2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission What is the air dam for?

[Bhale]

I have one but not sure what its purpose is... .



Brian

 

[dresslered]

I personally think that it is just for looks as it was optional equipment (at least on my 2001).

 

[JWaters]

air damn

Well it will also hold you under the truck if it falls on you. I have a set of metal ramps that I have always changed my suburban oil on and one day with the old dually on them I noticed that the air dam was touching my belly, I kept on working and then al of a sudden the truck came down about 9 inhes, It didnt hurt to much at first but after a while it started hurting and I could not get out. It had me. I scream so someone could help me and no one was around. I live in the country so finally when the blood started going to my head I reached down and bent the airdamn up towards me and that gave me enough room to get out... . other tna that I think it is just for looks and maybe to creat a vacuum under the truck to help with cooling.

 

[Rammin On]

The air dam holds the front end glued to the ground when you are exceeding 120MPH just kiddin

 

[Bhale]

I thought it was just so much fluff. I just took mine off last weekend when i was doing the poly sway bar bushings, kept getting in my way.

 

[Cooker]

KatDiesel mentioned he thought his truck steered better with the air dam.



I think it is there to keep the underside of the truck cleaner

 

[illflem]

Someone reported here a couple years ago that they gained a couple miles per gallon by removing the dam.

I have my doubts.

 

[klenger]

Mine went for about $25 when I bought the truck.

 

[Boondocker]

dam air

When I bought my 2002, it was a $22 factory option, but my truck didn't come with one, or a hood liner, or rear wheel well liners, blah blah blah. :{



The purpose of an air dam is to increase fuel mileage by reducing air turbulence (drag) under the vehicle. It could improve handling (tracking and steering) at speed by creating more down force on the front end. That's how it works on race cars anyway.



There is a vendor, I think it's the maker of Air Bully Dog Hoods, who makes a cold air intake that routes to a custom air dam that is much bigger than stock. I spoke with a member at May Madness who has one. He said it felt like his truck handled steadier, eg. required less steering correction, while freeway cruising.



All those body bits I didn't get from the factory are on my wish list. I figure someday I'll salvage them and maybe some factory tow hooks too. Then I can cut holes in my air dam to mount the hooks. At least 90% of the trucks I see have air dams. I would think that if they did anything to improve fuel mileage, the manufacturer would want them on in the interest of meeting CAFE standards. Maybe DC saving the 22 bucks today is more important any potential future savings for the truck owners. Nah.



Neil

 

[Cooker]

I almost forgot. It is also there to mount an "Air Darn" on.

 

[Little Bill]

One more +

It reduces the atmospheric pressure under the front end which allows air to flow more freely and smoothly through the radiator, CAC and AC coil and out the bottom of the engine compartment.

 

[MGordon]

It's just one more thing you have to take off and put back on (not to mention cut a hole in it) one you install your front receiver.

 

[Forrest]

If anything, we could use a bigger one for towing.