Add lower airdam underbody cooling air duct to PIU

[BrettS.]

The civilian tow package Explorers and the Explorer Sport have a underbody air dam cooling duct that directs air from under the radiator area towards the rear turbo, oil cooler, and PTU. Has anybody added this lower airdam cooling duct to their PIU? I removed the "Powertrain Protection Shield" aka underbody skidplate under the motor. I noticed there are several holes in the frame that I think make be for the cooling duct but I am not certain. I think it might fit but don't want to buy it and then realize it wont fit.

Lower Air Dam Intake Duct Falls Off / Missing

Just drove 450 miles of interstate yesterday. Hit nothing I'm aware of. Woke up this morning. Backed my '12 Explorer out of the parking spot. Heard a noise. Climbed out. There on the ground was the duct assembly that rests behind the front air dam. No sign of breakage. Just laying there...

www.explorerforum.com

 

[peterk9]

Hi Brett. I'm not aware of anyone that has installed one on a vehicle that didn't come with it. Some have replaced it due to losing it as the link mentions. I did find this; 2015-2019 Ford Lower Shield FB5Z-7810494-A | TascaParts.com

Peter

 

[BrettS.]

It fits! You have to remove the metal skidplate which I previously did first. The retainers are in the frame so you only need the cooling duct and thumbscrews.

There are actually two different lower shields. FB5Z-7810494-A fits if you modify it a little. You need to cut a groove in the front and trim the rear a little to clear the cat. Then it bolts right in. However the 9910494 appears to be a better fit and would bolt right in. It has the front groove and the rear is better designed to clear the cat.

 

[peterk9]

It fits! You have to remove the metal skidplate which I previously did first. The retainers are in the frame so you only need the cooling duct and thumbscrews.

There are actually two different lower shields. FB5Z-7810494-A fits if you modify it a little. You need to cut a groove in the front and trim the rear a little to clear the cat. Then it bolts right in. However the 9910494 appears to be a better fit and would bolt right in. It has the front groove and the rear is better designed to clear the cat.

Do you have the cutout in the lower bumper? Lower grille cutout?

Peter

 

[BrettS.]

No I do not. The PIU does not have the lower plastic airdam at the bottom front where that cutout is. My front bumper ends directly below the A/C / radiator opening above that plastic airdam. The civilian explorers have a lip/airdam that hangs lower that has that cutout. Mine doesn't. Where the civilian airdam would be is where they mount the big metal skidplate.