I have to change out my engine mounts (yea fun) and this is the first time I've delt with the plastic panel underneath the engine. I managed to disconnect the shock absorber from the steering link and pry the panel out. From what I can see this underside panel is great at hiding oil leaks and collecting grime and dirt. I live in a warm climate year round. Is there any reason to put this panel back in?

I've also got a leak somewhere on the front of the engine so I'd rather leave this thing off after swapping out the engine mounts, so I can diagnose that easier, and any future leaks/issues.

BTW. The driver side upper engine mount nut is a real bugger to get too. I used a ratcheting 18mm spanner, turning it from above about 1/8 of a rotation at a time up to my elbow next to the air intake. Not looking forward to tightening the new one tomorrow morning!

 

If I’m understanding what you’re talking about, it is especially important in a warm climate as it will help all the cooling air go through the radiator, rather than bypassing it. Having said that, in the real world it might not make a big difference.

 

I took that- insert your favorite expletive riddled tirade here- thing off and hucked it.

 

I think he’s talking about the extra panel that came on the 03/04 models. I had one on my 04. It’s like a panel LR added in response to oil drips on driveway complaints.

OP, if you’re talking about the panel with the little hatch for accessing the oil filter, yes, safe to discard. The 99-02 models never even had one.

 

Thanks guys. Yes it's an 03! Panel is now in the bin. Should make my next oil change easier and finding the leak on the front of the engine.

Got the engine mounts done. Both were split. Not the worst job but you do need a floor jack to raise the engine, and a bottle jack between the front axle and pax side engine mount to get that extra lift/rotation.