Fast Lane Truck guys get all contused about J Braces

[pyates999]

So, I just installed these on my RR. The right side on Thursday & left on Friday. The kit that I purchased with points came with four rivets so I had to have my dealer order additional rivets which come four to a pack so I bought 2 packs just to have spares. Be prepared if you should need these rivets as Ford is very proud of them as they cost $4.56 each. That all being said, the process of installing these isn’t that difficult, drilling the rivets out without damaging the inner liner is a challenge but with patience can be done. After looking at the photo of the job 2 sheet metal I don’t really see any difference from my truck which was built 3/12/24. I plan on installing a Leer fiberglass hard tonneau cover & installing these braces is just a peace of mind thing. They‘re probably not necessary as my truck is a asphalt queen but whatever, they’re on there now.

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[jedadiah]

The kit that I purchased with points came with four rivets

I was surprised that my kit only had four rivets too until I realized the instructions only want you to drill out the front ones and leave the back one alone. Bending the wheel liner out of the way and getting it back in place were probably the biggest pain points of the install, so ordering a few more rivets and removing the liners completely might make the install easier even if it does add more steps. I think you had a good idea.

The bed pictures in the other thread look just like my truck did too. I don't think Ford has updated the bed. I guess they could for '25, but I doubt they will. An aftermarket company could make a lot of money right now if they started pumping out J-braces. With all the recent YouTube attention, it would surprise me if they haven't noticed an opportunity.

 

[SubaruRaptor]

I love how Ford comments on many threads as that looks great and good looking truck but won’t touch this one!

Social media manager cant do anything beyond shows folks anyway.

It appears that the Job2 trucks have been redesigned with no need for the braces.

https://www.ranger6g.com/forum/threads/job-2-builds-eliminate-need-for-j-braces.12163/

My Job 2 truck is In Production as of last week. Some have already been received.

Scroll down in that thread, they haven't changed anything

 

[greaserman]

Just checked my xlt. No braces. Looks like the job 1 build photo. I'm beginning to think this might be intentional by ford. When I look up there it seems there are some holes that look like mounting points.

 

[SubaruRaptor]

I was surprised that my kit only had four rivets too until I realized the instructions only want you to drill out the front ones and leave the back one alone. Bending the whee; liner out of the way and getting nit back in place were probably the biggest pain points of the install, so ordering a few more rivets and removing the liners completely might make the install easier even if it does add more steps. I think you had a good idea.

The bed pictures in the other thread look just like my truck did too. I don't think Ford has updated the bed. I guess they could for '25, but I doubt they will. An aftermarket company could make a lot of money right now if they started pumping out J-braces. With all the recent YouTube attention, it would surprise me if they haven't noticed an opportunity.

Tricky spot for an aftermarket company to come in and fix this. Ford can easily just straight up void the warranty or declare the 3rd party bracket broke the bed. I dont see it happening unless Ford comes out with a more clear statement on what is failing and how, otherwise the 3rd party wont be able to do proper testing to see if it fixes the issue or not. There is just to much of a legal grey area here for a 3rd party to come in. As this problem has been on the Australian ones for some time and I dont see any 3rd party solutions there, I imagine the risk is too great.

 

[jedadiah]

Tricky spot for an aftermarket company to come in and fix this. Ford can easily just straight up void the warranty or declare the 3rd party bracket broke the bed. I dont see it happening unless Ford comes out with a more clear statement on what is failing and how, otherwise the 3rd party wont be able to do proper testing to see if it fixes the issue or not. There is just to much of a legal grey area here for a 3rd party to come in. As this problem has been on the Australian ones for some time and I dont see any 3rd party solutions there, I imagine the risk is too great.

It's hard to say. There are aftermarket versions in Europe and Australia. Here's an install video for some aftermarket ones. It would be really easy to copy the Ford design. The design in the video is different, so that it's easier to install, I guess.

 

[SubaruRaptor]

It's hard to say. There are aftermarket versions in Europe and Australia. Here's an install video for some aftermarket ones. It would be really easy to copy the Ford design. The design in the video is different, so that it's easier to install, I guess.

I had not seen those, but is there anyone that is running those that can speak to them?

 

[Grranger]

Went into the Ford app today to schedule a service appointment and this was listed as a recall with the option to fix it.

 

[Ag3ntC00p3r]

Went into the Ford app today to schedule a service appointment and this was listed as a recall with the option to fix it.

I see an incomplete recall for the load brackets on my RR even though I had purchased them from Ford, shipped to the dealership, and installed by the dealership.

Those of us that did manage to purchase them and/or pay for installation better get reimbursed.

 

[CrudeBacon77]

They added a 270 pound Go Fast Camper to their new RR, and immediately drove it hard on a technical trail in Colorado. Then they learned the bad news about the bed load limit. And all the video commenters get ugly and attack Ford. This is such very bad public relations for Ford. They just need to fix this with a recall.

Beware - The New Ford Ranger’s Bed Can Break If You Install a Topper!

I don’t understand why Ford can’t supply enough of the parts…! Mine just shipped from Australia.

They refer to the new off-roading video “just posted” but I can’t find it. Anybody have a link?

John Davies
Spokane WA USA

How do you buy the part from Australia? I’m willing to do that at this point

 

[Helena-disappointed]

I mean yes and no. There is an expectation that a user consults the user manual for a given object as every vehicle is not the same amongst manufacturers. Just because something is industry standard doesnt mean a given manufacturer has to do it. There is some ownness on the owner to do research here.

Manufacturing is hard, even for simple things. Could be a metal constraint, could be the fact the braces are included in other vehicles and they need them there instead of here since its "optional"

Should they of been there in the first place, yeah probably, not gonna argue that.

I looked in the manual, & elsewhere online. I saw nothing. One person on this forum said the bed rails limit was in the manual, but the only source he gave was a 2022 New Zealand repair manual. Not exactly fair notice to USA buyers. Plus, mine ('24 XL) had cracks in its bed floor at the spot welds after 3 weeks. The only load I carried was about 100 lbs of branches with 2 layers of tarp protecting the bed. The '24 Ranger was just not solidly designed or made.

 

[Ag3ntC00p3r]

I see an incomplete recall for the load brackets on my RR even though I had purchased them from Ford, shipped to the dealership, and installed by the dealership.

Those of us that did manage to purchase them and/or pay for installation better get reimbursed.

I just had a chat session on the Ford site. They are stating the recall is not a recall but references the CSP we have seen in the past where it only applies for someone that buys a cap from Ford or their dealership.

 

[Blue Ridge Raptor]

Anyone know if the J-braces are available if ordered direct from a US dealership -vs- online from Ford?
I would assume Magnuson-Moss provides some protection for owners installing these themselves.

 

[Hootbro]

I would assume Magnuson-Moss provides some protection for owners installing these themselves.

In theory, there is protection but in practice may be another thing all together. I really do not see Ford giving problem for a owner J brace install so long as it was installed per instructions.

 

[FossIsleBC]

How do you buy the part from Australia? I’m willing to do that at this point

Non-raptor version

https://www.australianonlinecarparts.com.au/canopy-j-brace-kit-vn1wz2627726a-for-ford

They also have the raptor version if you need that

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