Fording through deep rivers and puddles can leave your engine vulnerable to water potentially entering the air intake and engine, which can lead to costly engine damage like hydrolocking. Hydrolocking basically means that water has filled the cylinders, and since liquid can’t be compressed, something has to give. Usually, it’s your internal engine components, like a bent connecting rod, or worse. Much worse. Either way, it can cause your engine to come to a sudden, if not violent stop.

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Fortunately, there are a couple of easy solutions to this problem. The first and most obvious solution would be to steer clear of water at all costs. No puddles, no water crossings, and no fun. While this may sound simple enough, when you're deep in the wilderness with limited fuel, dodging water might limit your trail choices. The second option, and our personal favorite, would be to equip your vehicle with a snorkel.

IAG carries snorkels for your Bronco, Jeep, Toyota and more-

Investing in a snorkel tailored to your specific vehicle will ensure the best performance, lifting the intake point up near the roof of the truck and providing a watertight seal against the engine’s intake manifold to keep water out. While a snorkel allows for safer water crossings, it's just as important to have some solid fording skills to rely on, such as checking the depth before “diving” in. Also, don't assume your truck can submerge as deep as the raised intake might suggest—it’s not a submarine. Tip- even with a snorkel, water can still reach vital components under the hood. Knowing your vehicle’s capabilities and limitations, along with taking precautions to seal exposed electrical systems can save you from being stranded or from costly repairs.

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Snorkels aren't just useful for water crossings; they can also help keep your engine safe from dust and debris. When dust gets into the intake, it can mix with the oil, leading to premature engine wear and higher oil consumption. Positioned higher than the OEM intake, a snorkel draws in cooler, cleaner air from above, reducing the risk of contamination. This not only shields your engine but can also enhance performance and fuel efficiency. While invaluable on dry desert trails or dusty back roads, snorkels offer the same advantages when driving through polluted city streets.

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Of course, not all snorkels are created equal. A universal snorkel may save money up front, but a compromised seal can cost you money in the end. Additionally, if the snorkel manifolds aren’t designed to provide the proper airflow, it can cause your engine to run poorly, or even choke at higher RPMs. Our solution? If you have a 2021+ Ford Bronco with the 2.3L or 2.7L engine, the IAG Intake Snorkel seamlessly mounts on the factory Bronco intake, ensuring an exact fit for a tight seal. Constructed from durable ABS plastic, the manifolds on the IAG Snorkel are tough enough to take on the trails, while providing plenty of clean air for your engine.

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While most snorkels are based on a relatively simple design, it's important to consider certain features before choosing one for your vehicle. Some snorkels have an entirely open manifold, which, despite being elevated, can still take in dust and debris. Others have a simple screen that is built in to collect debris, but requires removal of the upper manifold to clean. Our Intake Snorkel is equipped with a reversible air intake system, allowing you to easily swap interchangeable plates to either open or close the forward-facing snorkel inlet. This gives you full control over your intake, especially in tough environments where dust is a persistent issue.

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One last thing to keep in mind when choosing a snorkel is the installation process. Since the snorkel mounts to the engine’s intake manifold and passes through to the exterior, you’ll need to cut into your vehicle’s front fender for proper fitment. Precision is key here—you’ll want to ensure the cut is accurate to create a solid mounting point and to prevent water intrusion. If you’re confident with tools and feel comfortable modifying your vehicle, installing a snorkel is a pretty straightforward task, especially if your snorkel came with good instructions. That said, if cutting into body panels feels daunting, a professional installation is always a stress-free option.

Installing a snorkel on the Gen 6 Bronco couldn’t be easier, check out the IAG Intake Snorkel, designed for a custom fitment to 2021+ Ford Broncos.