[Cattle dog guy]

I have a 2013 supercab 4X4. I noticed the following in the owner's manual:
"Note: Your vehicle may be equipped with a frontair dam that can
becomedamaged (due to reduced ground clearance) when taking your
vehicle off-road.This air dam can be taken off by removing two bolts.
For vehicles equipped with a 3.5L Ecoboost™ engine:
Yourvehicle is equipped with an underbody transmission shield and
bracketsthat may become damaged (due to reduced ground clearance)
whentaking your vehicle off-road. Remove the shield by disengaging the
fastenersat each corner of the shield. Then, remove the shield rear
bracketsby removing the bracket to frame bolts, or have your authorized
dealer perform thework for you."

While the front air dam is easy to remove, it would be a pain in the butt to remove the transmission shield every time I get a call from my buddy to go out fishing farm ponds. The front air dam appears to be there to improve highway aero dynamics it also has some baffles that direct air to the turbo intercooler. The transmission shield appears to have no purpose other than aero dynamics and is certainly not designed to provide any significant underbody protection. I talked with the dealership and all I got was mush mouthed BS. Did not even know that the verbaige was in the owners manual. Anyone have any more insight?

 

[Mike Tritle]

Have actually thought about removing the shield due to the slushy nasties that are hitting it with the weather here, lately but it just too darn wet and cold to go under. Wondering how long it will last in these conditions. It is obviously under there for aero only and also wonder what effect removal wouldhave on fuel economy.

As for the front air dam, the airflow through the intercooler will be drastically reduced by the slower off road speed so there would be minimal impact on its effect on the intercooler anyway.

 

[Sierra1]

Have actually thought about removing the shield due to the slushy nasties that are hitting it with the weather here, lately but it just too darn wet and cold to go under. Wondering how long it will last in these conditions. It is obviously under there for aero only and also wonder what effect removal wouldhave on fuel economy.

As for the front air dam, the airflow through the intercooler will be drastically reduced by the slower off road speed so there would be minimal impact on its effect on the intercooler anyway.

What fuel economy?

 

[BlakeHallTexas]

I saw this on another thread somewhere in this forum (sorry I am a newbie and still trying to figure out the navigation)
RCI Metalworks
I have a few questions to get answered. Specifically with the front cover do I need to remove it to get to the oil filter. But, I think regardless I plan on getting everything this place sells for the F 150.
I have a friend that found his back plastic cover hanging down after he had the oil changed. The cheap plastic snap-in connectors are an accident waiting to happen.

 

[Cattle dog guy]

I have talked to folks at another dealership. They said that as far as they knew the trans. shield was for under chassie air flow / aero. They said no problem taking it off and leaving it off. I did that. Just prior to taking it off and then right after I did short highway run (windows up and down). Slightly higher road noise after with windows up. The front air dam is an easy two bolts and it can be pulled down and removed. I was told that it is not only is designed to improve aero for gas milage but that it also helps to direct air flow up and through the AC condinsor and radiator coils. They recommended it not be removed permenantly. With the trans shield off easy access to the oil drain plug. The front air dam is not in the way of getting to the oil filter. The filter can be reached undoing about 4 twist locks that allow a rubber panel to be pulled aside.

 

[Awdturbo4]

I knocked off the trans shield and that front air dam going off road a few months ago. I hate how Ford mounted the front intercooler it's to low for offroad purpose. . Why I'm upgrading to a Full Race intercooler and then adding the Rough country hidden winch behind the bumper.

 

[bkdraft]

I replaced the fiber or whatever its made of trans shield with the one from RCI.

 

[2Canches]

I replaced the fiber or whatever its made of trans shield with the one from RCI.

It eliminates turbo noise


boost Hard boost Safe

 

[Rock$tar]

The fibre board is not for fuel economy. If it was it would be on the 6.2, 3.7, 5.0 also would it not? It's just for turbo noise reduction is my understanding.

 

[btswein]

The fibre board is not for fuel economy. If it was it would be on the 6.2, 3.7, 5.0 also would it not? It's just for turbo noise reduction is my understanding.

None of these engines have intercooler..

 

[adicus8]

None of these engines have intercooler..

I dont think the fiber board has anything to do with the intercooler. It is either for fuel economy or perhaps noise reduction

 

[Rock$tar]

None of these engines have intercooler..

The fibre board is no were near the intercooler...

It's under the transmission...

 

[Rock$tar]

If it was for fuel economy though, how come they didn't put it under all the trucks?

 

[2Canches]

It's NOT for fuel economy. Turbo noise. IMO


boost Hard boost Safe

 

[adicus8]

I might have to take that bad boy off then if it is just to reduce turbo noise... I love the wistle

 

[2Canches]

what year is your truck


boost Hard boost Safe

 

[Rock$tar]

It's NOT for fuel economy. Turbo noise. IMO


boost Hard boost Safe

QFT

It has a ridge going across it as well. If it was for fuel economy it would be flat and smooth.

 

[2Canches]

QFT? I'm a noob


boost Hard boost Safe

 

[Raiderfan1890]

Quietly farted today

 

[adicus8]

what year is your truck


boost Hard boost Safe

2013