Removing front bumper valance / air dam

[peterk9]

Do we really need the front air dam? I'd like to take it off for more front end ground clearance. Would doing so interfere with engine or transmission cooling? Any cons to taking it off?

Welcome to the Forum.
Do you have the factory installed tow package? If yes, there is an opening in the air dam for cooling purposes. As noted above, the air dam is part of the overall aerodynamics. Some members have removed it and others have trimmed the bottom 'lip'. Any modification of it likely won't affect anything until driving at higher speeds.
Check out this thread I found using the Forum's handy 'Search' feature (upper right); http://www.explorerforum.com/forums...to-trim-lower-fasica-prevent-scraping.336640/

Peter

 

[5erdriver]

Thanks, guys. The vehicle does not have a tow package. I'm thinking about a 2" lift kit for the front to even out the car and give a little more ground clearance in the front.

 

[reserved50]

even if it did have a tow package or sport model you can take it off, you'll just have a bare scoop showing under the vehicle

 

[Halwg]

Take it off. There are no adverse effects. I did it on a 2014 XLT and the car was fine. It also stopped scrapping on every horse turd!

 

[peterk9]

Thanks, guys. The vehicle does not have a tow package. I'm thinking about a 2" lift kit for the front to even out the car and give a little more ground clearance in the front.

I believe the reason the front end is a little lower is so that when you have weight in the rear the vehicle would be more or less level. If you even out the front then when you have weight in the back (passengers, items etc.) the vehicle would have a lower back end which would not be ideal at night since the headlight beams would be raised.

Peter