Removing front air dam?

[Grey ghost]

Why don't they make a raptor expedition? That would be wild.lol

 

[scottdm]

Why don't they make a raptor expedition? That would be wild.lol

Or even start simple by offering the 3 Liter PowerStroke in the Expy.

 

[TexasDan]

Expy FX4 skids bolt up on non FX4 Expy models.

After reading the above, and the comment about the lower bumper fascia being a little floppy with the air dam removed, I wonder if the Expy FX4 air dam, with the higher center clearance, is compatible with non-FX4 Expys. Anyone happen to know?

Thanks,
Dan

 

[CertusExpo]

Depends on what generation Expy I suppose, or also how much is removed because I don't have any issues.

 

[sjwhiteley]

After reading the above, and the comment about the lower bumper fascia being a little floppy with the air dam removed, I wonder if the Expy FX4 air dam, with the higher center clearance, is compatible with non-FX4 Expys. Anyone happen to know?

Thanks,
Dan

While I don’t know about the FX4 air dam, I’m sure it does move about a bit. I added a skid plate to the front; the lower fascia left rub marks on the skid plate from some obvious movement (lower fascia was in contact with the skid plate after solidly mounting plate).

You could probably cut down the air dam to almost nothing, and retain the rigidity.

 

[scottdm]

While I don’t know about the FX4 air dam, I’m sure it does move about a bit. I added a skid plate to the front; the lower fascia left rub marks on the skid plate from some obvious movement (lower fascia was in contact with the skid plate after solidly mounting plate).

You could probably cut down the air dam to almost nothing, and retain the rigidity.

Refer to post #5 in this thread to see what the front air dam looks like when cut down to about 1" while still maintaining the rigidity of the front lower facia.

 

[sjwhiteley]

Refer to post #5 in this thread to see what the front air dam looks like when cut down to about 1" while still maintaining the rigidity of the front lower facia.

Ha ha! I thought I'd seen that somewhere!

 

[armoredsaint]

Was there an increase of wind noise or fuel efficiency?

 

[phorn73]

I must be an idiot because I can’t figure out what size bolt head the small ones are. 5mm is too small 6mm is too big. Same with 1/4” and 3/16”. Also do the white clips need to be removed?

 

[sjwhiteley]

I must be an idiot because I can’t figure out what size bolt head the small ones are. 5mm is too small 6mm is too big. Same with 1/4” and 3/16”. Also do the white clips need to be removed?
View attachment 35039

Apparently, it’s a 5.5mm according to some instructions I had. I used a 7/32” (which is most likely the size). That size is also used for the fender liner on the inside of the wheel arch - same screws used on the fender liner.

 

[wakeboarder]

Apparently, it’s a 5.5mm according to some instructions I had. I used a 7/32” (which is most likely the size). That size is also used for the fender liner on the inside of the wheel arch - same screws used on the fender liner.

My vote is for the 5.5mm. I have seen them used in other applications. I thought all of the major automotive manufacturers hadn’t used SAE fasteners since the 80’s.

 

[Edistobob]

Definitely is 5.5 mm. When I removed the air dam, I bought one either from an auto parts store or the local hardware. None of the sockets I already had fit well enough.

 

[sjwhiteley]

My vote is for the 5.5mm. I have seen them used in other applications. I thought all of the major automotive manufacturers hadn’t used SAE fasteners since the 80’s.

That is true, this is the first time i've seen a 5.5mm head. 7/32 is 5.55mm. There must be a secret supplier of screws with this size head...

 

[phorn73]

Thanks all - do the white clips need to be removed as well?

 

[5280tunage]

I must be an idiot because I can’t figure out what size bolt head the small ones are. 5mm is too small 6mm is too big. Same with 1/4” and 3/16”. Also do the white clips need to be removed?
View attachment 35039

Not sure. But I had no issues with my 6mm, my guess is tolerances in tools are enough to make it fit or a little loose. I threw a 6mm on a handheld electric screwdriver and it worked great.

I did remove any of the clips that weren't needed, but j saved them for later if needed.

So far I have had no issues with noise or movement and unfortunately I've only driven city streets so I can't really say of there is a noticeable effect on mileage.

My biggest concern are the stupid huge open pockets that fill up with snow and slush, I really wish these were more closed off.

 

[Expedition Dave]

Removed mine today (even though it was the short FX4 one) and moved the wheel liners so I will do another thread later.

 

[Peter L]

Just finished having skid plates installed on my 2019 Limited; took the front dam off as well. Ordered a full set: front, transmission and differential from RCI Offroad in Loveland, CO (www.rcimetalworks.com). The whole package was $695 and I ordered the set for the 2015-2022 F150. FYI, they offer military discount as well. Installation by RSG Offroad in Lakewood, CO was about $400 and took about 2-1/2 hours. The plates went on with only minor changes and I think looks pretty good. Covers everything back to the gas tank. Everything else is pretty stock except for using Falken Wildpeak AT3. Great tires but dropped my mileage about 3 mpg.

 

[Expedition Dave]

Pete, I know it may be tough but more pics of the underside would be great, and what they had to do different from the F150 to the Ex?

 

[sandyride]

Not sure. But I had no issues with my 6mm, my guess is tolerances in tools are enough to make it fit or a little loose. I threw a 6mm on a handheld electric screwdriver and it worked great.

I did remove any of the clips that weren't needed, but j saved them for later if needed.

So far I have had no issues with noise or movement and unfortunately I've only driven city streets so I can't really say of there is a noticeable effect on mileage.

My biggest concern are the stupid huge open pockets that fill up with snow and slush, I really wish these were more closed off.

I tried to remove mine over the weekend, got the 4 bolts out but couldnt figure out for the life of me how to remove the darn thing the clips wont budge, is there a technique to removing them (i dont have a jack or lift so lying down and reaching under lol)....went into the dunes without the 4 bolts and drove on the streets luckily attached solid as a rock...

 

[5280tunage]

A good metal forked panel popper is what did the trick for me. I have an old snap on that works great.