents in them. Should I plug these?

I recently subscribed to 4WD Action mag and am expecting delivery of the bonus Michelles Sacks Water Bra any time now. In case it doesn't arrive in time I've purchased a couple of heavy duty tarps. Suggestions on how to fit these over the factory brush bar (full width - around the lights) would be much appreciated too.

I'd like to get a snorkel (like that guy in Dubai made for his P38A) or preferably a removable one (like that one on the D3 Disco over at DISCO3.CO.UK - View topic - Removable Snorkel), but I have no idea of where to start here in Canberra.

Sorry to write such a long wish list. I love my Rangie and just want to take a few sensible precautions so it doesn't turn in to a very soggy and/or expensive weekend.

Many thanks in advance - Cheers, Paul.

YouTube - Range Rover Sibbertoft