250sx water proofing question

[98rangerll]

from what im reading it seems that the 85 250 sx has problems with water getting in the rear diff / rear end components its there a fix for this or is the fix to put a 86-87 swing arm and components on and make the rear end a 86-87 seams like rtv or gasket paper snd some type of sealer would fix this problem im asking cause i just got 2 85 250sx and want to set them up right as i do go thru alot of water and river crossings and advice or info is appreciated

[Chazz of Blades]

Well, one way to check if the oil in your diff is getting water in it would be to look at the oil, when my 85 250es took a bit in creek crossing, it turned kind of milky grey.

[98rangerll]

i plan on goin thru and replacing and seals bearing and fluid in the whole chassis and diff before spring as i am in the prosses of getting the frame powdercoated and reasembling it back from the ground up so once done if i go in water and river crossings alot do to my riding area will i still have issues with the drive shaft and diff getting water in them.
Yes i do understand that diff fluid and even engine oil will turn milky grey or brown if water does get to it and mixes in to it im wondering if anyone has a sullution to keep it from happening.
like maybe switching to 86-87 swing arm and components as from what im hearing they seal up better due to updates the 85 didnt have.
maybe rtv gasket maker / making gaskets with gasket paper would fix the problem and seal it up to eliminate the problem.
Has anyone found a good fix for this or is it gonna be a problem? thanks for the imput though every bit is helpful

[Tri-ZNate]

RTV the crap out of the dust seal and you should be fine

[Dirtcrasher]

The biggest issue is the swingarm boot (which should have silicone under it), and the rear brake drum. On the 85, it turns and leaks like crazy, then eats away at all the right side seals and bearings until it makes it's way to the diff. Doesn't take long.............

[98rangerll]

if i silicone the swing arm boot and put a new brake drum seal in there is there any other seal that can be made on the brake drum or is that gonna be it besides rtv on the breather and tearing it down and replacing the seal pretty often i have gasket paper i can make seals with and i also have rtv if there is not other seal that i could put on there is there a way that maybe i could fab out a aditional seal for the drum or maybe convert it to a disc brake?

[Tri-ZNate]

or maybe convert it to a disc brake?

Its funny you say that. There was a company about 2 years ago that was making disk brake kits to install on shaft drive ATVs. IMO its not worth it on and SX but do a search and see what you come up with. If the SXs made it 25 years with their flaws then they will make it a few more if you change out the rear end fluid on a regular basis

[98rangerll]

you realy seem to know your stuff and i appreciate all the time your giving me thanks nate let me ask this also if i just stay as is stock how often should i look at replacing the brake side diff seal and also as far as diff fluid goes is there a specific diff fluid i should use? and is there any kind of guide lines on how often i should change the diff fluid like every so many hours or just check it and if its milky change it only then thanks for all the help guys

[Vealmonkey]

Now come on, it's sort of common sense. If you are driving through water deep enough to be above your diff boot weekly, then you want to check it every other week or more often. Unless you have an unlimited supply of money and parts. LOL

[98rangerll]

see when it comes to trucks especially fords i can almost quote specs and what not but these 3 wheelers are a little diferent thats why im askin cause if its one of the deals were if i got it wet one time and needed to tear it apart everytime i got it wet to check it i want to know so i make sure i do it i dont know how picky these are so i figure better to ask then be sorry 25 miles from home in the middle of the woods and thats realistic as to how far i could be from the house i have a 06 raptor 350 and i go every place with it except the vourt house and police station lol

[Tri-ZNate]

People will drive years with water intrusion, dont sweat it too much. If you gave it a good soaking in the creek just pop the cap when you get home and see how bad it is. Most importantly ..... Have Fun.

[98rangerll]

ok thanks man like i say im new to trikes and wanna know what i am doin before i go screw it up im pulling the engine and doing a topp end build on it and checking all the bearings and replacing all the leaking seals now and will also go thru the diff and swing arm and so on next trying to do a cheap rebuild and have it tip top for summer might even paint the frame while i have it tore down i did notice on the second one that on the frame the bigger pipe at the top that goes from the fork stem toward the seat it has a bend its not a nig bend but you can see it with your eye any ideas as to weather i should try to straiten it if so how might i go about that ors would it be better to just use it as it is and use this second one as a beater? again thanks for all the info

[Dirtcrasher]

The 85 drum turns and a large 7" seal is suppose to seal it, it wears more and more on every ride.

The 86/87 drum is a cover with an o-ring that houses a drum which turns. Then on the axle needs a seal. Much better seal and design.......

[98rangerll]

is it possible to convert my brakes over to the 86/87 brake design by switching the brake assembly or would i have to do the whole swing arm brakes axle diff so on?