Forum Discussion

stevenal's avatar
stevenal
Nomad II
May 24, 2017

dam it?

New truck, with off road package, has a low air dam. The manual says to remove it when needed, only 15 screws holding it on. While I'm no Jefe or Whazoo, I'm never exactly sure where I might end up when I set out. Also don't relish the idea of lying on my back in the mud removing it, or trying to store it once removed. Have any TCers here simply removed the thing full time? Any noticeable change in fuel economy or wind noise? Thanks.

18 Replies

  • abou t20 years go I recall my mom did drive over one of those parking blocks with her air dam. when she backed up the whole front end of the ford mini van came off :(
  • I don't think they build trucks these days that are capable of being taken off road. I think a graded gravel roads makes the new trucks nervous.

    They are off road incapable.

    People used to buy 4-wd trucks because the needed 4-wd but not anymore.

    Removing it could affect the cooling ability of the radiator while at freeway speeds.
  • I would leave it alone as odds are you will never hit it. I think the one on my Ram is just about as low and I've never come close even without the camper on board. And I've gone through some places where a straight receiver has drug the ground.

    But if you want to remove it, odds are you won't notice any changes because it is such a minor thing compared to the front of the truck especially with a TC. It is more for the 1500 where there are trying to coax every 1/100 mpg out to meet the EPA mandates.
  • We have never hit anything with ours. we don't do any serious of roading but some of the trail heads and campsites we go to have some pretty good dips and berms in them.
  • RoyB's avatar
    RoyB
    Explorer II
    I'm too old for these new things... Had to search google for what was an AIR DAM...

    Google says....
    "air dam

    A metal or plastic barrier extending down from the front bumper of a motor vehicle and intended to enhance aerodynamics and stability by blocking the flow of turbulent air under the chassis."

    Now I kinda know what you all are talking about haha...

    I would have added the word Jim after your post title... I'm a Star Trek fan...

    Roy Ken
  • I had an S10 for a number of years that I eventually hit the air dam on. It tore a chunk right out of it. I just removed the remnants and never really saw any change in performance. Since then I've never had an issue with a 1500 or 2500. If I do, I guess I'll just remove it after the impact.
  • I haven't removed mine, but I'm not really sure where you could go that would bottom the air dam out. I had a '06 for 8 years and the '10 for 3. I've never even got close. The front bumper is pretty close to the front wheel.
  • I would just leave it be and see if you ever hit it. I bet you won't. Then if you do you can just remove it and see if it causes any wind noise etc. :)