The EcoBoost Issue: How to Choose a Bumper That Won't Overheat Your F-150
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You want to armor up your 2015–2020 Ford F-150. You want a winch, D-rings, and enough steel to scare a Prius out of the fast lane.
But if you have the 3.5L or 2.7L EcoBoost, you have a unique problem: The Intercooler.
Ford placed the intercooler (which cools the air for your turbos) directly behind the front license plate area in the lower bumper. The factory bumper has a massive opening to feed it air. Many aftermarket "off-road" bumpers utilize a solid skid plate that completely blocks this airflow.
Result? Your intake temperatures skyrocket, and your truck loses power.
In this guide, we explain how to select an "EcoBoost-Friendly" bumper with the proper venting, and how to deal with other tech headaches like Adaptive Cruise Control and Parking Sensors when upgrading your armor.
Compare Bumper Styles
Pre-Runner Speed or Ranch Protection?
|
Bumper Style |
Weight |
Protection Level |
Best For |
|
Pre-Runner (ADD) |
Light (Tube). |
Medium. Skid plate + Tube bar. |
Off-Roading. High approach angle; jumping dunes. |
|
Full Grille Guard |
Heavy (Plate). |
Maximum. Wraps around headlights. |
Deer Country. Total front-end protection. |
|
Low Profile / Stubby |
Medium. |
High. Center protection only. |
Tire Clearance. Running 37s without rubbing. |
|
Rear Bumper |
Heavy. |
High. Often includes corner steps. |
Towing/Work. Protects bed corners; adds LED cubes. |
Frequently Asked Questions (Bumpers)
Will a steel bumper make my front end sag?
Yes. A full steel bumper with a grille guard and a winch can add 150–250 lbs to the nose of your truck. On stock suspension, this will cause the front to droop about 0.5 to 1.0 inch. We highly recommend installing a Leveling Kit or heavy-duty front springs (coilovers) to support the weight.
Can I keep my factory tow hooks?
It depends.
- Pre-Runner Styles: Usually remove the tow hooks to improve the approach angle (providing a skid plate instead).
- Heavy Duty Styles: Often retain the hooks OR provide stronger D-Ring mounts (shackle mounts) welded directly to the bumper frame.
Do I need to cut the frame?
Rarely. Most bumpers for the 2015-2020 F-150 are "Bolt-On." They mount to the frame horns where the factory bumper was attached. However, some high-clearance "Baja" style bumpers (like the ADD Pro Series) may require trimming the frame horns for maximum approach angle. Read the installation notes carefully.
Protect your front end.
Get the clearance for off-roading and the strength for impacts. Shop our verified collection of [2015–2020 F-150 Steel Bumpers].