A Little Pushing. A Little Screwing. A little Pinning...

[Expedition Dave]

A Little Pushing/Screwing/Pinning

BEFORE:













AFTER (and with a little cutting, sanding and then adding some sexy black items):













The cut to the lower valence looks pretty factory, and I kept the sharp "scallop" to match the lines. The point almost looks like it will hit the tire--but does not come close. With this mod, one can fit a slightly bigger tire than a 34.3 for sure, at least in the front for normal driving--no promises during articulation.

I will probably add another black Allen head screw per side (very large washer on the inside unseen to crush as much material down as possible) though I don't think it is truly necessary. **Whatever** bolts you use, I recommend rounded heads as square ones can catch on objects and tear if you get hung up and back up off it.

The heavy duty Zip Ties are more sturdy and secure--and possibly unnecessary (especially two). And yes, I cut the tails off after I took the pic.

YMMV.

 

[scottdm]

I know how floppy the bottom of the bumper gets when you remove the front valance. I decided to trim mine really short and leave the rest in place to give the bottom of the bumper additional rigidity. Your current setup looks like you'll have to take that apart if you want to drop the skid plate to change oil, etc.

 

[Expedition Dave]

IT is actually pretty stable already as I have put a decent amount of tension on the sides by redoing the front fenderliners (moving them forward they had to be pulled and stretched) but yes, trimming that valence really short is a great idea to keep the rigidity. My next oil change I will just go to one Ziptie.

Please post pics or a write up? The Gen4 section needs way more DIY action

 

[sjwhiteley]

I know how floppy the bottom of the bumper gets when you remove the front valance. I decided to trim mine really short and leave the rest in place to give the bottom of the bumper additional rigidity. Your current setup looks like you'll have to take that apart if you want to drop the skid plate to change oil, etc.

I've trimmed the horizontal portion of the lower bumper after removing the valance. I'll agree, it's a bit less rigid. However, mine rests against the raptor skid plate (which doesn't require removal to get at the filter - there's a little hatch you can unbolt ), so doesn't seem to flex back that much. As @Expedition Dave noted, the fender liners add a bit of rigidity back, so can see his modifications making it even better.

 

[Expedition Dave]

IT is literally the cost of a few zip ties to do an oil change. The ZTs may not even be necessary, but gives me more of a "feel good" feeling since I am slightly altering the aeros. Overall, this portion completes the "box set" (lift, tires, clean up nose) of how to make your FX4 look like it should off from the factory. The truck gets more looks than a plain-jane Expy should, and I attribute this to the above "box set."

 

[Fozzy]

ExpyD,

I must have missed this thread the first time around. Looks super clean, nice work.

 

[Expedition Dave]

Thanks Foz! It matches Ford's factory "not so perfect in the first place" look perfectly!

 

[DWs-TTEB]

Extremely nice work @Expedition Dave!

 

[PNWExpy]

Thanks @Expedition Dave for the pics and write up! Referred back to this while doing mine. I pretty much did the same thing but I used the stock screws
and then added a few to tuck the lip in. Also, I opted to cut the horizontal portion of the valence and reinstall the rest. Figured being all plastic down there it could use any extra strength if/when it gets drug in the mud. I rounded the bottom trim piece a bit forward as well so the tip wasn’t so close. Very happy with how this came out.

 

[PNWExpy]