How to install a safari snorkel
29th July 2026 | 6 minutes to read
If you’re the kind of person who enjoys getting the tyres dirty on the weekend, you already know a snorkel is more than just a cosmetic upgrade. A properly fitted Safari Snorkel helps deliver clean, consistent airflow and gives you added confidence when you’re tackling dust, rain, or the occasional water crossing out bush.
Before you start cutting into your guard, take a few minutes to get organised. Make sure you’ve got all the required tools and materials listed and set aside enough time to do the job properly. Measure twice, drill once. It is the difference between a factory-looking fit and something that will catch your eye every time you walk up to the vehicle.
Remember that while this guide walks you through the general installation process, every vehicle and snorkel model can have its quirks. Always cross-check with your vehicle-specific Safari Snorkel installation guide for any additional details or alternate mounting methods. A bit of prep and patience up front will pay off in performance, durability, and a clean finish.
This guide walks you through the general installation process for a Safari Snorkel, covering tools required and each step from preparation through to final checks:
Special Tools Required
- Body Saw (reciprocating)
- Step Drill
- Die Grinder
- Drill Bits (0 mm, 4.0 mm, 8.0 mm & 10 mm)
- Sikaflex 227 Adhesive Sealant
- Loctite 243 (thread lock)
- Masking Tape
- Touch-up Paint
Note: Refer to your vehicle-specific Safari Snorkel installation guide for additional details.
Video Installation Guide
Step By Step Guide
Step 1: Air Intake and Air Deflector
Remove and discard air-intake ducting and air deflector
Step 2: Marking the Guard Panel
Align the guard panel template to the upper and rear edges of the guard panel.
Tape the template to the guard panel using masking tape.
Mark all holes and the cut-out section with a felt-tip pen.
Step 3: Drilling Pilot Holes for the Snorkel Outlet
Drill a pilot hole for each of the marked hole positions. Drill two 10mm diameter holes within the snorkel outlet cutout section as start entry points for the body saw.
Step 4: Drilling Mounting Holes for the Snorkel Outlet
Use a Step drill to drill the mounting holes to 16mm diameter.
Step 5: Cutting the Guard Panel
Use the body saw to cut away the marked section of the guard panel.
Step 6: Deburring & Painting
Deburr and paint all holes.
Step 7: Applying Loctite 243
Apply Loctite 243 to each of the stainless-steel mounting studs and install the studs into the snorkel body mounting inserts.
Step 8: Attaching Upper Mounting Bracket to Snorkel Body
Install the upper mounting bracket to the snorkel body with hex bolts.
Step 9: Marking the Upper Mounting Bracket
Place a strip of masking tape along the a-pillar panel and carefully install the snorkel body to the guard panel.
With the snorkel body correctly positioned, accurately mark the position of the upper mounting bracket onto the masking tape.
NOTE: Certain Safari Snorkel models require an alternate method to secure the a-pillar bracket.
Please refer to your specific Snorkel installation guide.
Step 10: Aligning the Bracket
Remove the snorkel body from the vehicle and remove the upper mounting bracket from the snorkel body.
Position the upper mounting bracket onto the a-pillar and align the bracket outline.
Mark the centre of the three mounting hole positions with a felt tip pen.
Step 11: Drilling Pilot Holes for the Upper Mounting Bracket
Drill a pilot hole at each of the three marked hole positions.
Drill each hole position to 8mm using an 8mm drill bit.
Deburr and paint holes.
Step 12: Securing the Upper Mounting Bracket
Install the plastic inserts into the 8mm diameter holes in the a-pillar.
Secure the upper mounting bracket to the a-pillar with three self-tapping screws.
Step 13: Air Cleaner Housing
Remove air cleaner housing.
Step 14: Sealing the Drain Valve
Installer Option: The air cleaner base contains a drain valve and hole. The drain valve and hole can permit water to enter the intake.
Safari advises that the drain valve and hole should be sealed with Sikaflex 227 to be watertight.
NOTE: All Safari Snorkel models require modifications to the air cleaner housing.
Please refer to your specific Snorkel installation guide.
Step 15: Installing Air Entry Hose
Install the air entry hose through the hole in the inner guard panel.
Loosely install correct hose clamps onto the inlet and outlet of the air entry hose.
Step 16: Reinstall Modified Air Cleaner Housing
Reinstall the modified air cleaner housing, guiding the air cleaner inlet into the air entry hose. Fasten the air cleaner housing using standard mounting bolts.
Align the inlet of the air entry hose to the snorkel body outlet cutout in the guard panel.
Tighten the hose clamp at the air cleaner base inlet to keep the air entry hose in position.
Step 17: Install the Snorkel Body
Carefully install the snorkel body to the guard panel, guiding the snorkel body outlet snout into the air entry hose, align the snorkel body to the guard panel and upper mounting bracket.
When correctly aligned, fasten the snorkel body to the guard panel with body washers and nyloc nuts.
Step 18: Fastening the Snorkel Body
Fasten the snorkel body to the upper mounting bracket with hex bolts.
Step 19: Installing the Safari Air Ram
Install the Safari Air Ram assembly onto the snorkel body.
ARMAX & V-SPEC Snorkels use alternate methods of mounting the air ram assembly.
Please refer to your specific Snorkel installation guide.
Double Checking the Installation
With everything bolted up, sealed, and aligned, take the time to go back over your work.
Check all mounting hardware, hose clamps, brackets, and sealing points. Make sure every drilled hole has been deburred and touched up, and that any required sealing, including around the air cleaner housing, has been done properly. Attention to detail here makes all the difference when conditions get tough.
A well-installed snorkel should look neat, sit solid, and seal tight. Done right, it will serve you for years of touring without drama and be one of the best 4WD upgrades you can get. If anything does not look or feel right, stop and refer back to your vehicle-specific guide before heading out.
Now you are set up and ready for whatever the track throws at you.
