When looking at the front of the truck, you see a shiny, black cover over the left side of the intercooler and the radiator in front of that.

Is this an important guard for parts behind it or is it just a guide to help the air to flow into the intake area?

I figure if it's a guide for the air, I can take it off and make a cheap air intake like some others have done.

Thanks

 

I haven't had a chance to check mine yet but I read on here somewhere that the 04.5 its supppose to have an extra air intake hole in the breather for cold air and I think your right thats probably for the cold air flow through the grill and the guard keeps the air from getting hot from the radiator. .