Factory catalytic converter protection

[oncechance]

I understand that you decided to get oil drain cover and the appreciate you posting your full order. I’m just curious if getting the oil drain cover is absolutely necessary to provide full protection and/or to allow easier oil changes, or if it’s completely optional and some people only installed the skid plate to protect their catalytic converter.

No.

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[oncechance]

No.

I just like doing something complete but you need to make the decision if you want the cover.

 

[Je1279]

You do not need to install the oil drain cover if you do not want to. Some trucks do not have any shielding underneath. I am not going to add the cover when I do mine so I have easy access when doing oil changes.

 

[Bbmertz]

You do not need to install the oil drain cover if you do not want to. Some trucks do not have any shielding underneath. I am not going to add the cover when I do mine so I have easy access when doing oil changes.

Thanks for the clarification. I think I’ll do the same.

This thread was very helpful since it sounds like a cheaper and easier alternative to many other catalytic converter protection products on the market. Probably also a good idea to get VIN etching as well.

 

[Pawheel]

Got mine installed. Thank you for the help guys. 2021 3.5L

 

[Je1279]

I apologize for beating a dead horse, but I plan on ordering the parts this week and want to ensure that I have everything I need. For those without the existing felt cover who do not want the oil door, are the parts and quantities below correct?

HL3Z-7222-E (1)
W716831-S439 (4)
W719490-S439 (4)

Also, what is the part number for the two front bolts that secure the cover to the existing nut clips?

*Edit* Please find the revised parts list below.

 

[powerboatr]

I apologize for beating a dead horse, but I plan on ordering the parts this week and want to ensure that I have everything I need. For those without the existing felt cover who do not want the oil door, are the parts and quantities below correct?

HL3Z-7222-E (1)
W716831-S439 (4)
W719490-S439 (4)

Also, what is the part number for the two front bolts that secure the cover to the existing nut clips?

re-use the 2 ten mm bolts to attach to the front edge
and the rear bolts and clips that hold on the felt pan brackets are same one for the pan fwd frame mounting areas
if that helps

 

[Je1279]

re-use the 2 ten mm bolts to attach to the front edge
and the rear bolts and clips that hold on the felt pan brackets are same one for the pan fwd frame mounting areas
if that helps

Unfortunately, I am one of the ones that didn't have any undercarriage protection on my truck so I need all of the necessary hardware to add the metal skid plate. However, if the front bolts are the same as the others, I will just order 6 instead of 4. Will that work?

 

[powerboatr]

Unfortunately, I am one of the ones that didn't have any undercarriage protection on my truck so I need all of the necessary hardware to add the metal skid plate. However, if the front bolts are the same as the others, I will just order 6 instead of 4. Will that work?

no the 2 front bolts are little 10 mm bolts the other 4 are larger like 5/16 bolt diameter.
with a clips
your parts guy will need to look at the felt pan support brackets, it has the bolts that attach to the frame and the correct part number
as an airplane guy
any 5/16 bolt and clip on anchor nut would work for the side ears where it attaches to the frame

 

[Je1279]

So combining what I've found (thanks to all for your assistance) along with the parts list that @oncechance provided, I believe what is below is correct for those without the factory cover who do not want the oil door cover. Also, the quantities below are based on my FordParts.com order. Dealerships or other vendors may or may not sell them individually.

HL3Z-7222-E (1)
W716831-S439 (1) *4 bolts included
W719490-S439 (1) *4 nuts included

I do not have the Ford part numbers for the front bolts and nut plates at this time. However, Dorman 980-230D will work for the bolts and the M6 size in Dorman 961-315D will work for the nut clips (if your truck currently does not have them). Thanks to @KTM753 for providing the specs for these.

If you have the factory cover and do not want the oil door cover, some existing parts can be reused so you will only need the parts below.

HL3Z-7222-E (1)
W716831-S439 (1) *4 bolts included
W719490-S439 (1) *4 nuts included

I must say, Ford's parts listings and diagrams make it extremely difficult to locate anything that you are looking for.

 

[stlgrym3]

just took delivery of my 2023 PB F150. Does the FX4 package include something that covers up catalytic converter? if not, what parts do i need to buy? Sorry for being lazy not reading through the entire thread.

 

[JerseyGlock]

just took delivery of my 2023 PB F150. Does the FX4 package include something that covers up catalytic converter? if not, what parts do i need to buy? Sorry for being lazy not reading through the entire thread.

NO and read this thread.

 

[stlgrym3]

So combining what I've found (thanks to all for your assistance) along with the parts list that @oncechance provided, I believe what is below is correct for those without the factory cover who do not want the oil door cover. Also, the quantities below are based on my FordParts.com order. Dealerships or other vendors may or may not sell them individually.

HL3Z-7222-E (1)
W716831-S439 (1) *4 bolts included
W719490-S439 (1) *4 nuts included
W520813-S439 (1) *4 nuts included
W500623-S439 (1) *3 bolts included

If you have the factory cover and do not want the oil door cover, some existing parts can be reused so you will only need the parts below.

HL3Z-7222-E (1)
W716831-S439 (1) *4 bolts included
W719490-S439 (1) *4 nuts included

I must say that Ford's parts listings and diagrams make it extremely difficult to locate anything that you are looking for.

thanks for the info, do the parts above work with FX4 package equipped F150?

 

[Je1279]

thanks for the info, do the parts above work with FX4 package equipped F150?

Yes, you should only need the second group of parts. See post #72 for additional information on installing these on a PowerBoost.

 

[EricR]

I just installed the plate on a 22 XLT Powerboost tonight. I can confirm the W716831-S439 bolts and W719490-S439 U-Nuts are the correct hardware. For the cooler lines on the right front, I simply unbolted the cooling line bracket on top and the next bracket down and there was enough play to insert the U- Nut and bolt (I used the existing bolt from back bracket since it had no washer attached thus was more shallow). Using a 13 mm ratcheting box end was able to tighten down. I then shimmed with a small nut behind bracket to give room for the bolt head . I pulled up the insulation on the front cooler line to prevent any rubbing on the bolt head. See photos.

I think this will work out great and I have pretty good confidence that CAT thieves will see plate on mine and move unto the next unprotected F150. Thanks to all on forum for the info. The homer bucket underneath to hold up other side during install was a great idea! Wife was happy she didn't have to crawl underneath to help.

Genius simplicity!

Elon Musk has been quoted saying: The best part, is no part.

A spare nut you have laying around is pretty darn close to "no part"!

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