I went to do my first oil change today, 7,000 miles, and noticed I didn't have to remove a cover to get to my drain plug. Every video I watched on YouTube had plastic/felt cover below the drain plug. Truck is a 2023 lariat 4x4 3.5 eco boost super crew. Was anyone else missing this cover? I'm assuming it was omitted because of Covid supply chain issues.

 

My XLT , same layout didn't have one either. I don't know if there is any rhyme or reason to what gets it or supply issues as you're thinking. Doesn't really hurt any thing. Some myself included have put on a steel factory shield, for me it was a hide the cats move more than skid plate.

 

I had none on my 22 5.0, but my sons 2.7 had the felt. So I did the same and bought the metal plate to cover the cats.

 

My '19 2.7 has the felt cover and the 22 5.0 doesn't. I'm surprised the cover has lasted this long since I see so many f150s up here with theirs flopping around.

 

I don’t think it’s protecting anything and has to do with airflow. From what I’ve seen only certain powertrains came with them. My wife’s mkz has a bunch of them along the underbody and I’m surprised how well they’ve held up for the past 10 years. I expected them to be all shredded by now

 

Nothing on my 2023 Lariat, with FX4 package.

 

Yeah, I'm thinking it has more to do with air flow than protection. I'll have to look into getting something metal to cover the cats.

 

@Hammerdown79 -

the felt cover is more of a PIA than anything....ive got it on our '20 expedition...if anything it provides some wind deflection (nothing more).
you CAN add the "raptor" skid plate, or an after market skid plate ($$$).

the Ford/Raptor part has a "trap door" to facilitate oil changes....

You can read about my experience and see the part numbers needed at this post - https://www.f150forum.com/f129/skid-...3/#post7429110

 

The oil trap door will only help on the 5.0

 

My 2023 Lariat FX4 does not have the cardboard cover.