ARB Differential Breather Kit - Universal 4-Port Billet Manifold
170112
The ARB Differential Breather Kit is a universal high-flow drivetrain breather relocation system designed to help protect differentials, transmissions, and transfer cases from water contamination, dust, and pressure-related seal damage. By relocating low-mounted factory breather openings to a higher, protected location, this kit reduces the risk of water and debris entering critical drivetrain components during creek crossings, mud driving, rock crawling, and demanding off-road use. It's a practical upgrade for Jeeps, trucks, SUVs, overland rigs, rock crawlers, and custom 4x4 builds.
Built around a compact anodized billet aluminum manifold, the ARB 170112 kit provides four breather-line connections and a central splash-resistant air filter. The included 8 meters of 8mm polyethylene tubing allows builders to route multiple drivetrain breathers to one accessible location, creating a clean and serviceable installation. The system supports pressure equalization as drivetrain temperatures change, helping reduce stress on axle and transmission seals while keeping factory breather openings away from water and trail debris.
Includes:
- (1) Anodized Billet Aluminum 5-Port Manifold
- (4) 1/8" BSP Breather-Line Ports
- (1) 1/4" NPT Air Filter Port
- (1) Splash-Resistant Air Filter Assembly
- (4) 8mm-to-1/8" BSP Push-In Fittings
- (3) 1/8" BSP Port Plugs
- 8 Meters of 8mm Polyethylene Tubing
- (2) Self-Tapping Mounting Screws
- (25) Cable Ties
- Installation Instructions
Important: This is a universal breather relocation kit. Additional adapters or tubing may be required depending on the vehicle and drivetrain configuration. A raised breather system helps reduce water contamination but does not make drivetrain assemblies waterproof.
Specifications
| Manufacturer | ARB |
|---|---|
| Part Number | 170112 |
| Product Type | Drivetrain Breather Relocation Kit |
| Application | Universal 4WD / Off-Road |
| Manifold Material | Anodized Billet Aluminum |
| Manifold Design | 5-Port |
| Breather-Line Ports | (4) 1/8" BSP |
| Air Filter Port | (1) 1/4" NPT |
| Tubing Outside Diameter | 8mm |
| Tubing Material | Polyethylene |
| Tubing Length | 8 Meters / Approximately 26.2 Feet |
| Air Filter Type | Splash-Resistant Central Vent Filter |
| Supported Assemblies | Up to 4 Drivetrain Breather Connections |
| Mounting Type | Remote Mount / Elevated Location |
| Installation Type | Breather Extension & Relocation |
| Primary Application | Front & Rear Differential, Transmission & Transfer Case Breather Relocation |
| Required Components | Compatible Factory Breather Connections; Additional Adapters or Tubing Where Required |
| Known Incompatibilities | Drivetrain Breather Connections Without Suitable Adapters or Compatible Vent Routing |
| Quantity | One Complete Breather Relocation Kit |
Fitment
The ARB 170112 Differential Breather Kit is a universal relocation system designed for compatible drivetrain assemblies that require atmospheric pressure venting. It can be adapted to a wide range of 4WD vehicles and custom off-road builds using suitable breather fittings and tubing.
