Front Air Dam Removal

[MurdaRam]

I removed my active air dam actuator and valance about a month ago. Looks way better! But what shocked me was that my coolant temp is now consistently at 201 (low 200s in general) even idling on a hot 95 degree day. When I had the valance and active air dam my coolant temp would run up to 220 then the fans would kick on. Anyone else get similar results??

 

[mikeru82]

So after not having the lower air dam and active air dam for a more than 3 months, my fuel economy has gone from just over 14 mpg to a little more than 16 mpg. Not sure if that's from the air dam removal or just normal break-in, but I'm not interested in re-installing them to find out. I like how it looks and my fuel economy doesn't seem to have suffered at all. 2 mpg improvement and better look...win/win.

 

[Rowbaretow]

I just removed mine and one major issue I have is how open everything is down there. One good rock jump and you have some major components being torn up. I will be looking into a skid plate or some sort of shielding for sure.

 

[Rowbaretow]

Does this worry anyone? Or does anyone have a plate, even plastic, that they put here to protect the engine?

 

[Obx Ram]

I am not a fan of the front air dam/valence. What’s the point of having a truck with 6” of clearance in the front. Always find myself catching them on snow in the winter.

I searched around looking for pictures and information around issues with a dash light if the active air dam was removed. Found a couple pictures but no other information so I wanted to post up for others who wanted to remove the air dam and active air dam.

The active air dam is a simple electric connection and 4 12mm bolts. I taped up the connection to keep weather out and zip tied it to itself out of the way. If anyone knows a blank plug cap for this connection please post below. I was worried disconnecting might throw a check engine light or something but have had absolutely no issues.

The front air dam is just a matter of removing 15ish (didn’t take an actual count) 10mm nuts, 3 plastic clips, and 2 10mm nuts holding on plastic brackets. Then it just drops down and you’re done.

Now I understand these are for aerodynamics and better fuel mileage.I didn’t make this thread to get into the advantages and disadvantages of the air dams being there vs not. Just wanted to show some before and after pictures and a brief right up.

I am very happy with how it looks.
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Yes agree! Took mine out when I lifted it ,tires would rub when it was up and tucked away.

 

[Kevin O'Leary]

Does this worry anyone? Or does anyone have a plate, even plastic, that they put here to protect the engine?

Wouldnt say it worries me but if anyone points me toward a direct fit skid plate that does'nt cost an arm and a leg I would be interested.

 

[mikeru82]

Does this worry anyone? Or does anyone have a plate, even plastic, that they put here to protect the engine?

It would worry me if I was a tailgater. Not likely to get anything up there but you never know. I'm with Kevin O'Leary on going with some sort of skid plate. I might just fabricate something using sheet metal.

 

[asbury2818]

Has anyone removed both pieces ( the air dam, and active air dam) on a 2020 1500? Does it throw a engine light? Also how easy is it to remove them? And what are the steps?

 

[Hpressman]

Yes agree! Took mine out when I lifted it ,tires would rub when it was up and tucked away.

Hi. If you took your out do you want to sell it (or maybe just the brackets?) I hit a raccoon on the highway and mine broke.

 

[CobraKai]

Is this something I can do on my driveway or need to be on a lift? Any tips? And what are people doing with the connector?

 

[Tred's]

I for one, wasn't really too worried about MPGs when buying a truck. I mean, it's a truck, right? Bought it to do truck things. I was thrilled to be getting 14-15 in my 05 Silerado Z-71 after owning a 96 Ford F-150 4x4 at 13-ish. My 2017 (totaled) got 17+mpg & my 2019 is getting 18-19mpg in all around driving. I like the looks of the valance & air dam removal, but will let mine be stock. At least for now...

 

[Eltaco]

I took mine off a few months ago and happy I did.

As noted above, however, I’d definitely be interested in a skid plate between the front bumper and LCA mount area. Maybe more for looks than anything...

I do love the added bumper clearance though. Definitely happy to have it for off-road, especially on mountain trails.

 

[Medgas24]

Is this something I can do on my driveway or need to be on a lift? Any tips? And what are people doing with the connector?

You can do it in The driveway. I just wrapped the connector in electrical tape and zip tied it up

 

[Mstefanik333]

Hi. If you took your out do you want to sell it (or maybe just the brackets?) I hit a raccoon on the highway and mine broke.

I just took mine out, if your still looking

 

[Flyinglow57]

Ill take a broken one. I need the motor. Just the motor actually

 

[ChuckH]

If I leave the air dam on and then break it off going over something how will I damage other things that I would not if I took it off?

 

[Eltaco]

If I leave the air dam on and then break it off going over something how will I damage other things that I would not if I took it off?

It’s bolted to the bumper, so if it gets snagged on something, I think it’s very likely you bend the bumper before it tears the bolts out.

 

[vvmcgrew]

I have had the upper and lower air dam off for about 6 months with no check engine lights. Had some other issues with my truck and now the dealer says the air dam not being there is throwing a code and causing a check engine light. Should I let them put the air dams back on or just keep them off?

 

[mikeru82]

Have them show you the codes to prove it's because of the active air dam. Sounds a little suspicious to me. I've had mine off on both my trucks for about the same amount of time with zero issues. 2020 Laramie and 2020 Limited.

 

[Eltaco]

Yep, I’ve also had mine off for around 6mo and no issues. That said, it’s possible the truck has an error code if I were to plug into an OBDII reader, and I simply am unaware of it... not sure.

I have had my truck into the dealer 3x since removing the air dams, and it’s never come up in discussion.