It's settled, I'm taking it out. What's the best way to do so and not break it? Doesn't seem like there's an easy path?

 

It will slide out the front if the fan shroud bottom is out.
Or, it will slide out the back if you jack up the front suspension and leave the wheels on the ground.
That gives enough clearance to remove it.
There's only a few phillips head screws that hold it it.

 

Yep loosen fasteners and jack up the D2 and it should come right out.

 

So this funky scoop thing can be removed?

 

That is left over from the OEM front bumper. It helped to direct air up thru the radiator, but once the OEM bumper is removed = it's pretty much useless.

 

I took mine off too. Makes oil changes easy.

 

Lol, heres what it looks like if you live in New England

 

Just a little surface rust. Nothing to worry about!

 

late reply but maybe this helps someone now... I too took mine off but I just removed the steering stabilizer quickly and shimmied it out for anyone who is now considering this.. just took a few minutes... after that I could easily locate all the leaks lol

 

Yeah this. I had mine off for the last year and recently put it back on. I do not know for sure, but it might be related to the cooling system. When you read about how cars are set up, it is way more than just sticking the radiator in the front facing air. There can be entry and exit ducting design and I think maybe the lower cover could be part of this to help direct air or influence the pull through.
I remove mine from the front by removing the steering stabilizer. takes a few minutes once you know how to shimmy it in and not get it backwards.
Other advantages -

• Wading. The cover would help maintain the air pocket and keep water out of the fan. I went into a mud hole without it and got plenty of mud and water in the engine bay.
• Noise - This is likely one reason LR was using it for.
• Aero help. Silly right, but every little bit can help when you are @ 12 MPG!

Cooling design link here -