How to Install a Snorkel on a Jeep Wrangler JK?
Looking to take your Jeep Wrangler JK on some epic off-roading adventures?
Imagine conquering deep water crossings and muddy terrain without worrying about damaging your engine.
With a snorkel, you can make this dream a reality.
In this guide, we will walk you through the steps of installing a snorkel on your Jeep Wrangler JK, unleashing its full potential as the ultimate off-road machine.
Get ready to dive into the thrilling world of Jeep customization!
how to install a snorkel on a jeep wrangler jk
To install a snorkel on a Jeep Wrangler JK, follow these steps:
1.
Remove the windshield bracket and cowl by taking out the T40 bolts.
2.
Detach the door by removing the T50 bolts at each hinge.
3.
Remove the fender bolts in the engine bay, near the wiper cowl, and on the upper side of the fender liner using a 10mm socket.
4.
Take out the inner cowl bolts and pinch fender bolts under the inner fender.
Use a putty knife to break the adhesive on the fender.
Remove the antenna cable.
5.
Drill out the welds connecting the fender and upper cowl.
6.
Remove the intake box and install snorkel ducting accordingly.
7.
Install the snorkel properly.
8.
Reinstall all previously removed parts.
Tools needed: screwdriver, putty knife, drill with a stepped drill bit, pliers, 10mm socket, 1/2″ socket, ratchet, RTV, T30, T40, and T50 sockets, black paint, and Dremel with a cutting disk.
In summary, to install a snorkel on a Jeep Wrangler JK, remove various parts, drill out necessary welds, install the snorkel ducting and the snorkel itself, and then reattach all the previously removed components.
Use the listed tools to aid in the installation process.
Key Points:
- Remove windshield bracket and cowl, as well as the door, using T40 and T50 bolts
- Take out fender bolts and inner cowl bolts, break adhesive on fender with putty knife, and remove antenna cable
- Drill out welds connecting fender and upper cowl
- Remove intake box and install snorkel ducting
- Install snorkel properly and reattach all previously removed parts
- Tools needed include:
- screwdriver
- putty knife
- drill
- pliers
- sockets
- ratchet
- RTV
- Dremel with cutting disk
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💡 Did You Know?
1. The snorkel, often used for water crossings, was originally designed and used by the military during World War II to protect vehicles during river crossings and amphibious operations.
2. In addition to allowing your Jeep Wrangler JK to safely cross water obstacles, installing a snorkel can also improve fuel efficiency, as it provides a cleaner airflow to the engine.
3. Did you know that installing a snorkel on your Jeep Wrangler JK can increase the maximum wading depth from 19 inches to an impressive 33 inches? This can be particularly useful for off-roading enthusiasts who love conquering challenging terrains.
4. Snorkels are not only exclusive to Jeep Wranglers! Many other 4×4 vehicles, such as Land Rovers and Toyota Land Cruisers, also have snorkel options available for installation to enhance their capabilities.
5. The snorkel not only helps protect the engine from water ingestion, but it can also keep dust, debris, and insects from entering the air intake, making it a helpful accessory for off-roaders in dusty or sandy environments.
Remove Windshield Bracket And Cowl
When installing a snorkel on your Jeep Wrangler JK, the first step is to remove the windshield bracket and cowl. This creates the necessary space for the snorkel installation. To do this, you will need a screwdriver and a 10mm socket.
To begin, use the screwdriver to remove the T40 bolts securing the windshield bracket. Remember to store these bolts in a safe place for later reinstallation. Once the windshield bracket is removed, proceed to remove the cowl. Use the screwdriver again to remove the T40 bolts holding it in place. Once the bolts are removed, carefully lift and set aside the windshield cowl.
Remove Door
The next step in the snorkel installation process is to remove the door of your Jeep Wrangler JK. This step is necessary to provide enough space for the snorkel and ducting to be installed. To remove the door, you will need a T50 socket.