| Make | Model | Year Range | Axle Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jeep | Wrangler, Gladiator & Custom Jeep Builds | Various | Front / Rear Differential Breather Relocation |
| Toyota | Tacoma, 4Runner, Land Cruiser & FJ Cruiser | Various | Front / Rear Differential Breather Relocation |
| Ford | Bronco, F-Series & Custom 4WD Builds | Various | Front / Rear Differential Breather Relocation |
| Chevrolet / GMC | Silverado, Sierra & Off-Road Truck Builds | Various | Front / Rear Differential Breather Relocation |
| Ram / Dodge | Ram Trucks & Custom 4WD Builds | Various | Front / Rear Differential Breather Relocation |
| Universal | Rock Crawlers, Rock Bouncers & Tube Chassis Buggies | All | Custom Axle & Drivetrain Breather Routing |
| Universal | UTV / Side-by-Side Applications | Various | Compatible Breather Connections - Adapters May Be Required |
Compatible Drivetrain Assemblies:
- Front Differentials
- Rear Differentials
- Manual Transmissions
- Automatic Transmissions
- Transfer Cases
- Custom Axle Housings
- Fabricated Drivetrain Assemblies with Compatible Breather Connections
Fitment Notes:
- Universal breather relocation system for compatible drivetrain assemblies
- Supports up to four breather connections through one central manifold
- Verify factory breather fitting and thread size before installation
- Additional adapters may be required for some axle, transmission, or transfer case housings
- Mount the manifold and filter in a protected location above the expected water-crossing level
- Route tubing away from exhaust heat, driveshafts, moving suspension components, and sharp edges
- Allow sufficient tubing slack for suspension articulation and drivetrain movement
- Additional 8mm tubing may be required for long-wheelbase vehicles or complex drivetrain layouts
- Maintain proper venting for each connected drivetrain assembly
- Inspect factory axle, transmission, and transfer case seals before deep-water use
Builder Note: Breather routing should be planned alongside brake lines, wiring, fuel lines, and suspension components during a custom build. Mounting the manifold high in the chassis and keeping the tubing protected from heat and abrasion creates a cleaner installation that remains easy to inspect and service after trail use.
FAQ
What does the ARB 170112 Differential Breather Kit do?
The ARB 170112 relocates factory drivetrain breather openings to a higher, protected location. This helps reduce the chance of water, mud, and debris entering differentials, transmissions, and transfer cases while allowing internal pressure to equalize as drivetrain temperatures change.
Why do differentials and transfer cases need breathers?
As drivetrain components heat up, the air and lubricant inside expand. When they cool, internal pressure decreases. A breather allows pressure to equalize, helping reduce stress on seals and preventing unwanted pressure or vacuum buildup inside the housing.
How does a raised differential breather help during water crossings?
When a hot axle enters cold water, the internal air can cool rapidly and create a vacuum. If the factory breather is submerged, water may be drawn into the housing. Relocating the breather opening to a higher position reduces this risk.
How many drivetrain assemblies can the ARB breather kit connect?
The manifold provides four breather-line connections. These can be used for a front differential, rear differential, transmission, and transfer case, provided each assembly has a compatible vent connection and sufficient tubing is available.
Will this kit fit my Jeep Wrangler or Toyota Tacoma?
The ARB 170112 is a universal breather relocation kit that can be adapted to many Jeep and Toyota 4WD applications. Verify the factory breather fittings and routing requirements before installation, as additional adapters may be necessary.
Can I use this breather kit on a custom rock crawler or tube chassis buggy?
Yes. The compact manifold and flexible tubing make this kit suitable for custom drivetrain layouts, fabricated axle housings, and off-road tube chassis builds. Proper routing and protection from heat and moving components are important during installation.
Does the ARB 170112 make my differential waterproof?
No. A raised breather reduces the chance of water entering through the factory vent opening, but it does not make the drivetrain waterproof. Water can still enter through worn seals, damaged housings, or other openings during prolonged submersion.
Where should the breather manifold be mounted?
Mount the manifold in a clean, elevated, protected area above the expected water-crossing level. The location should remain accessible for filter inspection and service while keeping the tubing away from heat, abrasion, and moving drivetrain components.
How much tubing comes with the ARB Differential Breather Kit?
The kit includes 8 meters, approximately 26.2 feet, of 8mm polyethylene tubing. This is sufficient for many installations, but longer vehicles or complex routing may require additional tubing.
Does the kit include fittings and mounting hardware?
Yes. The supplied kit contents include the billet aluminum manifold, central air filter, push-in fittings, port plugs, mounting screws, cable ties, and installation instructions. Additional vehicle-specific adapters may be required.
Can I connect a transmission and transfer case to the same manifold as my axles?
Yes, provided the transmission and transfer case use compatible atmospheric breather connections. Each assembly can be routed to an individual manifold port. Verify the manufacturer's venting requirements before modifying factory breather systems.
Does a differential breather kit require regular maintenance?
Periodic inspection is recommended, especially after mud, water, or dusty trail use. Check the air filter for contamination, inspect tubing for damage or kinks, and confirm all fittings remain secure and unobstructed.