2007 Gap Guard missing?
#1
07-04-2007
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: MD
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2007 Gap Guard missing?
I purchased a 2007 XLT 4x4 a little over a month ago and the first time I washed it I noticed that the rubber gap guard in the front drivers side wheel well was not there. The dealer told me that Ford omitted that part and that they were at one time replacing them under warranty as a missing part but then they were told to stop replacing them because that part was intentionally left out. Anybody know why? Would I risk voiding any part of my warranty if I made one and put it on there anyway?
Here is a picture just for s**** & giggles.
Here is a picture just for s**** & giggles.
#2
07-04-2007
Not exactly sure why they stop putting the gap gaurds on the drivers side but think i heard something about it helps to keep the underhood temperature lower. I dont think making one and installing it would void your warrenty. But if needed you could always remove it before you took it in.
#3
07-04-2007
#5
07-04-2007
#6
07-04-2007
#9
07-05-2007
#10
07-05-2007
Originally Posted by bbrins
Thanks for the info guys. I think I'll try making one and just keep an eye on my temp. gauge for a while.
Originally Posted by rwenzing
The test is done in Arizona with zero wind, full sun load, at or above 100F, with out-of-season fuel. There are long periods of slow speed driving, then idling and engine off within an enclosed parking area. After the idle and after the hot soak, the vehicle is accelerated and rated for driveability. If it is unacceptable, something in the design must be changed to improve it.
It is important to understand that this test is not about overheating the engine; it is about overheating the fuel in the engine compartment which can cause driveability issues.
Quite frankly, it is an extreme test that you are not likely to duplicate often, if ever, regardless of where you live in the U.S. However, Ford sells vehicles for all conditions in the intended market and must react to worst-case scenarios and adjust accordingly.
If I had any problems such as mud in the engine compartment because of the lack of a splash shield, I would install it. I would gladly trade the tiny chance of a driveability problem in extreme conditions for a cleaner engine bay.
It is important to understand that this test is not about overheating the engine; it is about overheating the fuel in the engine compartment which can cause driveability issues.
Quite frankly, it is an extreme test that you are not likely to duplicate often, if ever, regardless of where you live in the U.S. However, Ford sells vehicles for all conditions in the intended market and must react to worst-case scenarios and adjust accordingly.
If I had any problems such as mud in the engine compartment because of the lack of a splash shield, I would install it. I would gladly trade the tiny chance of a driveability problem in extreme conditions for a cleaner engine bay.
#11
07-05-2007
Originally Posted by Blhde
I took mine off.
Tires kept rubbing on the things.
Tires kept rubbing on the things.
Originally Posted by rwenzing
It also helps to reverse the push pins and install both of the splash guards on the inside of the plastic inner fenders instead of the outside like they are from the factory. That way, they don't get ripped off by the tires as easily when offroading.
You will probably need to repunch the rear two holes in the rubber to get everything to line up - easy.
This simple mod gives extra clearance and, just as importantly, hides the prominent top edge that the tires like to grab hold of while turning.
Here is the remounted shield. At the top of the photo, you can see the "witness mark" on the inner fender where the splash shield used to be on the outside:
This view shows the inside of the inner fender with the reversed push pins and the repunched holes. (You don't need to pull the inner fenders to reverse the shields. I took this picture when I was installing headers and had the inner fenders off for access):
You will probably need to repunch the rear two holes in the rubber to get everything to line up - easy.
This simple mod gives extra clearance and, just as importantly, hides the prominent top edge that the tires like to grab hold of while turning.
Here is the remounted shield. At the top of the photo, you can see the "witness mark" on the inner fender where the splash shield used to be on the outside:
This view shows the inside of the inner fender with the reversed push pins and the repunched holes. (You don't need to pull the inner fenders to reverse the shields. I took this picture when I was installing headers and had the inner fenders off for access):
#13
07-05-2007
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