Start by locating the T50 bolts at each hinge of the door. Use the T50 socket to remove these bolts and carefully set them aside. Once the bolts have been removed, the door can be lifted off of the hinges and set aside in a safe location until it is time for reinstallation.
Remove Fender Bolts And Liner
To install the snorkel, follow these steps:
- Use a 10mm socket to remove the four bolts on the fender in the engine bay and the two bolts near the wiper cowl.
- Remove the five 10mm bolts on the upper side of the fender liner. Remember to keep these bolts safe for later use.
- Take a putty knife and use it to break free the adhesive that has been applied to the fender. Take care not to damage any parts during this process.
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Once the adhesive is broken free, carefully pull away the fender liner and set it aside.
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Use a 10mm socket for bolt removal
- Use a putty knife to break free the adhesive
- Remove fender liner carefully
Remember to store the bolts safely for later use.
Remove Inner Cowl Bolts And Pinch Fender Bolts
To remove the inner cowl bolts and pinch fender bolts, follow these steps:
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Gather the necessary tools: a putty knife, a 10mm socket, and pliers.
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Start by using the putty knife to break free the adhesive that has been applied at the fender. This will help to loosen the parts and make them easier to remove.
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Once the adhesive has been broken free, proceed to removing the inner cowl bolts and pinch fender bolts.
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Safely loosen and remove the bolts using the pliers. Take care to keep track of these bolts so they can be properly reinstalled later.
Remember to exercise caution and patience during this process to avoid any damage.
Drill Out Welds Connecting Fender And Upper Cowl
To successfully install the snorkel on your Jeep Wrangler JK, follow these steps:
- Drill out the welds: Begin by using a drill with a stepped drill bit to carefully create a hole in the welds connecting the fender and upper cowl. This will make it easier to remove the old parts and facilitate a smoother installation of the snorkel. Remember to wear appropriate safety gear, including goggles and gloves, during this step.
I. Ensure safety gear is worn, such as goggles and gloves.
II. Take your time during this step to avoid damaging the surrounding areas.
III. Using a drill with a stepped drill bit will provide precise control.
IV. Creating a hole in the welds will allow for easier removal and smoother installation of the snorkel.
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Remove old parts: Once the welds have been drilled, carefully remove the old parts, including the fender and upper cowl.
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Install the snorkel: With the old parts removed, it’s now time to install the snorkel on your Jeep Wrangler JK. Ensure proper alignment and secure it in place according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
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Check the manufacturer’s instructions for specific installation guidelines.
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Proper alignment is essential for the snorkel to function effectively.
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Secure the snorkel tightly to prevent any vibrations or leaks.
It’s important to follow these steps carefully to successfully install the snorkel on your Jeep Wrangler JK. Remember to prioritize safety and consider consulting a professional if you’re unsure about any aspect of the installation.
Remove Intake Box And Install Ducting
The next step in the snorkel installation process is to remove the intake box and install the ducting. This step requires the use of a screwdriver, a 10mm socket, and a dremel with a cutting disk.
Start by using the screwdriver and 10mm socket to carefully remove the intake box. Disconnect any attached hoses or cables and set it aside for later use or replacement.
Once the intake box has been removed, use the dremel with a cutting disk to create a hole in the appropriate location for the snorkel ducting. Be cautious to avoid damaging any surrounding parts or components.
After the hole has been made, install the snorkel ducting into the hole and ensure it is securely fastened. This will allow for proper airflow and ventilation once the snorkel is installed.
- Remove the intake box using a screwdriver and 10mm socket.
- Carefully disconnect any hoses or cables attached to the intake box.
- Use a dremel with a cutting disk to create a hole for the snorkel ducting.
- Install the snorkel ducting into the hole and securely fasten it.
Install Snorkel
Now that all the necessary preparations have been made, it is finally time to install the snorkel on your Jeep Wrangler JK. This step requires the snorkel itself, as well as any additional components or hardware that may be included with your specific snorkel kit.
- Start by carefully positioning the snorkel in the appropriate location on your Jeep’s body.
