MY '17 Clone
Mountain Pass
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 111
Likes: 0
True, it could affect mpg. So do leveling kits and tires. I've had numerous trucks with these on the front bumper and they were all either removed or replaced with a less obtrusive version. I'll trade the hit in mpg for being able to drive over small obstacles and through ruts when necessary, but that's just my opinion. And to top it off, it looks a lot better.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 1,613
Likes: 156
i took the 4” air dam off my gmc and recently put it back on. i have not noticed any change in fuel mileage. can’t imagine the ford being any different
Cargo Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,336
Likes: 4
From: Western New York
The other reason for the air dam is air circulation. By channeling the oncoming air away from the front of the vehicle there is a negative air pressure created underneath the truck since the rear is wide open. This allows the air coming through the radiator a better means to exhaust and maintain a higher rate of flow across the cooling fins and hence better cooling of the engine. The air dam was not designed to be that tall for no reason or for some race looking cosmetics. Change it if you want but it does serve multiple, positive functions.
Prolocutor
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 13,618
Likes: 1,245
From: Western MA
Don't doubt it. It's the reason Ford installs it. LOL.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Mountain Pass
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 111
Likes: 0
No doubt Ford puts it on there to improve air flow around and into the bottom and underside of the truck, and in the process, squeeze a marginal amount of improved fuel economy into the equation. I think most here, including myself, were aware of its purpose long before this OP replaced his with the lower profile 2wd version.
To to say it "significantly" impacts fuel economy however, is a bit of a stretch. If a significant hit in fuel economy (to someone driving a 4wd 250/350) is less than or equal to 1mpg, than I agree, there's a possible significant impact. Otherwise, it's a negligible amount for most who own these trucks.
This is is based on nothing but my own experience over the years in calculating mpg by hand (not by the truck's readout). Anything's possible I guess and maybe these new Fords take a significant 2-4mpg hit with 1-2 inches of plastic missing from the bottom of the front bumper. Don't own one yet so I can only attest to what I've seen with other brands and previous body style Ford trucks.
To to say it "significantly" impacts fuel economy however, is a bit of a stretch. If a significant hit in fuel economy (to someone driving a 4wd 250/350) is less than or equal to 1mpg, than I agree, there's a possible significant impact. Otherwise, it's a negligible amount for most who own these trucks.
This is is based on nothing but my own experience over the years in calculating mpg by hand (not by the truck's readout). Anything's possible I guess and maybe these new Fords take a significant 2-4mpg hit with 1-2 inches of plastic missing from the bottom of the front bumper. Don't own one yet so I can only attest to what I've seen with other brands and previous body style Ford trucks.
Prolocutor
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 13,618
Likes: 1,245
From: Western MA
No doubt Ford puts it on there to improve air flow around and into the bottom and underside of the truck, and in the process, squeeze a marginal amount of improved fuel economy into the equation. I think most here, including myself, were aware of its purpose long before this OP replaced his with the lower profile 2wd version.
To to say it "significantly" impacts fuel economy however, is a bit of a stretch. If a significant hit in fuel economy (to someone driving a 4wd 250/350) is less than or equal to 1mpg, than I agree, there's a possible significant impact. Otherwise, it's a negligible amount for most who own these trucks.
This is is based on nothing but my own experience over the years in calculating mpg by hand (not by the truck's readout). Anything's possible I guess and maybe these new Fords take a significant 2-4mpg hit with 1-2 inches of plastic missing from the bottom of the front bumper. Don't own one yet so I can only attest to what I've seen with other brands and previous body style Ford trucks.
To to say it "significantly" impacts fuel economy however, is a bit of a stretch. If a significant hit in fuel economy (to someone driving a 4wd 250/350) is less than or equal to 1mpg, than I agree, there's a possible significant impact. Otherwise, it's a negligible amount for most who own these trucks.
This is is based on nothing but my own experience over the years in calculating mpg by hand (not by the truck's readout). Anything's possible I guess and maybe these new Fords take a significant 2-4mpg hit with 1-2 inches of plastic missing from the bottom of the front bumper. Don't own one yet so I can only attest to what I've seen with other brands and previous body style Ford trucks.
It's not negligible over the lifetime of the vehicle or Ford wouldn't put it there. Personally I could care less about mileage and have no idea what any of my vehicles get. When my cars get close to empty, I stop and fill them up. That's the extent of my interest in MPG's. On the air dam, I just so happen to like the looks of the 4wd version but as I said earlier, looks are subjective. Bottom line is I was only pointing out why it was there. Not that I cared one way or the other about someone changing theirs. I guess it came across as if I'm a MPG watcher but all I really meant to say is it isn't there just for looks...
Cargo Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,336
Likes: 4
From: Western New York
Another factor being ignored is the actual usage of the truck in the real world. Those who tootle around town with very few long trips will probably not see a difference at all. Those who spend hours on the interstate where the ground effects have time to do their job would notice a much larger benefit at keeping them intact. And those who haul heavy would really notice the difference in the operating temperatures. When you examine the modern OTR equipment you have to realize the deflectors and dams are not just there to make pretty trucks. Each and every component is designed to eek our better fuel mileage and adequate engine cooling. They are not just fluff.
Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 10,118
Likes: 650
From: NH
Besides his personal deal, you have to have 20s to get the 3.55 locking rear end! Ticks me off. I didn't want to spend that $1420 on wheels that I was going to take off. I too have a nice set with new tires ready to go on the new truck. Still cheaper than getting a King Ranch.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 180
Likes: 0
Cmon!!! A whole page on my build thread over a freakin air dam. 
Please don't debate every mod I do to my truck, start a new thread of your own please if you want to debate.
It's called hot rodding, people have been doing it for years guys, even yourselves. Taking a factory engineered part, removing, modifying or replacing to make it your own without much care of the consequence, be it negligible or significant.
3 Trucks with over 350,000 miles have had this air dam swap done to it with absolutely no adverse effects.
Whew... ok I vented.
Now back to a positive and informative thread. Have a nice day 
Here's a little engine **** for you... The current engine i built in my Pontiac and another one I'm building just because it's an addiction
Please don't debate every mod I do to my truck, start a new thread of your own please if you want to debate.
It's called hot rodding, people have been doing it for years guys, even yourselves. Taking a factory engineered part, removing, modifying or replacing to make it your own without much care of the consequence, be it negligible or significant.
3 Trucks with over 350,000 miles have had this air dam swap done to it with absolutely no adverse effects.
Whew... ok I vented.
Now back to a positive and informative thread. Have a nice day Here's a little engine **** for you... The current engine i built in my Pontiac and another one I'm building just because it's an addiction
