Ok, I know this might be a dumb question but. The fiber board or so it seems under the motor on the eco boost motors, why is it there. Seems as though it will hold a lot of dirt and water if off roading. Can it be removed with out consequences? It was't on my 5.0 motor.

 

Great question and one I'd like to know as well. It is utterly worthless as a skid plate. I'm very disappointed Ford didn't replace it with a metal part on FX4 optioned trucks. All it appears to do is protect the transmission and cats from bouncing rocks. I'd like to know if it's standard on all trucks or part of a package/option. That could help define its purpose.

I thought I read somewhere that it might be a heat shield. The theory being if brush got up near the hot cats it could catch fire. The "Ask a Ford Engineer" thread might be a good place to inquire.

 

Never mind, the "ask a ford engineer" section has been closed...

 

It's to keep the EcoBoost exhaust from starting fires and it's a sound deadener. Took mine off. The truck isn't as quiet at idle and I don't drive through grassy areas.

 

My new NA 3.5 2016 also has it and I would tend to say it's probably more for aerodynamics (as well as a splash guard) than anything else.