Removing plastic front spoiler/air dam

[connormcw]

Finally did this. Very pleased with the results but much more of a PITA that everyone made it out to be. Most of my screws were threaded in from above, so I had to remove some screws elsewhere in order to bend enough plastic to allow a ratchet up there. Also, once all the screws are out, you still need to apply what seems like an "I'm about to pull the whole bumper off" amount of force to get all the snaps to come loose.

 

[bane]

Looks good! And I agree, the threaded from above screws were a PITA and I had to pull real hard in order to actually get the air dam off. It's definitely never going back on.

 

[pobando]

Wind noise

Anyone experience added wind noise after removing the front air dam?

I just removed this along with the side sills below the doors.
(i've previously installed Bud Built bump out sliders)

Wondering if I add back the side sills I might experience less wind noise? Really only occurs at about 40+ MPH...

 

[szell296]

Thanks so much, it really does look better. I never really was a fan of the vents and especially when the new 5th gen came out. I love my 4Runner and will stick with it till it dies which will probably be never, lol.

 

[Black4RunnerL]

I also pulled ours off yesterday. Thanks for all the info here. The wife wasn't a fan of the low look and I also agree it looks better with it off as well on the 13 limited.

 

[Humble Leader]

Despite the risks aforementioned on this post, I removed mine anyways. Call me crazy or stupid, but it helps my approach angle by about 2 or 3". You can see a small oak leaf in the air dam in these pics. It was already there BEFORE I removed the plastic, so debris can get in there regardless. Yes, you could plow through some mud and it might get in there, but seems to me like it would be pretty easy to wash off afterward. Also, there is a grate even down in there to keep big stuff out. I like the way it looks.

Before:
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After:
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how do you actually detach the front piece from the vehicle. it looks as if it's kind of hooked on there. do you just pull it out? I was also struggling hard to remove the bolts right by the fender liner. I feel like with a smaller crescent wrench I'd be able to get those bolts out. I did not have the right size and was trying to use an adjustable crescent wrench which was just too big to fit in there even after trying to push the plastic. but I still couldn't figure out how you'd actually detach the front piece

 

[Humble Leader]

has anyone done this recently? I tried again now that the weather is nicer and I can't get the two end bolts out - the ones farthest to the outside. they are completely rusted to the clips. I can get the bolt to turn but the whole fastener spins, it doesn't get looser

I want access to the two loops and I was thinking about mounting a curt front hitch for accessories like bikes on the front or be able to tie kayak or two from the roof and secure it. I'm about to take it to the dealer but maybe I'll try one more time. dremel the bottom of the bolt off and drill upwards?

 

[Jakeepoo3]

Here's an easy way to remove all that plastic trash. Just take it out on a real trail it'll get ripped off in no time.

 

[Gone4Wheeling]

I just removed mine from my 2022 Limited which was required to install my Hefty skid plates.

But the part I removed is attached to the factory steel engine skid plate and has a small rectangular opening in the center directing are to the skid plate which has a wire mesh screen before the air is directed under the engine and front differential. The plastic piece is only about 30" across.

 

[listo]

I removed my 13' SR5 air dam years ago when I installed a front hitch. I see zero negative issues after doing so. Temps are exactly the same as before. After 4 years it's absolute fine. I wish we received the Canadian SR5 bumper which was just a body colored Trail bumper.