madeSICC

the other day i noticed that the hose towards the front of the rear end was disconnected, connected it back up. also noticed that there always seems to bea moisture stain around there. its not wet at all but you can tell it has been. so what do these hoses do and did it hurt anything if one was disconnected for i dont know how long.

Mod (Ret.)

"Breather" tube for the rear axle. Vents the rear end housing. Use a tie wrap to keep it in place if it continues to pop off. Don't let water into the hole; the hose should be venting up and above any possible water line (assuming you have 4x4 or go through water).

driver444

Bucko's right about the water. If you've been in water deep enough to get into where that hose attaches, change your differential fluid asap.

madeSICC

never been through any substantial depth of water, haha couldnt ever find any. but i dont know how long it has been off for so it is possible that some water has got in there, i should probabaly just change it to be safe. cheaper to do it now then have to rebuild later. and i will tie it off tonight. thanks for the help guys.