- Align it with the holes drilled earlier and ensure it fits securely.
- Once the snorkel is in place, use the provided hardware and fasteners to properly secure it to your Jeep.
Remember to refer to the installation instructions provided with your snorkel kit for more detailed steps.
Reinstall Previously Removed Parts
The final step in the snorkel installation process is to reinstall all of the previously removed parts. This includes the windshield bracket and cowl, the door, fender bolts and liner, inner cowl bolts and pinch fender bolts, as well as the intake box.
Take your time during this step to ensure all parts are correctly positioned and securely fastened. Use the appropriate tools, such as the screwdriver and 10mm socket, to reattach all bolts and components. Additionally, be sure to apply any necessary adhesive or sealant, such as RTV, to ensure a proper seal and prevent any leaks.
Once all parts have been reinstalled, take a moment to inspect your work and ensure everything is properly aligned and functioning as intended. If necessary, make any final adjustments before your Jeep Wrangler JK is ready for your next off-roading adventure with its new snorkel installed.
In conclusion, installing a snorkel on your Jeep Wrangler JK is a thoughtful and careful process that can greatly enhance your off-roading capabilities. Following the steps outlined above, and using the appropriate tools, will ensure a successful installation and the ability to confidently navigate through wet and muddy terrains without the worry of water damaging your engine.
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Reinstall all previously removed parts:
- Windshield bracket and cowl
- Door
- Fender bolts and liner
- Inner cowl bolts and pinch fender bolts
- Intake box
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Take your time to ensure correct positioning and secure fastening
- Use appropriate tools like screwdriver and 10mm socket
- Apply adhesive or sealant such as RTV for a proper seal
- Inspect the work for proper alignment and functionality
- Make final adjustments if necessary
Gear up and get ready to conquer new off-roading challenges with your newly installed snorkel!
FAQ
Is a snorkel worth it for Jeep JK?
Installing a snorkel on a Jeep JK can be a worthwhile investment, especially if you frequently venture into dusty or wet off-road environments. The addition of a snorkel allows your vehicle to access cleaner air by drawing it from a higher position, helping to minimize the amount of dust and debris that enters the engine. Moreover, when crossing deep rivers or streams, the snorkel enables the intake to remain above water level, preventing water ingestion and potential engine damage. Overall, if your off-roading adventures often involve dusty terrains or water crossings, a snorkel can offer valuable protection and enhance the performance of your Jeep JK.
What is the benefit of a snorkel on a Jeep?
One significant benefit of a snorkel on a Jeep is that it enhances the engine’s performance by ensuring the air intake remains clean and cool. By filtering out particles that could obstruct the engine’s functionality, the snorkel allows the engine to perform optimally. Additionally, the snorkel reduces strain on the air filters, increasing their lifespan and reducing the need for frequent replacements. Overall, the snorkel provides the engine with a continuous supply of the essential air it needs, effectively enhancing its efficiency and longevity.
What are the disadvantages of a snorkel?
While snorkels offer a convenient way to breathe and observe underwater, they come with a few drawbacks. Firstly, they create drag in the water, which can impede movement and affect swimming efficiency. This extra resistance can be particularly problematic when the snorkel tugs on the mask, as it can potentially loosen or displace the mask, jeopardizing the diver’s ability to see clearly. Moreover, snorkels have the potential to become entangled with external elements such as kelp or hair, which can cause discomfort, restrict movement, or even pose a safety risk. Lastly, certain equipment configurations may not be compatible with snorkels, limiting divers’ options in terms of personalizing their gear setups.
Does a snorkel add horsepower?
No, a snorkel does not add horsepower to a vehicle. While purchasing a vehicle snorkel may improve your car’s performance and reduce fuel consumption, it does not directly increase engine power. The main purpose of a snorkel is to provide the engine with cleaner and cooler air, which can lead to a more efficient combustion process and subsequently better performance. However, the snorkel itself does not generate additional horsepower.
