2WD Valance
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 448
Likes: 12
Laughing Gas
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 817
Likes: 18
Any downside to the modification? Are the 'protective protrusions' the reason for that-sized shroud on 4WD models ?
Trending Topics
Mountain Pass
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 217
Likes: 3
From: MA
I'd remove the valance completely.
And those brackets aren't saving anyone in an accident. Ditch them.
And those brackets aren't saving anyone in an accident. Ditch them.
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
5th Wheeling
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 44
Likes: 2
It's purpose is airflow, and it squeezes out a little MPG. Everyone obviously prioritizes that for themselves. I haven't messed with mine (yet) to see how much we're talking, but I imagine it's slight especially for non-highway speeds.
More Turbo
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 642
Likes: 14
The issue is better aerodynamics and drag reduction beneath the truck. 4x4 Super Duty’s are taller trucks, and have more stuff hanging below the bottom of the frame. Some say there is a small drop in fuel mileage when switching a 4x4 Super Duty to a 2x4 valence. And yes, most remove the Anti Dive brackets when they make the switch, which you have to do when installing a snow plow mount, winch bumper, front hitch, or grill guard.
Tuned
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 410
Likes: 33
Remove the valance altogether, along with the brackets, then prime and paint the "lip" on the bumper flat black and it all but disappears. I have searched and searched and the only MPG claims I have seen in regards to valance removal was a 1/4-1/3 MPG improvement.
Heard claims that it is more for creating a vacuum underneath to assist with airflow through the radiator.
Heard claims that it is more for creating a vacuum underneath to assist with airflow through the radiator.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 448
Likes: 12
Tuned
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 410
Likes: 33
For cosmetics or did you notice any MPG gain? I had intended to mention chopping down the original vs. paying for new, but forgot to. Pretty easy to measure, mark, and tape at best, then cut by hand or rotary tool. Done lots of Harley parts like this.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 159
Likes: 1
From: Las Vegas, NV
Just to make clear: going from a 4WD (deep) valance to the 2WD (shallow) valance MAY result in a slight DECREASE in MPG. The thought is that the deeper 4WD valance may help airflow under the truck.