Factory catalytic converter protection

[Bbmertz]

After following this thread for weeks, I finally ordered the parts for my 2023 3.5 EB FX4 SC from the Ford Parts website using the $20-off new customer discount. I’m having it installed at a local Ford dealer along with the fender flares, wheel well liners and mudflaps I ordered. I’ll send an update with photos when it’s installed.

Sponsored

 

[KTM753]

My 2021 Job 1 2.7L payload package frame has front and rear holes for mounting this skid plate in the frame.

 

[Je1279]

My 2021 Job 1 2.7L payload package frame has front and rear holes for mounting this skid plate in the frame.

It's so odd to me that the gen 13's have them as well as the '22s and '23s, but only some of the 21's.

 

[mpd2434]

Just picked up my skid plate. As I confirmed before I don’t have the forward mounting holes on the sides. I want to use a couple of self tappers for these mounting holes. Can anyone confirm if there is anything in the frame behind where these will screw into? I don’t want to screw blindly in here and pierce something inside the frame.

 

[PBXL]

2021 Powerboost FX4 - I have all the holes and they lined up. I didn't bother bolting the front driver side behind the coolant lines, however.

 

[TeamCanada]

For those of you with a 5.0, did you grind the plate to get easier access to the drain plug, and if you did, where did you need to grind?
I was thinking of simply putting in a Fumoto valve, but don't know what one to use? What valve has anyone with a 5.0 use?

 

[skohler]

So my week old PB is missing one as well. Didn’t think much of it, other than now I have to make sure I order all the bolts. just one more thing that my truck had deleted from the factory.

 

[Rockman5159]

Decided the cardboard FX-4 cover is only a minor deterrent for cat thieves and went with the "factory" option. Part # HL3Z-7222-E is the factory Raptor metal plate and runs about $168 from the online retailers. I searched around for the best shipped price and came up with Ford Parts Giant. They just slapped a label on and sent it. I also ordered the nuts and bolts and it turns out my 2021 does not have the front opening for the plates so I went without. It sits sturdy without the front ears bolted in. I contemplated drilling nutserts into the frame but decided against it. I am just over $200 to my door saving a good amount over the aftermarket. I did not purchase the outrageous oil drain cover however.

You dont get a rattle from frontof guard without being bolted in?

 

[jmargo]

You dont get a rattle from frontof guard without being bolted in?

No. It's on quite firm without any movement.

 

[astrand1]

2021 Powerboost FX4 - I have all the holes and they lined up. I didn't bother bolting the front driver side behind the coolant lines, however.

I bolted mine. I removed the coolant holder for a minute and bent it just a bit and then used 3 small washers between the frame and the coolant line holder and there is a perfect amount of space between the bolt head and the lines. Just fyi.

 

[TXSTEEL]

I ordered the skid plate from Ford and had it on my front porch the next day. Ordered some 10 mm bolts and u-nuts off amazon. all parts for less than $150 dollars. Install was rather easy, the most difficult part was getting the u-nut and bolt in behind the coolant lines and that wasn't all that bad. Hopefully now when traveling I'll be able to sleep at night and not worry about not having my converters missing in the morning. $150 is cheap compared to replacing those and dealing with the hassle to do so.

 

[Rockman5159]

I ordered the skid plate from Ford and had it on my front porch the next day. Ordered some 10 mm bolts and u-nuts off amazon. all parts for less than $150 dollars. Install was rather easy, the most difficult part was getting the u-nut and bolt in behind the coolant lines and that wasn't all that bad. Hopefully now when traveling I'll be able to sleep at night and not worry about not having my converters missing in the morning. $150 is cheap compared to replacing those and dealing with the hassle to do so.

You are correct. Thats cheap insurance

 

[Brad34]

Thank to OP and others for this thread!

FYI, on parts.ford.com when asked to select a dealer, I chose the one closest to my house. But the part came up at $199. So I switched to the next closest dealer and it was $159.

So simply select a different dealer if it is not $159 in the cart.

$159 - $20 + tax = $149

Free shipping - to my home.

Good info here for anyone looking to order parts. My nearest dealer had it listed for $159. A dealer about 40 minutes away had it listed for $124, before the $20 off. Since shipping is free, I saved myself the drive. I received all the parts the next day. Total cost after tax, $152. I did not order the oil drain cover.

If you have it shipped, you can expect some scratches and chips in the paint. If this bothers you, I highly recommend you go pick it up at the dealer so you can look it over before buying.

 

[Je1279]

For those with 5.0's and this skid plate, you can use a Fumoto short nipple drain valve along with their right angle adapter and tubing for hassle-free oil changes.

 

[EricR]

... and if the Fumoto fails???

Sponsored