what is this for?

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Dec 28, 2007 | 11:41 PM

stormchaser1

Thread Starter

Junior User

Joined: Dec 2007

Posts: 98

Likes: 0

what is this for?

what is the black plastic under the front bumper?
and do i need it on there?

Dec 29, 2007 | 12:27 AM

ATC Crazy

Hotshot

Joined: Jun 2003

Posts: 12,340

Likes: 4,355

From: SW VA

You talking about the air-dam? If so...you can take it off, but it will look ugly. The frame rails will be visible.

Dec 29, 2007 | 02:02 AM

bla1879

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Mar 2007

Posts: 1,398

Likes: 1

From: Simi Valley, CA

yeah its mostly, i think, to cover up all the hardware under there, a lot of guys where i live take them off, a lot of them are ugly, some people cap the frame rails, which looks alright, but you can still see the undersides of the truck, it comes off easy enough

Dec 29, 2007 | 03:52 AM

khadma

Carpenter Local 745

Joined: Apr 2006

Posts: 5,794

Likes: 11

From: on da beach

The plastic is a purposely installed item. I am serious about this. This plastic fascia is used to direct air up in to the engine compartment to aid in cooling.
I remember reading about this years ago, the article suggested not removing the fascia because it is a functional piece.
These pieces started showing up in the late 80s and are used on many different makes and models.

And it does hide all those parts too.

Dec 29, 2007 | 08:27 AM

crehberg

Senior User

Joined: Jun 2007

Posts: 276

Likes: 0

From: Georgia

Mine is beat all to heck....but I still leave it on. I figure "if it ain't broke too bad....might as well just leave it there!!!".

Dec 29, 2007 | 10:13 AM

Bobby82490

Posting Guru

Joined: Dec 2006

Posts: 1,466

Likes: 0

From: N. Fort Myers,FL

I ripped mine off on a hill and havent seen any negative effects from it. Im not going to put another one on because they are expensive and with the framerails exposed it makes the perfect place to use a farm jack.

Dec 29, 2007 | 11:01 PM

stormchaser1

Thread Starter

Junior User

Joined: Dec 2007

Posts: 98

Likes: 0

ok, thanks to all, off it comes

Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Joe Kucinski

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

Dec 30, 2007 | 11:48 AM

Bobby82490

Posting Guru

Joined: Dec 2006

Posts: 1,466

Likes: 0

From: N. Fort Myers,FL

Quote:

Originally Posted by crehberg

I had never thought of that....good point!!

I remember it would take practically forever to change a tire with the stock bottle jack. But one night i came out to my truck to leave a taco place, and my front tire had a nail in it and was almost flat. Since there was no gas stations close, i decided to just put the spare on, that way when i get home i could plug it. It took longer to take the spare out from under the truck, than it did to jack it up and take the tire off.
Heres some pics of my front end w/frame jack.

Attached Images