Air dam box under engine

anyexcuse · #1 07-30-2013, 07:02 PM

Hi! I watched a video showing how to change out the thermostat on a 2.5 Ranger and the gentleman had to take off a sort of rectangular air dam thing underneath the front of the motor to get at the radiator drain. My 2000 2WD Sport doesn't have this plastic gizmo. Should it? Thanks!

Here's the video, it shows the air dam thing about 35 seconds into it, click on the "watch on you tube" thing when it comes up:

anyexcuse · #2 07-31-2013, 06:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by anyexcuse

Hi! I watched a video showing how to change out the thermostat on a 2.5 Ranger and the gentleman had to take off a sort of rectangular air dam thing underneath the front of the motor to get at the radiator drain. My 2000 2WD Sport doesn't have this plastic gizmo. Should it? Thanks!

Here's the video, it shows the air dam thing about 35 seconds into it, click on the "watch on you tube" thing when it comes up: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqE4xlvdi38

Does anyone know if this plastic thing is supposed to be on all 98-00 Rngers? Thanks!

anyexcuse · #3 08-01-2013, 08:54 PM

I'm thinking if my truck is supposed to have this and doesn't, maybe that could affect gas mleage on the highway?

POS Racing · #4 08-02-2013, 01:44 PM

Looks like you should have one per http://www.fordparts.com/

anyexcuse · #5 08-02-2013, 06:11 PM

Thanks! You must be better at finding schematics than I am. I should go try to find one at a bone yard. I can only suppose it serves a purpose.

TerrenceStuart · #6 08-02-2013, 06:28 PM

it's just a device that keeps the bottom of your radiator protected.

POS Racing · #7 08-03-2013, 02:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by anyexcuse

Thanks! You must be better at finding schematics than I am. I should go try to find one at a bone yard. I can only suppose it serves a purpose.

No problem glad I could help. I'm betting Ford didn't just stick it under the truck for giggles.

While looking I figured out my '95 has a similar deflector that isn't under mine...

anyexcuse · #8 08-04-2013, 07:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by machine

it's just a device that keeps the bottom of your radiator protected.

Looks like the part is called a "radiator air deflector", and Ford describes it as "- black hard plastic - mounts to frame rails with (4) bolts and has a slot that guides air into the radiator"

It probably does protect the radiator, but is apparently meant to do more. How essential it is I don't know, but since I am taking a 2000+ mile trip to TN soon I think I will try to find one.

TerrenceStuart · #9 08-06-2013, 02:51 AM

most take it off, if their truck has a lift, or the valence is removed, because it's "Ugly"

anyexcuse · #10 08-09-2013, 07:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by machine

most take it off, if their truck has a lift, or the valence is removed, because it's "Ugly"

I can understand the looks thing for a 4WD, especially if lifted. I'm sure it's not anywhere near essential, but I just bought one from a junkyard for $20 for my 2WD. I feel better now, and I guess that's the important thing for my truck.