Air Dam: Is there better than OEM?

[Crunch]

My air dam is starting to crack and the carrot fasteners aren't holding better than my willingness to keep snapping them back in place, so I'm probably going to replace the entire thing. The dealer wants $175 for the part, and I'm guessing at least another $150 for installation. Has anyone replaced theirs with an aftermarket air dam that was cheaper, and that they liked just as much as the OEM air dam? Also, it looks like it's just a few screws and fasteners to deal with for the removal and installation. Anything tricky I'll need to be on the lookout for? The 03DRM file says to use a trim stick to remove the fog light bezels, but I didn't see any screws under them when I stuck my head in and took a look. Thanks.

 

[Regcabguy]

I removed mine in probably 20 minutes year ago. Dumb move,plus I gave it away.
By removing it,the ps cooler,hose,intercooler and radiator are more exposed.
Maybe somebody in your area will have one. Install isn't bad.
Benny @ www.allmoparparts.com may be able to help.

 

[richardcoxid]

Can’t help you on the air dam crack. I accidently pulled the air dam lose from the bumper on the right front corner and broke the lip that the carrot fasteners go thru. There was enough meat on the lip to use a couple of 1” C clamps to clamp the air dam and bumper together, been OK for 3 years now!

 

[seafish]

I have used zip ties to tie a MUCH heavier air dam back on to a friends minivan after someone ran into her and ripped part of it off the bumper..they are still holding strong after 3 years.

 

[Killgore]

Air dam - lower front bumper valance? I think I paid about $65 from Carid several years ago. Install was no big deal.
- Ed

 

[GI Joe]

I have added a 2nd gen air dam, below my OEM airdam for Better aerodynamics(less drag from underpinnings)...
~$50 on EBay and good quality parts...
I imagine you can find a 3rdgen on there for equivalent cost...

 

[seafish]

I have added a 2nd gen air dam, below my OEM airdam for Better aerodynamics(less drag from underpinnings)...

So you added a 2nd gen airdam underneath he trucks 3rd gen air dam??

Sounds trick, but how does it look??

How bout a posting a pic or two or three??? TIA

 

[GI Joe]

So you added a 2nd gen airdam underneath he trucks 3rd gen air dam??
...TIA

I did... The 2nd gen is the same size on top, as the 3rd gen is on bottom... They line up real well, and just need holes and nuts/bolts...

Not the best pic... I used stainless hardware, for longevity And to go along with my "bolted" flares..
#ad

 

[seafish]

THANKS for the quick reply and pic…I'd say that looks pretty "dam" good (sorry, couldn't resist ).

I have been thinking about doing something like this for awhile, also for improved airflow/mpg, but I couldn't find anything that blended well…I think that this is the ticket…THANKS again!!!



One last question…how tall is the second gen air dam and any specific year truck??

 

[GI Joe]

No worries! I'm still awake....(?)

2nd gen is same height(or dang near) as 3rd gen..
Here is the one I got..
http://www.ebay.com/itm/FRONT-BUMPE...Parts_Accessories&hash=item5b0e0dec03&vxp=mtr

 

[AH64ID]

Great idea, I may look into that 2nd gen add-on.

 

[Crunch]

Air dam - lower front bumper valance? I think I paid about $65 from Carid several years ago. Install was no big deal.

Thanks for the input everyone. I checked the Carid site and liked the $65 price, but when I dropped it in the cart a went to check out the price jumped to $212 when they added shipping to it. Was there a way you avoided the shipping costs? If not, that jumps the price higher than the dealer price.

BTW, I liked the double air dam idea, too.

 

[Killgore]

Crunch, sorry about that lead that evidently turned bad. Too many companies doing business over the internet are using that ploy now. Try a search on Rock Auto Parts. I would bet they would be about the same price and reasonable on their freight. I have bought from them in the past and been well satisfied.

I too, like the idea of the double valance. I wish I had room to make the install and not leave it in the road when I went over a dip.

- Ed

 

[Crunch]

Just an update on the air dam. I ordered it from Amazon on Tuesday at about 10:00AM. They listed it from Car Parts Depot, and I don't know if it was CAPA certified, but the price was right at $84.35 with free shipping. It arrived today (Friday) at about 10:30AM. Got it installed this afternoon. Removing the old air dam was pretty much straight forward and easy. I did have to remove the bezels where the fog lights would be if I had them to get to two of the five bolts. But I have to say that those carrot fasteners were a real PITA to snap in place. I don't know if it was the made in Taiwan part or the nature of carrot fasteners, but it was the most difficult part of the replacement. I also have one bolt, the outside bolt on the passenger side that is just one thread too short to catch. I ended up dropping a thinner bolt down the hole and using a wing nut to secure it until I can take a more serious look at it. Had the engineers who designed it added a measly 1/16" more to the length of the bolts or not had the lag at the end it would have dropped right in. What makes it tough is getting leverage to pinch the top of the air dam against the bumper to get the bolt started. I used a small C-clamp, but it blocked the ratchet. But the new air dam is installed and looks good. Thanks, everyone for your help.

 

[STEVEBROOKS]

After reading the posts above, I too added a 2d Gen dam to the bottom of my stock one. As above, I mounted it with stainless bevel-head bolts and cupped washers, and it looks good. There are way too many variables to make a direct link, but in the my first tank after installing it I did get slightly better mileage than I had been getting. I guess I just want to think the cost/time was worth it!

Steve

 

[mfurrh55]

I've got a 3rd gen. air dam if someone wants it, i hit a deer in nov. and it's still in good condition , i replaced the bumper with a full fabricated unit, so if your interested and don't live too far away you can have it, Monte, Bonham,Tx

 

[lpennock]

I would like it but I think shipping to Phoenix is probably prohibitive.