Why do u not want to use your clutch in river crossings??
A couple of stories (mostly they didn't know it would be a bad thing):
"Alright so I got stuck in a mud pit with a water level that was halfway up my doors. I hadmy sway bars disconected and my axles locked. When I got stuck, my tires were still able to turn, but I couldn' move. I had my buddy pull me out from the rear. I shifted into neutral and was pulled out fine. I had my engine running the entire time I was stuck in the pit. The whole process took about 10 - 15 mins. Now the trans won't shift into gear. The clutch pedal feels spongey. It'll shift wen the engine is off, but when it is stated an I try to press the clutch and shift into gear,the gears make a whining noise. I was also able to get it to start in 1st gear on 4LO and was movng forward for a bit, but had to press on the clutch to get the jeep moving.
... I used the clutch to shift gears while in water multiple times going from 1st - 2nd and trying to reverse, then finally just to neutral. I also put the transfer case in 2H... should I not have done that?...
I had it towed to the dealership..."
"How do I get mud out of my clutch? It's in there now I need it out. Please help asap..."
"My buddy filled his clutch with mud and blew the stocker..."
"...He got stuck in a big mud hole and decided to try and get out going forwards and back..."