Dana 27 Vent Cap

While I had the radiator off (oh boy), I noticed a protruding bump covered with grime on top of the Dana 27. With some wire brushing and a little prying, a cap came right off. Couldn't find much info on this. Specifically, the cap appears to just be a press fit; wobbling in place. Could this really be? I'd think water and who knows what else would be able to get right in there. Having said that, it appears to have had some sort of mesh, maybe a heavy cotton, inside said cap.

I can't go out and snap any pictures for a few days, given my 3 day work shift. But I'll try come the end of the week.

Anyone have good knowledge about this wobbling bump? ;-)

 

That's pretty much all there is to it. It's a breather for the axle. That wobbling cap sits, maybe crimped onto, a threaded piece that is goes into the axle housing. I removed mine, installed a hose barb in it's place, and ran a piece of black hose up into the engine compartment.

 

What Wheelie said. Pretty much all there was to it. Remember these were budget/industrial vehicles built during a time when vehicle maintenance performed by owners on a regular schedule or after heavy use, water crossings, etc. was the norm instead of the exception. It was expected/understood that regular inspections and maintenance was performed by the owners. Unfortunately the drift from that is why most of these vehicles are pretty worn out.



Sent from my iPhone

 

Understood. And I definitely like the idea of a hose barn fitting, or some other fitting in place. Maybe a 2-3 pound pressure vented fitting from McMaster Carr or something similar is in place. I just don't like the idea of that being open to everything the Pacific Northwest has to offer.

 

Ureka! http://www.mcmaster.com/#breather-vents/=o5bm1p
Weather resistant breather cap, Option "A" is essentially a new version to the old idea.