Not sure what the shield under the engine is, but is there a reason not to remove it permanently. Other than a little aerodynamics and fluid/drip catching, I can't see a real need for it.

Thanks,
Dave

 

If you're talking about the plastic on that gets in the way during oil changes, just toss it

 

it holds the engine to the frame...... just kidding i tossed mine when i first bought the truck.

 

I think it's a sound deflector to reduce noise... Toss it.

 

Interesting!!! I currently have my off due to rebuilding my engine and I was planning on placing it back on. I'll leave it off and see if it effects the cooling like I thought it did, probably not..

 

It isn't really important but I am not a fan of tossing out parts so I have kept mine. It might also protect the bottom from any road debris. It doesn't cause me any problems when I do the oil changes and I have only had to remove mine once and that was to replace the lower coolant hose.

 

Mine didn't have one when I bought it. PO must have tossed it.

Eric

 

just toss it if you like. might need a dremel or something of the sort. not sure if anyone has done underhood temp readings before and after, but i gotta think it would at the very least get some cool air swirling under the hood a bit at speed. also makes it much easier to inspect and get to other things under the chassis. in terms of guarding the bottom of the engine when going over rocks it is fiberglass or plastic fiber and offers little to no real structural defense.

 

How do I remove the shield? I've taken off the five screws, so what other part am I supposed to take off? Thanks, C

 

We placed jack stands under the frame aft of front wheels to let the axle down and the pan slid out towards the rear with a minor twist to the drivers side of the truck.

2003 Discovery 129K with High Miles service complete