Under engine shielding

[Mike 80]

I think there is missing shielding under the engine of my 2007 3.0 Ranger. No protection for trans lines and elec. harnesses. Anyone know what should be under front of engine?

 

[Jazzer]

I have an ‘07 2.3, and there’s no shielding in that area.

 

[Mike 80]

I wonder what genius thought it would be a good idea to leave transmission lines totally exposed to whatever
gets thrown up under the front bumper. Thanks for your reply.

 

[Curious Hound]

Have any pictures of what you think is so egregiously onitted? Are we talking about a 4x4 truck or rwd? What is the overall ground clearance?

I understand that it's generally a good idea to protect things either by protective shields/skidplates or by better placement of the co.ponenys. But there are downsides, also, such as reduced airflow causing more heat to build up in things, shields and covers collecting dirt and debris that causes further heat buildup and also retains moisture that promotes corrosion. Increased cost, increased maintenance time, etc. A lot of the shields we see these days are recent additions to vehicle design.some are good. Some are not. Some are worthless pieces of plastic that do nothing but cause trouble and get ripped off the vehicle during normal use. So, just how badly exposed are the lines you're talking about? There may be aftermarket skidplates you could install or you could even design your own.

 

[Mike 80]

You have a good point about air circulation and I will send photo when I figure out how.
This is a 2wd with 13 inches ground clearance from rigid trans lines.

 

[Curious Hound]

You have a good point about air circulation and I will send photo when I figure out how.
This is a 2wd with 13 inches ground clearance from rigid trans lines.

13" is pretty good clearance and, being 2wd, it is not expected to see a lot of rocks, dead trees, etc. Contacting things under there. I'm not saying that a 4x4 would have had more protection. I'm not intimately familiar with Rangers that new. Often, there is an option to order factory skidplates on 4x4 models. But it is often still just an option for the original buyer to say "yes" or "no" or to be purchased later as an add-on accessory. Not saying that's right or wrong. It just is that way.

 

[Mike 80]

With 205,00 miles and no incidents so far, I should probably quit sweatin it. Thanks for your input, though.