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Plastic Thingamajig

Discussion in '2.5 Gen Tundras (2014-2021)' started by TXMiamiFan, Jun 14, 2016.

  1. Jun 14, 2016 at 7:06 PM
    #1
    TXMiamiFan

    TXMiamiFan [OP] SSEM #3 and tractor extraordinaire

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    Anyone know what purpose these plastic flaps serve up front? I played around in the mud and hit some big bumps along the way. One of em bent and tire started rubbing, so I took em off. Not sure why they are there to begin with.
    image.jpg
    Here is the bent bracket that sits behind the bumper.
    image.jpg
     
  2. Jun 14, 2016 at 7:14 PM
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    Inferno16

    Inferno16 New Member

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    It serves 2 things. 1. when you go reverse in mudd or muddy water, it's protect the under the front bumper. 2. it also serve as wind deflector to help the aero dynamics with our big tires. I was told that it helps wind pass through the sides creating less drag...
     
  3. Jun 14, 2016 at 7:30 PM
    #3
    TXMiamiFan

    TXMiamiFan [OP] SSEM #3 and tractor extraordinaire

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    Thanks for the info. Might work on bending the piece back to normal and reinstall. How many MPG do I lose with the increase in drag? :rofl:
     
  4. Jun 14, 2016 at 7:42 PM
    #4
    T-Rex266

    T-Rex266 Tesla Live Crew Staff Member

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    I took all flaps off within week 1..looks better without IMO
     
  5. Jun 14, 2016 at 7:49 PM
    #5
    TXMiamiFan

    TXMiamiFan [OP] SSEM #3 and tractor extraordinaire

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    Thanks!
     
  6. Jun 14, 2016 at 8:02 PM
    #6
    Wynnded

    Wynnded What MPG...

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    They're called "spats", and they're to deflect air around the leading face of the front tires.
     
    ColoradoTJ likes this.
  7. Jun 15, 2016 at 5:57 AM
    #7
    chphilo

    chphilo Tundra addict

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    Many of us who went with larger tires took these things off. If you upsize your tires, you are less likely to worried about mpg than rubbing.
     
  8. Jun 15, 2016 at 6:10 AM
    #8
    Black Wolf

    Black Wolf semi-retired, sort of

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    I didn't even know there were "spats". Previous owner must have taken them off.
     
  9. Jun 15, 2016 at 11:27 AM
    #9
    TXMiamiFan

    TXMiamiFan [OP] SSEM #3 and tractor extraordinaire

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    TRD Pro Grille, ESP Storage, Tailgate Inserts, Line-X Bedliner, Weathertech Floorliners, Wet Okole Seat Covers, 5" Shorty Antenna, Mickey Thompson MM-366 Wheels, ToyTec Boss, 35" BFG KO2 to name a few.
    Thanks all!
     

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