Front Air Dam

[Cooker]

When I purchased my truck the previous owner had removed the front air dam (black piece on bottom of bumper, right?). Now that I am thinking of adding a front receiver, I think I would like to put it back on to hide the receiver, they don't look too nice too long here in on the salt covered Michigan roads.

What is the impact of the airdam on MPG if any? How about some opinions, On/Off, Why?

Thanks for the input,
Ryan

 

[BCFAST]

Air traveling UNDER a vehicle creates turbulence. Turbulence = drag. If you look at a new Porsche or BMW, the makers have gone to great lengths to shroud all the under-pinnings so that the airstream under the car is smooth. Conclusion: wear the dam! Any air you can keep out from under the truck is good for your mileage and interstate handling.

 

[B.G. Smith]

The dam blocks air from going under the truck so air going through the radiator has somewhere to exit, just in case you should ever work the Cummins hard enough to get warm. Some vehicles like motorhomes can not get enough air through the grill to cool gasoline engines without air dam. bg

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White 99 3500, QC, 3:55, auto. most options except leather, Line-X bed liner, fiberglass running boards Rancho 9000s, bug shield and window vents, black vented 5th wheel tailgate, 100 gal. aux. fuel tank.

 

[illflem]

There was a thread a couple months ago about removing the bug defector for increased mpgs where someone else said that removing the air dam increased mpgs. I would think it would have the opposite effect personally. The main reason I would want it on is that it looks sort of crappy without it.

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95' 25004X4,AT,Driftwood,Banks Stinger,Warn fender flairs and running boards(Play truck)95 3500,5 speed,Driftwood,Banks&Phscotty,34,000 GCVW apple and tractor hauler(work truck)

 

[drawson]

After the tread about the bug deflector. I took my Air dam off and there seems to be a sight increase in MPG about 1/4 MPG. this air dam doesn't do anything to help cool the motor the air that hits it dead heads right there. At first I would agree with Bill on the looks but it grows on you not having it there after a while.

 

[Archive]

<font color=blue> I ordered my truck without the airdam, figured it was just something else I could tear off. I don't miss it nor do I think I am missing anything on the looks department.

 

[Fireman Dave]

I took my air dam off because I like the way it looks without it. I think it makes the front look a little higher. Mine is in my basement.

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2001 2500; SLT; 4x4; QC; LWB; Auto; 3. 54 LS; 265s; Camper; Tow; Sliding Rear Window; Travel Convenience Group; Cab Clearance Lamps; Forest Green

 

[tom sweeney]

the air dam is supposed to create a low pressure area behind it ... . supposed to aid cooling as well as clean up the air flow...
sorry,i can't rember where i read this,it was a couple years ago... cya tom

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2001QC 2500HD LB ETH/DEE 4x4 4:10's LSD All options except cab lights,Xcelerator air filter,Forest Green/Light driftwood.

 

[Cooker]

Thanks for all the input. I guess I'll wait and see how she looks with the front receiver installed. Like I after after one winter it'll be pretty rusty so I'll either have to paint it every spring or put the air dam on?