Underbody Cavity Shield Cover: Essential Protection for Your Maverick

[Buggy Man]

Very interesting that you don't have a muffler or it's relocated.
In my opinion, if you're having trouble just getting a picture, I would not attempt to install it. Unless you have access to a lift, it requires lying on your back under the vehicle while finagling the parts into place.
If Mabett doesn't reply, direct message them. They have been very helpful with my order.

Thanks for the reply.
The Mav is bigger than my previous vehicle (VW GTI) so there's not as much room between the truck and the cabinets on that side.
When I go to install the shield I'll do it in the driveway.

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[Shock96]

I installed this first thing (100 miles) due to everyone's comments about how much junk collects in there.

It was kinda difficult for me with my neurological disorder. Laying on my back and working overhead took a lot out of me but it was direct, just taxing.

Regarding those 2 large bolts, they are really in there as they are part of the bumper shock mount. I got them out with little effort with a Ridgid 18v impact. Used a 6" impact extension and it whipped them out easily.

 

[MakinDoForNow]

I installed this first thing (100 miles) due to everyone's comments about how much junk collects in there.

It was kinda difficult for me with my neurological disorder. Laying on my back and working overhead took a lot out of me but it was direct, just taxing.

Regarding those 2 large bolts, they are really in there as they are part of the bumper shock mount. I got them out with little effort with a Ridgid 18v impact. Used a 6" impact extension and it whipped them out easily.

Any sign of loctite?

 

[ListedGuru]

I installed this first thing (100 miles) due to everyone's comments about how much junk collects in there.

It was kinda difficult for me with my neurological disorder. Laying on my back and working overhead took a lot out of me but it was direct, just taxing.

Regarding those 2 large bolts, they are really in there as they are part of the bumper shock mount. I got them out with little effort with a Ridgid 18v impact. Used a 6" impact extension and it whipped them out easily.

Glad to hear you were able to get those bolts to break loose. How much did you tighten them up when you installed the cavity shield? Is there a recommended torque spec we need to retighten to?

 

[Shock96]

Glad to hear you were able to get those bolts to break loose. How much did you tighten them up when you installed the cavity shield? Is there a recommended torque spec we need to retighten to?

So I couldn't find one for our trucks so I took the torque specs from other trucks of similar size, like the Tacoma, Bronco, etc and came up with an average of 62 ft lbs. Some were 65 others were 59. Seemed like a good number.

 

[Shock96]

Any sign of loctite?

So I am pretty sure there was some blue on there. Not the whole length of the threads, but only the first 2-3 threads.

I didn't redo it but I did check it after about 2 weeks and the torque was the same. I haven't checked it since then but I am sure it is the same.

 

[MakinDoForNow]

So I am pretty sure there was some blue on there. Not the whole length of the threads, but only the first 2-3 threads.

I didn't redo it but I did check it after about 2 weeks and the torque was the same. I haven't checked it since then but I am sure it is the same.

Blue loctite needs heat or acetone to soften.

 

[Shock96]

Blue loctite needs heat or acetone to soften.

Right, but there is blue Locktite and blue thread locker. I have no idea what kind of thread locker it was, does it require heat or ?

Either way, my impact driver made quick work of it.

 

[MakinDoForNow]

Right, but there is blue Locktite and blue thread locker. I have no idea what kind of thread locker it was, does it require heat or ?

Either way, my impact driver made quick work of it.

The color blue is used for medium strength vibration resistant thread locking. Locktite is one brand. Both should be mechanically removable with tools localized heat can help with removing.

 

[Backin15]

I just installed mine, only took an hour. The hardest part was figuring out the correct location and orientation of the two L brackets. I did need my breaker bar to get the two frame bolts out. Glad I have a '25 so I didn't have to work around the muffler!
Do yourself a favor and use a 1/4" drive rachet with a 10 mm socket, it will save a lot of time. Also, I discovered the bolts that go into the nuts you install are 19 mm instead of the expected 18 mm.
This is a great kit, very well made, and well packaged. A must for anyone in the snow and rust belt.
I am now alarmed at how much bare steel and thin paint I saw under there, I am not a big believer in rustproofing but I might look into it, or find a DIY kit.

 

[2024_xl_hybrid b&w]

I also got mine installed today and I agree, figuring out the L brackets was a pain... it took me a few attempts for the little one. Fred's Garage has a good YouTube video that helped me significantly. The install was a pain but that's not a knock on the product, that's the joy of working on your back. It's shocking that Ford left this area open but @MABETT to the rescue. I was impressed with the packaging, the fit, finish and quality of the product. I also agree with @Backin15 having a ratchet is recommended, almost a necessity. The tools provided could possibly work, better then your hands. While it's nice that they're included, I personally wouldn't attempt this project without a ratchet. I didn't need a breaker bar, just a lot of strength on the two large frame bolts. I'd recommend this product to fill in the big hole ford missed! Sorry for the crappy pictures, the ground got in my way.

 

[Wiser]

I also got mine installed today and I agree, figuring out the L brackets was a pain... it took me a few attempts for the little one. Fred's Garage has a good YouTube video that helped me significantly. The install was a pain but that's not a knock on the product, that's the joy of working on your back. It's shocking that Ford left this area open but @MABETT to the rescue. I was impressed with the packaging, the fit, finish and quality of the product. I also agree with @Backin15 having a ratchet is recommended, almost a necessity. The tools provided could possibly work, better then your hands. While it's nice that they're included, I personally wouldn't attempt this project without a ratchet. I didn't need a breaker bar, just a lot of strength on the two large frame bolts. I'd recommend this product to fill in the big hole ford missed! Sorry for the crappy pictures, the ground got in my way.

 

[Wiser]

Also installed mine today. All the above helped greatly. Was able to do on the ground using my own sockets. Would recommend.

 

[AFewBricksShy]

Did anyone else have an issue with the wiring for the side brake light getting pinched against the body? I ended up taking it off and then rolling over the corner to allow it to pass through without contacting.

 

[GearGuy]

I installed this cover on my 2025 Hybrid Lariat, but it required a modification to fit. The problem is at the rear bracket, I believe Mavericks with rear proximity sensors. The bracket assembly for the sensors hangs down below where the cover rear bracket ends up on mine (see pictures). To remedy this, I took some quick measurements and cut a notch out of the cover with tin snips to fit around the factory bracket. Not pretty but it did the job. I may pull it back out to give it a shot of paint at some point. The rest of the installation was fine.

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