Plastic front air dam...

hockeyfanjeff · #1 12-10-2006, 09:50 PM

I recently hit a snowbank and the plastic air dam under the front bumper is loose on one corner. Currently i have it zip tied onto the bumper through the rivet holes. How important is it to have this on the truck? Or can I pop the rest of the rivets and just take it off?

Hamish · #2 12-10-2006, 10:26 PM

I had mine off for awhile and just recently put it back on with no problems.

89Lariat · #3 12-10-2006, 10:46 PM

I busted the one on the Ranger going through water, and took it off the Explorer. Really isnt that important.

Atipsword · #4 12-11-2006, 12:49 AM

"Supposedly" It helps with gas mileage somehow but I don't know If I believe that. I broke mine off on my Chevy and did not notice a difference. Other than that i guess it's just your opinion on how it looks.

OAC'04 Wildcat · #5 12-12-2006, 11:50 AM

Mine came half off on a snow drift a couple years back, took it completely off with no issues, mileage is the same and the truck just looks better without it.

Now if only I could prevent the snow from getting to the belts my alternator could run without issue.

Ford4ever · #6 12-13-2006, 10:54 AM

Technically its part of the cooling system, it helps create a vacuum under the engine to help suck air through the radiator. Maybe if you do really heavy towing on the thruway you might notice a difference, but otherwise youll be ok without it. All mine have been ripped off by mud or snow within a few months of buying the trucks and i dont bother to put them back on.

-Jon

hockeyfanjeff · #7 12-13-2006, 01:22 PM

Thanks for the info everybody! You're right Wildcat, they do look better without them. Great point Ford4ever, I doubt mine will see any heavy towing. 2wd SC SB 302, it just sees light hauling and trips around town.

Steve83 · #8 12-13-2006, 08:53 PM

In the South, Chebbies will overheat without them. Fords don't seem to have a problem - maybe down in South America...