Check your splitter install

[Ronp]

Everyone needs to crawl under their 350 and check out the splitter. I jammed mine into a curb the second day I had the car but waited until 1,600 miles before putting my replacement center piece on. First, all the tips and the video on this thread were helpful. Second, while my splitter looked like it was installed properly, it was missing five screws. Wow! Three had backed out and two were never put on in the first place. Install was real easy but needed some force to get one side to seat properly.

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[Hack]

So.. I got it installed. Here's what I found:

• The 4 screws that go in at a 45 degree angle were missing. I think this is why the splitter would seem ok at first but then later it would sag.
• The two front belly pan screws were missing as well.
• There was an incorrect screw on the driver's side wing. It was one of the 4.2 x 25 screws with the hex head rather than the torx style screws.
• The fasteners on the wings were not torqued properly (or else they loosened up).

It was a little difficult to get some of the 45 degree fasteners in, as the clip nuts didn't perfectly align with the splitter holes. I used a sharp tool to pry on them and get them aligned a little better prior to installing the fasteners. I bought some 4.2 x 20 mm screws to replace the missing hardware so that I could get the job finished today. I couldn't find the fastener in 25mm length, but the 20mm seemed fine to me. I might talk to the dealer and see whether I can get them to give me the correct missing fasteners.

I will check the fasteners again in a week or so to see whether they loosen up when torqued properly. I think it's important to torque them, because they are fastened more tightly than I would have assumed if I hadn't had the torque wrench available.

 

[morjo02]

I had my detailer install the GT350R splitter... It took approximately 1hr + to install it properly... He said it was a pain in he butt and was surprised by the number of screws needed....

 

[Steve68]

So.. I got it installed. Here's what I found:

• The 4 screws that go in at a 45 degree angle were missing. I think this is why the splitter would seem ok at first but then later it would sag.
• The two front belly pan screws were missing as well.
• There was an incorrect screw on the driver's side wing. It was one of the 4.2 x 25 screws with the hex head rather than the torx style screws.
• The fasteners on the wings were not torqued properly (or else they loosened up).

It was a little difficult to get some of the 45 degree fasteners in, as the clip nuts didn't perfectly align with the splitter holes. I used a sharp tool to pry on them and get them aligned a little better prior to installing the fasteners. I bought some 4.2 x 20 mm screws to replace the missing hardware so that I could get the job finished today. I couldn't find the fastener in 25mm length, but the 20mm seemed fine to me. I might talk to the dealer and see whether I can get them to give me the correct missing fasteners.

I will check the fasteners again in a week or so to see whether they loosen up when torqued properly. I think it's important to torque them, because they are fastened more tightly than I would have assumed if I hadn't had the torque wrench available.

I think the 20mm screws are probably perfect. I've said in older posts that I think the 25mm 45-degree screws are a hair too long as they dig in to the fascia when they should not. Especially the two center-ones.

That's messed up that they didn't use any of the front 45-degree screws.

 

[Hack]

I think the 20mm screws are probably perfect. I've said in older posts that I think the 25mm 45-degree screws are a hair too long as they dig in to the fascia when they should not. Especially the two center-ones.

That's messed up that they didn't use any of the front 45-degree screws.

I agree. The dealer tech should be a lot better at this stuff than I am. And especially trying to do it the second time. I'm a little upset with that dealer.

 

[GT_Dave]

While I was under my car last week for an oil change, thanks to the video here I noticed the 4 vertical screws that hold the splitter to the frame were never installed. Had the dealer order them, they are back ordered, maybe 2 weeks. No way will the dealer be seeing my car for work, I will install the missing parts myself. If the 4.2mm screws were available from any source, I would buy them instead, but they are only available through the dealer or Ford parts.

 

[Hack]

While I was under my car last week for an oil change, thanks to the video here I noticed the 4 vertical screws that hold the splitter to the frame were never installed. Had the dealer order them, they are back ordered, maybe 2 weeks. No way will the dealer be seeing my car for work, I will install the missing parts myself. If the 4.2mm screws were available from any source, I would buy them instead, but they are only available through the dealer or Ford parts.

4.2mm is a #8 and 25mm is 1 inch long. I'm sure a decent local hardware or larger auto parts store can help. If you are talking about the large head torx drive screws - yes, those will be a special item.

 

[barstowpo]

Make sure the splitter is seated properly like in the installation video before installing the bolts.

 

[_M_]

Can you just order the center piece of the 350 splitter?

 

[Steve68]

I'm doubting that you can. I think it comes as a kit. I've asked about the contents in Tomster's thread here...

http://www.mustang6g.com/forums/showthread.php?t=61766

Part number is there as well. I've searched quite a bit this afternoon and there's a dearth of information about this part online with most sites only describing it as "panel" as per the label on Tomster's box.

 

[Tomster]

I'm doubting that you can. I think it comes as a kit. I've asked about the contents in Tomster's thread here...

http://www.mustang6g.com/forums/showthread.php?t=61766

Part number is there as well. I've searched quite a bit this afternoon and there's a dearth of information about this part online with most sites only describing it as "panel" as per the label on Tomster's box.

it came complete in a box to include all the hardware and side splitters. AFAIK, you cannot just buy the main splitter

What happened to mungo steve?

[ame]

 

[Varekai]

I gave up on the two inner moon clips. Got the outer one on both sides closest to the wheel, but the inner ones, forgettaboutit. Wasn't happening. My thumbs had indents in them and tools kept causing them to go flying.

 

[Michael86]

I had my splitter installed today. I'd like to thank Steve16 for this thread, and the community's contribution. You guys saved me a headache and ensured this got done the right way. Thank you.

August: Drove from CA to TX to buy the car. Arrived just before closing; sales guy says they didn't install the splitter because it's their policy. Hmm. K. Didn't notice they forgot to install the rear driver's side mud guard. Off I went.

A week ago: Made the online appointment, specifying the splitter and mud guard install, and rear panel fitment needed an adjustment (dropping down 1/4" on both sides).

Today: I arrive at 8. Service Writer says: "What, uh, we have to order the splitter..." and I say all good, I have all the parts. Then he says "We can't adjust the fitment, you'll have to come back during the week and we'll have a body shop do it." K. Let's go for the installs.

8:15: Service Manager: Do you mind waiting til 9:30, I want my best guy on this and he won't be here til then. K. Coffee and reading time.

12: Service Writer: Can you come take a look? (Takes me to the service bay). Car's on a lift, I check the splitter and there it is, the 1/2" gap just like the pictures show. Tech's a young guy. I explain that Ford recommends using a cloth/mallet and this is described in the Ford video. Tech says he didn't want to use that kind of force but ok man, if you trust me. I do.

1:30. Installs are done. Splitter is flush, looking good.

Thanks everyone for your help!

 

[Steve68]

Wow, just f'in WOW. Thanks for the story. Just reaffirms my beliefs in dealership service departments.

Do you know if the tech every ended up watching the video?

 

[Michael86]

He said he did, but didn't want to use that amount of force. But wait, there's more. The Service Manager apologized for the very long wait time (IDC, pretty mellow about that - take all the time you need for my car) which was fine. But then he said: ".. and we had to take the wheel off, and...."

Uh. Vid explains the wheel can stay on. So yeah. I don't think anyone watched it.

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