'24 XLT FX4 SKID PLATE QUESTION

[Wingman54]

Hi, new member here.
Went to perform my first oil change and I knew about the skid plate(s). I also knew about the plastic access port for the oil pan drain bolt. What I didn't know was, after removing that plastic cover, no matter what I did, I gave up trying to reinstall it. It's a black plastic 2-piece assembly that will not go back together for me, and I just gave up and I'm taking it to my local Ford dealer and let them change the oil. The question I got is, I do ZERO off roading with this truck and what are the cons of just eliminating the skid plates? Ford will probably say it'll void the power train warranty, but will it do any thermodynamic damage to the engine? Sub-question, what if I just left the small plastic oil drain plug access panel off? Anyone do that? Comments encouraged. TIA!

Sponsored

 

[Superg0]

If you left the skid plates off I could see some issues with road spray getting into the engine bay with it off, and possibly some reduced aerodynamics. Not sure about thermodynamics.

I have an FX4 and dropping the skid plates is a pain. That little plastic door is useless for an oil change.

 

[AlsMaverick]

Hi, new member here.
Went to perform my first oil change and I knew about the skid plate(s). I also knew about the plastic access port for the oil pan drain bolt. What I didn't know was, after removing that plastic cover, no matter what I did, I gave up trying to reinstall it. It's a black plastic 2-piece assembly that will not go back together for me, and I just gave up and I'm taking it to my local Ford dealer and let them change the oil. The question I got is, I do ZERO off roading with this truck and what are the cons of just eliminating the skid plates? Ford will probably say it'll void the power train warranty, but will it do any thermodynamic damage to the engine? Sub-question, what if I just left the small plastic oil drain plug access panel off? Anyone do that? Comments encouraged. TIA!

What plastic access port for the drain plug? Are you referring to this?

I believe that is a vent for the PTU. There are no removal oil drain plug access panels in the stock FX4 skid plate.

 

[Wingman54]

If you left the skid plates off I could see some issues with road spray getting into the engine bay with it off, and possibly some reduced aerodynamics. Not sure about thermodynamics.

I have an FX4 and dropping the skid plates is a pain. That little plastic door is useless for an oil change.

Yes, that's it. If you remove it, the oil drain pan plug is directly above it.

 

[Superg0]

You cant get to the oil filter though. If you remove the skid plates to change the oil filter why not drain the oil at the same time?

 

[Rivers90]

What plastic access port for the drain plug? Are you referring to this?

I believe that is a vent for the PTU. There are no removal oil drain plug access panels in the stock FX4 skid plate.

This is on opening for air to cool the PTU for the AWD system. It is not meant to be opened.

 

[Wingman54]

What plastic access port for the drain plug? Are you referring to this?

I believe that is a vent for the PTU. There are no removal oil drain plug access panels in the stock FX4 skid plate.

Yes, that's it. If you remove it, the oil drain pan plug is directly above it. (I incorrectly responded to Superg0). I just happened to nudge it a little and the outer piece fell off in my hand. Then the inner piece was just floating around on its own above the skid plate. I was able to wiggle it back out thru the slotted openings towards the front, and could easily see the oil pan drain plug. Then, try as I might for 15-20 minutes, I was unable to get it to snap back into place, and tomorrow it becomes Ford's headache to fix while doing an oil change.

 

[craigt502]

I believe my dealer broke my plastic air deflector during an oil change but can’t prove it, see photo. Anyways, now that I change my own oil and also remove the plastic air deflector to access the drain plug, I zip tie the air deflector pieces back together upon completion of the oil change. So maybe you could utilize some zip ties?

 

[shrek]

If you permanently remove that air deflector; plan on your PTU warranty VOID! It is there to funnel air over the PTU which is very very prone to overheating. Many many threads on this overheating on other forums. THey have used this PTU on Edge, Bronco Sport, Maverick and Escape. Very prone to overheating. That "Vent" is not to be removed.

 

[dalola]

 

[shrek]

If anyone is interested I replaced the cheap ass lil thread certs for the small torx bolts with real Stainless steel threads and bolts....... for the small piece of the skid plate. Here is the writeup

https://www.mavericktruckclub.com/f...cheap-threads-front-half-of-skid-plate.52967/

 

[dalola]

If anyone is interested I replaced the cheap ass lil thread certs for the small torx bolts with real Stainless steel threads and bolts....... for the small piece of the skid plate. Here is the writeup

https://www.mavericktruckclub.com/f...cheap-threads-front-half-of-skid-plate.52967/

Nice fix! I Never-Sieze'd the crud out of mine on day one, and they have been fine. I always R&R them by hand also.

Sponsored