2018 Front License Plate Removal?

[Heather Vines]

I bought my new expy out of state where front plates are required. I have no use for it and would really like to take it off and cap the holes. Has anyone taken theirs off? It looks like it’s held on by plastic rivets so I’m worried if I pull it off, it might look bad and then I won’t be able to put it back!

 

[aggiegrad05]

There's a pretty decent thread here...several have done so with some success.

https://www.expeditionforum.com/threads/removing-front-plate-holder.35661/

 

[8131full]

here's what mine looks like after I removed it. Just used a pair of dikes to cut the stupid plastic rivets.

 

[Heather Vines]

There's a pretty decent thread here...several have done so with some success.

https://www.expeditionforum.com/threads/removing-front-plate-holder.35661/

Thanks! I tried the search feature before posting but for some reason couldn't pull it up.

 

[Timothy Schulman]

 

[Timothy Schulman]

I removed the front plastic air dam also. Pretty sure I don't miss it and it looks better.

 

[Heather Vines]

I removed the front View attachment 25730 plastic air dam also. Pretty sure I don't miss it and it looks better.

Sweet! I never even thought about taking that off. It’s actually irked me from day one. I’m pretty sure my hubs isn’t going to be very fond of me dismantling my new ride but what all did it require to remove? I’m sure I can do it myself, I just don’t want to damage anything!

 

[Timothy Schulman]

Bolt on, bolt off. Mine can be replaced easily it is in perfect condition. Dealer removed it for me but they said it was simple. They left the bolts on the truck and I have the dam stored in my garage.

 

[Timothy Schulman]

 

[Pop302]

nice

 

[aggiegrad05]

Yep...mines coming off this weekend.

 

[Heather Vines]

Took off the air dam and front plate yesterday evening. No biggie... going to work on something to plug the holes next but even without, I think it looks much better!

 

[Artie]

I’m really curious how removing this had no change in mpg. Isn’t the whole point of this point to move air away from the front of the tires?

 

[aggiegrad05]

I’m really curious how removing this had no change in mpg. Isn’t the whole point of this point to move air away from the front of the tires?

You can read a lot of things on-line about the benefits of the air dam (helps MPG, helps cooling because it directs air to the front of the vehicle, helps with handling because it smooths out airflow under the vehicle, etc.). I honestly don't know how much of that is BS, however.

 

[edizzle]

if it wasnt needed, it wouldnt be there!! thats a fact. now to what extent.....who knows

 

[aggiegrad05]

if it wasnt needed, it wouldnt be there!! thats a fact. now to what extent.....who knows

Agree 100%. The engineers think the truck is better with it. They wouldn’t have spent money to install it otherwise. Maybe it’s just so they can squeak out an extra 0.5mpg or maybe its traction or something else. Who knows. So it’s a form v function trade off.

 

[Dscustoms]

No matter what I do, it’s getting much worse mpg than advertised. Removing an air dam isn’t going to make much difference there, but sure does look better and you won’t have to worry about ruining it on every standard curb. I think mine will come off today !

 

[proeasy]

I could imagine is also reduces noise, less airflow under the vehicle, had mine on a lift at the office, the sound deadening materiel used in the wheel wells and belly pans much more than simple plastic. Car companies are now putting active grill shutters on vehicle to optimize air flow. If I recall correctly air resistance is exponential with speed, I like to set the cruise approx. 10 over the limit so mostly 79. I could thnk every bit helps

 

[Heather Vines]

Happy to report I’ve put about 500 miles on mine since taking it off the other day and have not been able to detect any difference in gas mileage, around town or on the highway and the road noise sounds the same as well.

 

[lobsenza]

I bet the front air dam improves fuel economy or air flow. Otherwise, why would Ford spend money to put it on?