Unknown line off rear axle

[Cyberbeer]

I have an 87 Ranger STX supercab 4x4. The rear diff is stock, I was under changing rear shocks today and noticed a line coming out of the rear drivers side axle. It looped around and near the parking brake line and then found itself clipped to the frame, I noticed at the end of it nothing is plugged in. It kind feels like vacuum line. Anyone have an idea what this is, and where it goes?

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

It is just a breather line, it lets the air vent in and out of the axle as it heats up and cools down. Should just be a rubber hose coming out of the axle tube and clipped the frame.

 

[dirtsquirt]

x2

 

[Cyberbeer]

Thanks I take it the front axle has the same thing. While I was greasing the front I noticed a similar line.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Thanks I take it the front axle has the same thing. While I was greasing the front I noticed a similar line.

Yup, same thing.

 

[Greg and Drew]

A common thing experienced 4 wheelers will tell you is that routing those vent hoses to a higher point than you expect to have wet will keep your differential oil from looking like a milkshake. Of course, it's sometimes hard to predict how far the rig might get wet. I'm pretty determined to keep the ECU dry though...

 

[Evan]

A common thing experienced 4 wheelers will tell you is that routing those vent hoses to a higher point than you expect to have wet will keep your differential oil from looking like a milkshake. Of course, it's sometimes hard to predict how far the rig might get wet. I'm pretty determined to keep the ECU dry though...

Even if you submerge the lines, they usually don't suck in TOO much water, as the diff is well-sealed and the tube has a 180 degree downward bend.

 

[Cyberbeer]

haha, thanks guys.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Even if you submerge the lines, they usually don't suck in TOO much water, as the diff is well-sealed and the tube has a 180 degree downward bend.

Kind of like a trap in a sink, but backwards. That was the intended idea anyway.