Is there any real mechanical advantage of having the plastic panels under the engine compartment? They are a real pain. Any advantage aside from the obvious for removing them?

 

Gets in way and will hold fluids keeping leaks from being noticed. Possibly offers a little protection from road debris but not worth having IMO. No effect on coolant temps.

Removed my underbelly panel below engine to facilitate future mx/inspections and get things cleaned up. Once up on 6" ramps, removed the steering damper and I was able to easily remove panel from the front, sans damage and without the need to release drag link or having to let the front end hang. No plans to reinstall.

Some claim having to cut in pieces or jack up to let wheels hang etc. There is a manual reference with some of info above.
......

 

General consensus is remove it. Mine was removed by PO.

 

I took mine off a few years ago. However, I do quite a bit of off-roading these past three summers. The amount of dust into the engine bay is ridiculous. I might put it back up to see if it would help reduce the dust in the engine bay. I do quite a bit of preventative maintenace during the summer. I hate working on the engine when I have to spend the first hour to clean the dust off before I start on the actual work. Hate for dust to get into the spark plug holes, hoses, etc.

 

Took a hammer to mine about a year and a half ago.

 

Thanks gents