Air Dam Removal - Did You or Not?

[Larry-O]

Just thought I would make a poll here to see who has and hasn’t removed their front air dam!

I’m torn on whether I would like to get rid of mine or not. Also, this may be a stupid question, but does the air dam actually protect against anything? Or is it purely for aerodynamics/fuel efficiency?

Thanks!

I'LL wait until I break it

Sponsored

 

[MikeD]

As @ModernDay4Runner said there has been a lot of discussion about this on this forum, but I will answer again here. I keep mine on except if I am going off road where it might be a problem--it takes maybe 5 minutes to remove or reinstall, just make sure you get the screws tight again (I goofed on that the first time apparently and the outer 2 on both sides came out--they have not since I replaced them and put them in tighter). It is there for aerodynamics; from what I have read it gives you around a 0.8 MPG improvement. Not much, but over time adds up. I have no issue with its looks--I am also more concerned with function, not appearance. I am not one to spend much on purely asthetics stuff.

I’m with Baku - same exact approach and perspectives. Have and will be removing for off-road trips and replacing for daily driving MPGS. Unless the 285s I’m having put on today rub air dam - then it will be gone.

 

[bancroftdg]

I think it looks much better with it off but still havent done it. Have there been any reported issues with it being off (other than the mpg)?

 

[John S.]

Just thought I would make a poll here to see who has and hasn’t removed their front air dam!

I’m torn on whether I would like to get rid of mine or not. Also, this may be a stupid question, but does the air dam actually protect against anything? Or is it purely for aerodynamics/fuel efficiency?

Thanks!

While it does look a bit bulky and weird, I plan to keep it on in the warm months then remove for winter driving in case I need more snow clearance.

 

[bakutheleo]

@MikeD If it does rub you could always shave a bit off the ends--it is just plastic! Or of course let the tires do that, although I would not recommend that .

 

[MikeD]

It's very close.
I'm going to take a rasp/file to the lower corner to ensure the air dam is not an issue. Unfortunately I have some other rubbing to deal with. At least it looks good

 

[brumey]

I think that front air dam will become a collector’s item.

 

[HVLA]

Took mine off the minute I got home from the dealer. Just looks weird to me.

Same here. Looks absolutely disgusting with it on.

 

[Patrick Mcgowan]

I kept it on. It's a thing of beauty and has some function. With what seems the vast percentage of folk on here taking it off, those that did not will have a unique look.

I sincerely doubt Toyota put it on for purely looks. If it did not do something they thought was needed, they would not include it.

yes left it on and drove 80 miles to hoodoo ski area, WOW 28 mpg round trip frickin great love that and torp is plev if ya know what i mean !

 

[Tarekith]

Ah ha, I'm guessing you're the other person in Bend I've seen with an Everest ORP

 

[Qbania]

Thankfully it didn't come on my PRO.

 

[Dphotos]

Just thought I would make a poll here to see who has and hasn’t removed their front air dam!

I’m torn on whether I would like to get rid of mine or not. Also, this may be a stupid question, but does the air dam actually protect against anything? Or is it purely for aerodynamics/fuel efficiency?

Thanks!

I took my air dam off the same day I brought my new 4Runner home. It was a dumb design decision from Toyota along with the rear seats not laying down flat for car camping. I also was not happy I lost cargo space with the hybrid option and I had better gas mileage with my older Gen 3 6 cylinder car then I am getting with my new Limited Gen 6 4Runner. I just wish Toyota had done more market research with long time 4 Runner owners. I have owned 4Runners for 29 years. I am basically happy with my new car but I had wished to see a few different design decisions.

 

[glocke12]

I've left mine on, but am thinking I might remove it for the winter since it will probably break when I try getting out of my driveway if there is snowfall that reaches the air dam.

 

[Maxine_Offroad]

Mine fell off after I left the dealership and was damaged. This was on May 3rd 2025 and they still have no idea on when a replacement will be in.

 

[jjbailey930]

Not to raise alarm or correlate on one tank of gas….Since purchasing my TRD Sport on July 3rd, avg. MPG 21.9. I removed the air dam and installed the TRD front skid and ARB roof rack early September. First full tank MPG 19.6 with similar driving. Will report back next couple of tanks as we are heading to Delaware shore next week from N. Va.

Sponsored