Radiator Air Deflector removal in Texas

I’ve seen posts suggesting removing the foam air deflector on front of the radiator to prevent rust. I live in North Texas. Is this necessary? Or shouldn’t remove and paint the cross member behind it and reinstall?

 

If it's not in bits and pieces , spray some fluid film there and that's it.
If it's already peeling then remove, clean and POR15.
It is to channel the air towards to radiator.

 

Thanks. Do you then replace it, or leave it out once painted?

 

^It's foam, so it'll trap water/mud and accelerate rust on the crossmember. Leave it out or glue a rubber flap to the bottom of the radiator like on Tacomas.

 

You would need an adhesive to put it back on. If yours is in one piece just add fluid film under it without removing it.
Once it's already damaged, remove and no need to add it back. I removed mine few years ago after it started coming off.

 

Great. Thank you.
Wondering if should consider the same on my LC200

 

Show us those two units you got. LC200

 

Sorry if this is a stupid question. Does it just pull out/off? Or do you need to remove something to then pull it off