Thought I'd share. Didn't like how we have to rip into the fender well to get to the IDM. So this is where I started. When I finish, I'll post the rest. Enough for tonight...


Cut out with Porter Cable roto tool about 3/8 to cut through plastic and scribe into the insulation. Only cut sides and top so it 'hinges" on the bottom. I was gonna hinge it at the top but more room was more important to me. Mental note: long sleeves and gloves....lotsa fiberglass now in hands and arms!




Perfect access! A little tight to get to the bolts holding it in but it will be so much easier to get to from now on. Plastic diamond plate coming so it should end up looking awesome...I hope!




Siliconed it back up. Razor knife will cut through easily for future access. I think my wife is right...I just may have redneck in me. Make instead of buy. Common sense work.
_____________

 

I like it and Good job, but I have to ask......

How often do you have to get in to your IDM?

I have had my truck for almost 500K and the only time I have ever seen the IDM is when I pulled the liners to replace the manifolds and uppipes, do you have something going on taking out IDM's?

 

I know its not a common access, but with my luck, I'd have to replace it then the rebuilt one go bad...just easier from now on. Plus with the possibility of corrosion with this new "salt" they use in the NE, I am looking at it as a serviceable part that should be checked now and again. I want to hold on to this thing for a while.

Just a preference plus just didn't want to remove the trim. They never seem to go back exactly and the rub marks on the body usually end up showing.

Now I got access in seconds...THAT was my main motivator!