Removing Splash Guards?

[bkutcha]

I ordered a big bend that should be coming within a couple of weeks. I did not realize until I bought it though that it comes installed with front and rear splash guards. I understand the benefits of splash guards, but I'm not a fan of the look. If I wanted to, would I be able to safely remove them?

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[retiredguy]

I ordered a big bend that should be coming within a couple of weeks. I did not realize until I bought it though that it comes installed with front and rear splash guards. I understand the benefits of splash guards, but I'm not a fan of the look. If I wanted to, would I be able to safely remove them?

I installed the splash guards with a ratchet. It was pretty easy even though it was tight on the rear wheels. You will need the plugs to seal the holes after you remove the splash guards.

 

[Zander1ni]

I ordered a big bend that should be coming within a couple of weeks. I did not realize until I bought it though that it comes installed with front and rear splash guards. I understand the benefits of splash guards, but I'm not a fan of the look. If I wanted to, would I be able to safely remove them?

are you talking about the tiny plastic ones? If so those are not on the badlands model despite it having the same bumper. I’d remove them

 

[bkutcha]

I installed the splash guards with a ratchet. It was pretty easy even though it was tight on the rear wheels. You will need the plugs to seal the holes after you remove the splash guards.

I was thinking that. I assume they are not on the Ford website? How do you think I could get them? Dealership?

 

[bkutcha]

are you talking about the tiny plastic ones? If so those are not on the badlands model despite it having the same bumper. I’d remove them

Yes, they are the smaller plastic ones. I'd like to remove them I just want to make sure that's possible.

 

[PersimmonHills]

It should be no problem. You will need about 10 plastic rivets.

 

[tRex]

Yes, the tiny "splash guards" are actually for aerodynamics -- disrupting the airflow at the front of the wheels for better fuel economy. Yes, they primarily seem to be installed Base: none, Big Bend: at all 4 wheels, Outer Banks: all 4, Badlands/First Edition: rear wheels only. There are exceptions, which blew my theory that these were based upon the suspension (BL/FE) or the 18" wheel (OB std., BB optional). If I need to cut out the fasteners and replace, I'm disappointed -- I wanted to remove these (2 at the rear on the BL).

 

[tomwbro]

It should be no problem. You will need about 10 plastic rivets.

I'm going to remove my splash guards. Anyone have a link to rivets to plug the holes?

 

[69cuda340s]

So the little air deflectors in front of tires are called Splash Guards? I thought Splash Guards were behind the tires? Yes, no?

 

[Jcera304]

I’m wanting to remove the tiny splash guards in front of the tires. Is there anything special or will they just unbolt?

 

[PonyDriver43]

So the little air deflectors in front of tires are called Splash Guards? I thought Splash Guards were behind the tires? Yes, no?

I'm with you (behind the tires). Back in the day they were mud flaps. Now splash guards ??
Little aero deflectors in front of tires -- how about Ugly Flaps ??

 

[dakman]

Those little flaps are easy to remove. Just turn your wheel so you can access fasteners and remove. If I remember I just put the fasteners back in.

 

[Jcera304]

Those little flaps are easy to remove. Just turn your wheel so you can access fasteners and remove. If I remember I just put the fasteners back in.

Any advice on how to remove the clips without breaking them?

 

[Petroph]

Here I am thinking I should've ordered Splash Guards on my BL when I did as they look pretty good. I didn't though, as I was never a fan of them on any vehicle. But after getting behind some cars with heavy rain and stuff recently, and seeing them in action, I'm just not sure if I should've or not.

 

[dakman]

I use a small flat head to lift the center out and then carefully get the main clip out. They do make tools that are plastic and work good for the clips. I believe there are some normal screws too. There only I think 3 fasteners or screws in each one.

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