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View Full Version : Air Dam Length?

2ToneBluJ10
10-01-2009, 01:04 PM
When did Jeep change from the full length front air dam to the shorter ones? Was the longer one causing front brake heat problems or cooling problems? I am aware of aerodynamic aspects of them.

My 83 has a short one. I personally like the look of the longer ones.

http://i33.tinypic.com/dm35mg.jpg
addicted
10-01-2009, 02:04 PM
Probably because there isn't much if any benifit to the longer one and the shorter one uses less material there by saving 25 cents a car.
red mistress
10-01-2009, 03:44 PM
WOW...the black sportside about knocked me out of chair.

Also spy a Red 2 door Cherokee parked nearby.

Your 2 tone blue truck, Jersey Jeeps wag, and Yellow Chero... we don't have that many nice Jeeps in TX.

All this at Jeff Daniels Jeep show...
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Now back to air Dam's...:p

I've got a NOS one, I think it's shortie, didn't know there were 2 lengths.

Don't see too many FSJ's with an air dam at all anymore.
Greenfire
10-01-2009, 04:51 PM
What is the purpose of the air dam exactly?

I need to re-install one one my 90, its currently running damless.
jks06
10-01-2009, 05:02 PM
Its purpose is to help aerodynamics of the truck by channeling air over the top and around the vehicle instead of under it. The closer the air dam is to the ground the more effective it is. So if you lift it the stock one doesnt do to much. The trucks were never a good shape for fuel econ that's why in later years they started using less steel and more aluminum and put the air dams on. :drivin:
Billygoat
10-02-2009, 06:20 AM
So were are talking about the plastic piece under the bumper right??

I thought is purpose was to keep rain/snow and crap from hitting the oil pan and PS gear!

On my J20 it is a foot and a half off the ground and I am stock, I don't see much areodynamics in action there, maybe keep the air going under the truck, instead of into the engine bay.
710 Burner
10-02-2009, 06:28 AM
It creates turbulance that channels more air into the radiator, and a low pressure area under the vehicle that helps suck the heat out of the engine bay.
talntar
10-02-2009, 06:57 AM
It creates turbulance that channels more air into the radiator, and a low pressure area under the vehicle that helps suck the heat out of the engine bay.


ding ding ding.exactly
2ToneBluJ10
10-02-2009, 07:17 AM
From the pics of Billygoats 1981 it looks to have a short air dam, the black step side is a 1980 has a long one , the change must have occurred during those years. Thanks guys!
jks06
10-02-2009, 07:25 AM
Actually air dams are put on vehicles to keep the air flowing over a vehicle and not let as much turbulence occur under a vehicle. They also do aid in cooling by channeling air through the radiator. Just remember that the parts under the vehicle that hang down such as the transfer case, motor ,etc. cause drag and turbulence. The air dam channels more air over the vehicle and less under to improve aero. Normally they hang down at roughly the same as the lowest part of the vehicle to smooth out air going under body and chassis.Just remember turbulence bad and smooth good! lol :thumbsup:
Billygoat
10-02-2009, 07:39 AM
Mine does a good job of protecting the bottom of my winch and hiding the mount...LOL

That black sportside is pure Jeep pern - need more pics!
jks06
10-02-2009, 07:52 AM
Nice lol! Yea that black stepside is sweet,it makes me miss my red stepside I had even more.Oh we it ended up in a private mopar collection in Italy,so at least I know it is getting taken care of.Dangit lol
2ToneBluJ10
10-02-2009, 09:28 AM
Mine does a good job of protecting the bottom of my winch and hiding the mount...LOL

That black sportside is pure Jeep pern - need more pics!

Link to more pics(just have to scroll down a bit)

http://www.nagca.com/forum/showthread.php?t=37359&page=2
newtojeeps
10-02-2009, 09:41 AM
Where and when was that show? COOL
2ToneBluJ10
10-02-2009, 11:07 AM
Where and when was that show? COOL

Jeff Daniels Jeep Show in Harleysville PA this past Saturday 9/26
Dr.E
10-02-2009, 12:20 PM
Another option that fulfills all of the above benefits.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/ceedds/Airdam-skidplate002.jpg
ironroad29
10-02-2009, 02:15 PM
it was 99% for cooling. Some vehicles if you remove it it will cause them to run hot, that is just how helpful it is to cooling.
djongeward
10-02-2009, 02:44 PM
My engine temp ran 5 degrees cooler after I installed the one from my parts waggy.