A fellow F150 ECB owner I work with mentioned I should get the front bumper screen to protect the after cooler from damage by rock etc. I have 55,000K on my 2011 and have been under the impression that's not a good idea. Any thoughts on adding an aftermarket screen for protection?

MB 2011 F150 4x4 5.5
XLT Lariat
ECB 3.73

 

My girlfriend just ordered a 2014 F150 and Ford now has a part that fits in front of the intercooler. It's not as protective as a screen, but it will be better than nothing and allow for a lot more air flow compared to blocking off your intercooler.

I don't have the part number in front of me, but I believe it begins with EL34.

Also, here is a thread that talks about it: intercooler grill - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums

The part number I have is slightly different than the one mentioned in the thread, but I assume that has something to do with the packages involved.

 

OK, thanks. I'll check out the thread.

 

I mounted the new for 2014 intercooler grill on my 2011 truck and I love the way it looks as compared tot he after market grills. I really cleans the hole up nicely which was my main objective and the part is available at any Ford dealer's parts counter. Some dealers even stock them.

 

Fortunately, my dealer includes those with the new trucks. I noticed several of the new trucks I looked at had that laying on the floor in the back, still in the plastic packaging. I assume they order one for all their trucks. When I bought my truck a few weeks ago, the sales guy was going to install it but didn't have a small wrench handy so I did it when I got home (5 minutes of work).

It's not really a screen. Just something to dress it up a little. It does have a couple vertical bars, but things like rocks will still be able to pass by easily. I'm not too concerned about it. I've never had any issues with A/C condensers or radiators leaking from debris hits on the highway from all the miles I've driven over the years.