what's the purpose of the "felt" (or whatever material it is) shielding that is underneath the truck. It basically covers the transmission oil pan.
I just went to change my engine oil and the "felt" is covered in ice and snow making it a real pain to get it out of the way to get the engine oil drain plug out.
I'm assuming the shield is for road noise? There's no way it could protect the transmission pan from a stick or a rock????
thanks
rob c.

 

Simple aerodynamics and a little bit of debris protection, it also helps with noise as you stated.

 

So it's probably safe to leave it off for the winter months?

 

I left mine off after the first oil change. Most members with 10+K miles on their trucks have found they get soiled with grease, oil, and debris. Mine has been removed for several months, and I have noticed no performance or noise changes.

There are several aftermarket covers to replace it, however I do not find it necessary unless you do a lot of offroading on uneven surfaces.