Removing or Trimming Front Air Deflector / Dam

[Mishtar]

That is good news jd. Anyone able to actually do a quick measurement and tell me the actual height from the ground to the bottom of the fascia.

 

[sm4astan]

In case you missed it, I posted some on this topic over in this thread >>> http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=308565.
I linked out to a review that mentioned the following -

Explorer’s new front clip does not exactly have an abundance of ground clearance, but Ford cleverly made the fuel-economy-enhancing spoiler underneath the front fascia out of a pliable material. The flexibility allows the Explorer to do things like, you know, go through two-foot snowdrifts without damaging the whole front end.

 

[Mishtar]

Weird I have typed and posted this three times and it has not shown up.
Even if it works well when driving forward it does not mean it well bend so well if it catches on something you have to reverse over. I think it will catch and rip it right off.

 

[TomTomNJ]

After I trimmed it, I have almost 11" of clearance up front. The lowest part that I could reach and measure under the car seems to be about 9".

I wouldn't want to hit that trim piece. Even if it bends, it will damage it and look like crap, or worse, it will crack and then you have to replace it.

Cutting it off was the best thing I did. It looks better and will not get in the way.

 

[Rick]

I took before and after shots, but I can't figure out how to post pictures.

The directions say that below the message box, I would find a button labelled 'Manage Attachments'. No such button found and I did NOT select "quick reply".

If I figure it out, I will post them.

Check this link for info on posting pics to the forum:
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=147920

 

[mrchua]

Removing or Trimming Front Air Deflector

Hi,

Anyone here tried removing the entire lower front fascia/skirt because it scrapes most of the time on ramps? Its just too low.
I saw a topic here on how to trim but im thinking of just removing it instead of just trimming..

Anyone?

 

[peterk9]

Hi,

Anyone here tried removing the entire lower front fascia/skirt because it scrapes most of the time on ramps? Its just too low.
I saw a topic here on how to trim but im thinking of just removing it instead of just trimming..

Anyone?

There have been a few threads on this topic. I agree it is quite low. If you are willing to sacrifice a little mpgs then I guess you can take it off.
Here is one of my posts from a previous thread.

Yes, the lower valance is part of the vehicle's overall aerodynamic design. I believe it acts as a spoiler to direct the air downward under the vehicle to reduce drag. I saw it explained in a video a few months ago and I believe it actually is designed to flex under highway speeds. There is an article that states that the front air dam (valance), side view mirrors and rear spoiler will add almost 1 mpg on the highway.

http://detroit.cbslocal.com/2011/04/...beat-the-pump/


Peter

 

[mrchua]

Ya that makes sense but scraping on minimal ramps and gutters is just embarassing and inconvenient for a AWD SUV.

I think I will just remove it.

Did you remove yours?

 

[willyexpy]

Ya that makes sense but scraping on minimal ramps and gutters is just embarassing and inconvenient for a AWD SUV.

I think I will just remove it.

Did you remove yours?

It's an AWD, not 4X4. Nobody around you cares. Shoot I have a FWD, not even AWD, so I'm at a full disadvantage. Hahahahaha!!! (vegas does not see too much need for AWD)

 

[peterk9]

Ya that makes sense but scraping on minimal ramps and gutters is just embarassing and inconvenient for a AWD SUV.

I think I will just remove it.

Did you remove yours?

I have not and do not plan to remove mine. In 1 1/2 years I have only scraped it twice. Once on a curb while driving straight into a parking spot and once when going into a store's driveway when part of the road had quite a dip in it. Now I just make sure to drive around that spot.

Peter

 

[mrchua]

My other car is a sedan with a low profile setup. The reason why i bought an SUV is because i dont wana worry about these park stoppers and ramp curbs.

 

[peterk9]

My other car is a sedan with a low profile setup. The reason why i bought an SUV is because i dont wana worry about these park stoppers and ramp curbs.

I understand what you are saying but unfortunately with this vehicle you will sometimes run into those situations. After my first scrape with the curb I adjusted my parking practice and stop short of where I would normally go. Also, I usually back into many non parallel parking spots anyway.
Good luck. I'm not sure what removing the air dam will expose but I would think it should be okay. Just keep in mind that if you remove it that it will likely be noticeable since part of the top appears to come up and clip onto the bumper. No one has posted a picture of it yet after being removed assuming someone has removed it. Perhaps you could do that for reference if you do go ahead with it.
On the Ford parts website it is referred as part #17626, Bumper Valance Panel.

Peter

 

[mrchua]

Thanks for the info Peter.

I found a picture of a silver explorer, see link below:
http://www.truckinweb.com/webonly/1011trweb_2010_sema_show/photo_46.html

 

[edub]

your thread title is funny! you said you removed it, but are asking advice if you should.

 

[mrchua]

your thread title is funny! you said you removed it, but are asking advice if you should.

I just removed it today. I feel relieved knowing that i dont have to worry about scraping ramps or gutters anymore. It also looks better on side view because the front bumpers are now aligned with the side panels.
I wanted to attach some pics for you guys but i dont know how to do it from using an iphone and forumrunner app.

Overall. It now looks like a proper suv who can take basic approach angle.

 

[edub]

I just removed it today. I feel relieved knowing that i dont have to worry about scraping ramps or gutters anymore. It also looks better on side view because the front bumpers are now aligned with the side panels.
I wanted to attach some pics for you guys but i dont know how to do it from using an iphone and forumrunner app.

Overall. It now looks like a proper suv who can take basic approach angle.

Pics!! Pics!! Pics!!

 

[mrchua]

Pictures of Removed Front Lower Fascia

 

[edub]

Wow looks good. I actually like it better.

 

[colintrax]

Looks a little more aggressive, now it needs mud terrains

 

[mrchua]

Looks a little more aggressive, now it needs mud terrains

Do you like the look better?

Whats the difference between Mud Terrain Tires and All-Terrain Tires?