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Dagoose

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Dagoose New Member

Dagoose

Posted
Posted

Hi all. I am the recent proud owner of a 2014 Silverado that I bought used. I usually do my own maintenance (oil changes, filters, etc.). I was looking at the lower plastic air dam below the front bumper and it doesn't look like it would clear the ramps I use when I change oil.

 

So does anyone else use ramps? Did they scrape? Would it damage them if they scrape? Are they easily removable? I just wanted to ask these questions before I do my first oil change on it.

 

Thanks in advance!!

 

Don

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c0ld29 Enthusiast

c0ld29

Posted
Posted

Although I haven't used ramps on the truck yet I'm sure the answer will be "depends on the ramps you are using". I know the air dam looks low but the ground clearance is still a good bit (for the street). I've used the standard rhino ramps on economy cars all the time and can't imagine the clearance is lower on these trucks.

 

They are easily removable and there is even a thread dedicated to removing it under the accessories/modifications forum. Even if it did scrape a little bit the ramps are usually plastic so I can't imagine too much damage happening.

 

Best thing I can say is (assuming you already have a set of ramps) is to place them in front of your tires touching. If the dam clears it then it should clear the entire way.

Britt Lifsey Enthusiast

Britt Lifsey

Posted
Posted

Not tried them with truck but I've used ramps without issue on my wife's VW Jetta and both kids' Ford Focuses (Focii???) and they have very low front air dams.

fondupot Senior Enthusiast

fondupot

Posted
Posted

I made my own set of ramps out of 2x10 wood. They look similar to the ones in the picture below. Not as many levels, but they get the job done.

 

ramps1.jpg

'01LS1 Senior Enthusiast

'01LS1

Posted
Posted

I made my own set of ramps out of 2x10 wood. They look similar to the ones in the picture below. Not as many levels, but they get the job done.

 

ramps1.jpg

 

I was going to say to lay down a 16" long or so 2x8 before the ramp to pop the front end up before the incline. But your idea above definitely wins!

 

Or if you have a ditch in the front yard, straddle it & lay on a piece of card board to change oil. Though most newer subdivisions do not have them anymore.

LongrangeLauber Senior Enthusiast

LongrangeLauber

Posted
Posted

Remove the air dam and your problems will be solved. I have not seen any difference in mpg.

 

Back on topic I use the plastic rhino ramps from wally world

 

Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk

Dagoose New Member

Dagoose

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Remove the air dam and your problems will be solved. I have not seen any difference in mpg.

 

Back on topic I use the plastic rhino ramps from wally world

 

Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk

Hmmm....I know I've read that the air dams improve gas mileage but if you've not noticed any difference maybe I'll just take them off altogether if it won't go up on them.

LongrangeLauber Senior Enthusiast

LongrangeLauber

Posted
Posted

Hmmm....I know I've read that the air dams improve gas mileage but if you've not noticed any difference maybe I'll just take them off altogether if it won't go up on them.

I still do better than average (hand calculated) city mpg with the air dam removed and a level kit. It's about 16.5 mpg. I don't frequent the highway much so I can't say for sure for highway mpg.

 

I tow quite frequently and can say this truck still gets decent mpg for towing as well lol

 

Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk

ember1205 Senior Enthusiast

ember1205

Posted
Posted

Remove the air dam and your problems will be solved. I have not seen any difference in mpg.

 

Back on topic I use the plastic rhino ramps from wally world

 

Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk

 

 

Hmmm....I know I've read that the air dams improve gas mileage but if you've not noticed any difference maybe I'll just take them off altogether if it won't go up on them.

 

 

I thought the primary purpose was to force air onto / across the front brakes for cooling?

LongrangeLauber Senior Enthusiast

LongrangeLauber

Posted
Posted

 

 

 

 

I thought the primary purpose was to force air onto / across the front brakes for cooling?

Nah that's just superstition lol. I honestly have no idea why it's on there. With my 20" wheels there is plenty of air coming across those brakes, way better than my 02 which has 17" wheels and pushn 37's. Try stopping those bad boys haha

 

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DirtyMarcus Enthusiast

DirtyMarcus

Posted
Posted

I have the ramps below. Yes they are expensive but I do all my maintenance myself. I lowered my truck, my mustang is lowered, and my wife VW sits low from the factory. They are really lightweight and store easily in 4 pieces. I thought about making my own out of wood but after figuring time, materials, weight, difficulty storing, I chose to buy these. Plus removing the ramp section allowed for easier access to areas that a traditional or wooden ramp would block.

 

http://www.ecstuning.com/Volkswagen-Golf_IV--VR6_24v/Tools/Ramps/ES2748954/

Dagoose New Member

Dagoose

Posted
  • Author
Posted

I have the ramps below. Yes they are expensive but I do all my maintenance myself. I lowered my truck, my mustang is lowered, and my wife VW sits low from the factory. They are really lightweight and store easily in 4 pieces. I thought about making my own out of wood but after figuring time, materials, weight, difficulty storing, I chose to buy these. Plus removing the ramp section allowed for easier access to areas that a traditional or wooden ramp would block.

 

http://www.ecstuning.com/Volkswagen-Golf_IV--VR6_24v/Tools/Ramps/ES2748954/

Nice, but I can't imagine squeezing my big belly under the truck if it's only 8" higher than it is now. LOL

ccdies Enthusiast

ccdies

Posted
Posted

I don't need ramps, lol

 

 

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