One of the more interesting early modifications for water fording is visible in the picture below. Note how the jeep facing the reader has the exhaust vented out the front of the grill with the muffler laying parrallel to the grille. I can’t say I’d ever seen that before.
The CJ-3A.info page notes: “The recommended maximum fording depth of an unmodified jeep was 21 inches. That is about the height of the fuel pump and transfer case vents. Any deeper and things would start to fill up with water. Even at this relatively shallow depth the Technical Manual (2) advised that the generator brace should be “pulled up to release tension on the fan belt and stop the fan from throwing water over the engine”. That would be important in order to keep water off the ignition system. During a combat landing the 21″ maximum fording depth was not adequate.”