TexasRedfish

It's called an air dam. I took it off, as many others have, and had zero effect on ride quality.


Its general purpose is for aerodynamics for the underside but the manual does state that it can be removed for ie offroading purposes.


I believe there are 8 bolts that hold it. There are 2-3 tabs as well that help hold it in place.

TexasRedfish

Its there for aerodynamic purposes. Ford pushes for best mileage so all types of things come in to play: air dam, tailgate design, hood design, active grille shutters, etc.


Generally, if you were to remove/alter one of these items, im willing to bet your mileage would hardly be affected. If you were to remove/alter all of them, then the your mileage would most likely be affected.

stowaway

slight mpg boost but it also aids in cooling by creating a low pressure area behind it that helps draw air through the radiator and down under the truck.

m_morrison14

Good to hear there is no ill effects. Long ago I had a Z28 Camaro I was working on and didn't put the lower air dam back on. After driving I noticed the temp gauge way up, it actually directed airflow for cooling purposes. Of course the grill area of an F-150 is much different and gets cool air from other sources.

TexasRedfish

For the F150, per the manual and Ford videos, no where does it state that its for cooling purposes. They even recommend taking it off if ground clearance becomes an issue.


Many people, including myself, has taken this off. My temps never changed. I don't even recall hearing any instances of heating issues after people taking it off for the F150. Although I cant speak for any other vehicle, but as for the F150, the air dam does not aid in cooling.

stowaway

your temps shouldn't change under normal conditions because the thermostat regulates that. But when the stat is always open and flowing everything it can through the radiator, having some way to draw the now hot air out of the engine bay will help get more cool air in. Towing in the summer heat with the AC on is where it's most likely to show up on trucks.

paleus

So do you cut those 3 tabs off once you remove the air dam? Looks much better without the air dam, but I don't like those 3 tabs hanging there. Can you purchase that under bumper plastic piece?

emcewin

Some people have cut the 3 tabs off. I left them in case I ever decide to put the dam back on.

TexasRedfish

Cut it with a box cutter, shears, or dremel.


Some people actually just fold it back.


Or just leave it.


Note, if you end up cutting it off and then later down the line want to put it back you still can with the 8 bolts. The tabs just help hold the air dam in place.