Off Road Package

[tylereckhart]

This is my first post. I drive a 2003 Explorer XLT. I like to go hunting and fishing and have ample places to go the problem is i keep getting mud into my alternator and up under the hood when i go out there. a mechanic told me i needed to get some sort of protection for it. i just do not know what to look for. I would like to eventually add a bunch of features to my explorer like a lift and skid plate, but for now id just like to not have to worry about getting mud into anything it shouldnt be in. you practically have to go mudding to get to my favorite spots. any help is greatly appreciated.

 

[2Trux]

I would suggest adding a plate between the bumper and front axle to keep mud from being forced up in front of the engine when you hit a puddle. Perhaps a shield for around the alternator.
You might want to post your question in the modified section as many of them tend to do more 4-wheeling and might have had to deal with this problem.

 

[HiImBrian]

You don't have to go as far as adding a steel skid plate down there. A few self tapping screws and a nice heavy sheet of plastic would do the trick, at least temporarily. That would solve your problem and cost you less than $25 at Home Depot.

A plastic insert for a fluorescent light would work great (not the textured and easily breakable ones). Just cut it to size and screw it on. If you put the effort into it, you can pretty much block off the entire underside from the wheel wells around. Great practice for when you go to fab up your steel one too, and you'll already have a template.

The only thing you'd have to be concerned about is heat escaping from the engine bay, but as long as you're smart about where you put them and allow for that you'll be fine.

Just be sure to take them off and clean out whatever mud and dirt get up there.