Plastic thing under front bumper
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Junior User
Joined: Feb 2011
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Plastic thing under front bumper
Anyone on here know why Ford put that plastic piece under the front bumper? And has anyone taken it off and it still look good or an alternative? I crawled under my front end and Ford did not make it simple to get off, but personally i think it looks stupid and it takes away from your approach angle.
More Turbo
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 610
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I believe if you take it off it does leave some unsightly holes and it does keep you from seeing a few of the suspension components. Some on here have either cut it or installed one off of a 2wd model which is about half the size.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 155
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On the new trucks its also covering and protecting some cabling and electrical components. Removing the thing isn't advised. There are some owners who are installing the 2wd air dam though with is noticeably shorter. A pricey option, but I haven't come across any aftermarket solutions.
Jäger
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,491
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From: Northern Arizona
The air dam decreases air flow underneath the truck. Air flowing under the truck at highway speeds creates drag which reduces fuel mileage. That's the primary reason lifted trucks get worse mileage than stock. Larger and more agressive tread tires hurt mileage as well.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 6,600
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My understanding is the air dam creates about a 1-2 MPG difference.
So removing it will be a 1-2 MPG decrease because of what Kep4 said above.
I have not personally tested this to be able to provide an exact MPG number though.
So removing it will be a 1-2 MPG decrease because of what Kep4 said above.
I have not personally tested this to be able to provide an exact MPG number though.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2006
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I removed mine for about 6 months and I did lose about 1 mpg in the city and almost 2 on the highway. Needless to say it is back on for good. I didnt put those honker brackets or whatever they are back on though.
Tim
Tim
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From: Colorado foot hills
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2006
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Im not sure to be honest but that would make sence. If someone does not have the snow plow package it would be intresting to know. They look like fangs behind the rubber air dam. I would post pictures but never get it to work.
Tim
Tim
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From: Pflugerville, tx
Sam
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2006
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From: Mi'kma'ki
been putting off adding one to my old truck for far too long.
thanks.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2011
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From: Stafford Virginia
I went off-road muddin last night. I'm afraid to report I lost my plastic bumper thing to red clay. From a distance all you can see is two brackets. Up close you can tell that some wiring is exposed. I will need to get it replaced!
Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,598
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From: Maryland
If you have to replace it, you may as well get the 2wd version which as already stated is half the size and will give you better ground clearance. I know a guy with a lifted truck on 22s running the 2wd valence and he swears he has not seen any difference in mpg.