Frame rail compatibility bracket ?

[purebred]

I have a 2019 2WD 6.4 and would like to remove the front bumper air dam from my truck. I noticed two brackets that stick down aways and they are called frame rail compatibility brackets. Exactly what are these used for? And would it hurt to take them off? We don't drive our truck off road and bought it to pull our full time 5th wheel. Any information would be great. I also would like to eliminate the air dam on the front bumper so i can change oil and inspect my engine better. Thanks

 

[purebred]

So far after googling for a 1/2 hour i have found these brackets might be for smaller cars bumpers to match up to the front end in case of an accident or to mount snow plows ? Who knows? Maybe someone out there knows and can spread a little info this way. Thanks.

 

[Darkone]

They are used for snow plow brackets and you can take them off. I’m surprised a 2wd has them but a 3500 does not..

 

[jadmt]

they are called compatibility brackets and you are correct they are so if you rear end a small car they help protect the small car passengers. it is an NHTSA deal. I think plenty take them off without ever rear ending anyone.

 

[Darkone]

I wonder why 3500’s don’t get them then if it’s also a safety item

 

[Rockcrawlindude]

Mine fell off when I installed my new bumper

Some people on this forum get triggered when parts fall off of other peoples trucks.

So, I’ll include a picture to make sure I offend as many people as possible.

 

[jetrinka]

Mine fell off when I installed my new bumper

Some people on this forum get triggered when parts fall off of other peoples trucks.

So, I’ll include a picture to make sure I offend as many people as possible.

View attachment 30053

I just melted into a puddle of snowflake. I need my safe space!!! NOW!!!!!

 

[purebred]

Wow I love this forum. That's what I'm talking about. That's exactly what i'm going to do. Thanks rockcaller.

 

[jadmt]

I wonder why 3500’s don’t get them then if it’s also a safety item

maybe they figure 3500 drivers just are better drivers....or they figure 3500's are so tall anyway they will just drive right over the top of a small car....

 

[Darkone]

What was that my wife asks… just a Prius, no compatibility brackets on this truck so those little cars just slide right underneath.

 

[loveracing1988]

Another option is adding the cjc off road intercooler guard. It uses those brackets to mount to,

 

[H3LZSN1P3R]

They are used for snow plow brackets and you can take them off. I’m surprised a 2wd has them but a 3500 does not..

There is no snow plow mount that uses them they are not for snow plows

 

[H3LZSN1P3R]

I wonder why 3500’s don’t get them then if it’s also a safety item

The 3500 is exempt due to the GVWR for some stupid reason

 

[Darkone]

The 3500 is exempt due to the GVWR for some stupid reason

That’s kinda a dumb exception if it’s a safety thing.

There is no snow plow mount that uses them they are not for snow plows

You are correct. I was using incorrect information I had read somewhere else.

 

[H3LZSN1P3R]

That’s kinda a dumb exception if it’s a safety thing.

You are correct. I was using incorrect information I had read somewhere else.

Really in an accident that would most like shear off so its dumb they even exist lol

 

[el_barto]

I have a 2019 2WD 6.4 and would like to remove the front bumper air dam from my truck. I noticed two brackets that stick down aways and they are called frame rail compatibility brackets. Exactly what are these used for? And would it hurt to take them off? We don't drive our truck off road and bought it to pull our full time 5th wheel. Any information would be great. I also would like to eliminate the air dam on the front bumper so i can change oil and inspect my engine better. Thanks

Let me start by saying I removed the Dam from my Power Wagon shortly after buying it.
But: If you just use the truck to tow and never go offroad, wouldn’t you want the air dam? It’s mostly there for aerodynamics. Even if it’s only a little tiny bit better, the range already sucks on these Hemi trucks you wouldn’t want to intentionally reduce it?

As far as changing the oil, it’s easiest to access the drain plug from the side of the truck behind the front wheels. Filter access is from the front but I have a hard time picturing the dam being in the way of accessing the filter.

As far as the comparability brackets. As others noted, they are designed to act like fangs to prevent a smaller car from submarineing in event of an accident. They don’t bother me, they serve a safety function, and someday they might protect my smartbar or winch from rocks offroad…so they stay.

 

[jadmt]

I like others have went the cjc offroad route and when removing the damn air dam ...well not a skid plate per se it does offer some protection against road debris and helps keep slop and crap off the winch. And it looks pretty nice too.

 

[Rockcrawlindude]

There is no snow plow mount that uses them they are not for snow plows

Ignorance is bliss. Lol.
I legitimately thought they were snowplow mounts when I removed them. I later learned what they’re for, but They went to scrap long ago with the stock bumper and tow hooks.

Fwiw, the factory tow hooks are designed to shear and punch into the frame rail in an accident. I noticed that when I removed mine.

 

[purebred]

Let me start by saying I removed the Dam from my Power Wagon shortly after buying it.
But: If you just use the truck to tow and never go offroad, wouldn’t you want the air dam? It’s mostly there for aerodynamics. Even if it’s only a little tiny bit better, the range already sucks on these Hemi trucks you wouldn’t want to intentionally reduce it?

As far as changing the oil, it’s easiest to access the drain plug from the side of the truck behind the front wheels. Filter access is from the front but I have a hard time picturing the dam being in the way of accessing the filter.

As far as the comparability brackets. As others noted, they are designed to act like fangs to prevent a smaller car from submarineing in event of an accident. They don’t bother me, they serve a safety function, and someday they might protect my smartbar or winch from rocks offroad…so they stay.
View attachment 30287

Yea it is easiest to get to drain plug from side if your truck is 4WD. Mine is 2WD and i also have running boards so as much as id love to go that way its impossible to squeeze under the boards.

 

[purebred]

After careful consideration i might not remove the air dam (valance) and compatibility brackets. Last time I changed my oil I was able to squeeze under the valance to do it. If i don't get any bigger i might not worry about it. Like others have said the 6.4 doesn't get super good mileage and every little bit helps. Anyway thanks for the feedback.