That d@%n front air dam

6.slow · November 16, 2005

Has anyone found anything decent to replace that plastic piece of crap GM calls an air dam? Everytime I get a little dirty it works to carry as much mud, gravel, stones, snow and crud home with me.

If it wasn't for the foglights, I just toss it, but I'm slightly concerned about problems if I do. Other than several inches of lift, what can I do (short of driving like it's a car) to keep this infernal devise from filling with 5-6 pounds of junk? I can't always avoid the mud and snow up here in Wisconsin and my job (construction) doesn't help the matter, but there's gotta be some options.

Function over fashion...

But price over both...

lrymal · November 16, 2005

I'd suggest replacing the front bumper with something more substantial. In the process, the air dam would be replaced. Lots of guys here have favorite replacements. You have an HD according to your signature and you drive in some rough stuff. That's what I'd do.

facn8me · November 16, 2005

Yeah those things are irritating. The General's solution is take it off when you go off-roading. Or at least that's what the owners manual states.

6.slow · November 16, 2005

Yeah those things are irritating. The General's solution is take it off when you go off-roading. Or at least that's what the owners manual states.

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Yeah, I thought about that, but I'd only have it on during the weekends. I couldn't see the use of always having to take off and put on, so often. When I have it off, the truck has that "post-accident" look. I've got foglights in there also, which I'm kinda fond of. Just looks retarded when it's off.

lrymal · November 17, 2005

At the risk of repeating, fund a bumper replacement. Here's some choices from Ranch Hand:

http://www.ranchhand.com/frontbumperreplacements.htm

6.slow · November 29, 2005

At the risk of repeating, fund a bumper replacement. Here's some choices from Ranch Hand:

http://www.ranchhand.com/frontbumperreplacements.htm

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thanks for the info. Them sure do look nice and tough. I'd get one too, but turns out I ain't rich. Besides, a bumper like that needs a winch to look right. A winch needs to be used to be worth the investment. That could get ugly!!! Sorry, I didn't say, but I'm looking for a cheap fix. I know those seldom exist, but a guy's gotta have dreams... Thanks again for the help, maybe I'll start saving.

mikecordell · December 24, 2005

Well, where I grew up you could find a buddy who welds, buy some pipe, metal, and a case of beer for him and you'd have a bumper in a few days. Its worth a try! Especially if you know someone who is good enough to cut holes to flush fit your fog lights in there

DJinCO · January 14, 2006

Ranch Hand front and rear with Lightforce lights. About 350,000 lumens. Oh yea, it's bright. But I only use the Lightforce lights when no one is in front of me. The photo in my avitar was taken during the day.

srlbotanical · January 15, 2006

I have a 97, so the OBS air dam is a bit different. My air-dam wrapped around each end of the bumper, and when I was off road one time I actually broke the drivers side wrap around right off. When I got home I took a real fine metal sawzall blade and cut each side off the air-dam so it was rounded. This got rid of the part that wraps around each end of the bumper. I think it actually looks a lot better. Also, since it is only straight across now, the air-dam flexes better when I hit something...

Steve