J - Braces CONFIRMED NOT needed for Raptors after 9/12

[SubaruRaptor]

So my truck was built on 9/12 and I took delivery on 9/16. Yesterday I had dropped my truck off for the break-in Oil Change, Tire rotation, Hood latch adjustment, Tune Installation, and J brace install (grabbed a set recently when they were back in stock). My Dealer, who has been awesome (shout out Griffon Ford in Waukesha) called me and said the bed design is different and the j braces don't fit. There is no more metal tab to cut, its a different design. We confirmed the part numbers were correct on what was sent vs what I ordered ( VN1WZ2627726B ). After the technician and I talked, we confirmed the installation procedures he was referring to which is the same as others have seen from folks here, youtube, etc, and the brackets don't align up as its a completely different design.

I have not seen anyone else confirm the installation of the part for Vehicles after 9/12. They are going to take some pictures and button her back up. Ill post those here. Guess I have an extra set of j-braces to post for sale as well. More to come once I go pick it up.

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[Catalyst]

Good info... and just makes me feel Ford owes us early adopters a free solution to this, not one at our own expense. Having a 158lb retractable tonneau installed today, and not worried about it specifically. If I do load up accessories in the T tracks above the rails and take it offroad for some spirited fun this truck was designed for, I don't want to have any issues.

 

[cc1999]

Makes sense that was something they would address sooner then later.

I know there was a lot of shade put on Ford around here on the Forum and other places like YT. for needing such a thing on new pickup just to use the beds as many buyers intend to use their truck beds.

Very happy to see they resolved that issue, with an actual production update rather than a pricey field fix. I already bought and installed mine, and still a little salty about it. lol

 

[SubaruRaptor]

Now for the Sauce:

 

[Ranger43931]

Thanks for sharing!
side by side, quite a difference.

 

[3wheelkhalil]

Really hope Ford addresses this for existing Ranger Raptor owners. Looks like mine was built 8/12 based on the window sticker, just my luck

 

[cc1999]

Really hope Ford addresses this for existing Ranger Raptor owners. Looks like mine was built 8/12 based on the window sticker, just my luck

They did, Ford said here it part number for the kit you will need purchase for $160 bucks, and have fun installing it. LOL

Like I mentioned, I am still little salty about how Ford addressed it for all us owners of trucks made prior to the updated bed design.

 

[3wheelkhalil]

Agreed @cc1999. IMO, if you have to revise structural components in the middle of the model year to resolve an issue, then the resolution for the trucks built prior to the revision shouldn't be a out-of-pocket expense for current owners. Doesn't feel right to me.

I'm not in a huge hurry to build my truck out, so I'm holding out to see if Ford will "do the right thing". Otherwise, I'll my buy my J-braces like everyone else when the time comes.

 

[wlarsen76]

Mine are getting installed this weekend. I guess that will teach us early adopters.
The service dept is printing out the "warranty reimbursement" forms, though I'm not getting a Ford topper so I won't hold my breath that it will get reimbursed. We'll see.
I do plan on getting a Diamondback Tonneau when they finally get released.
Or, even better, maybe the ARB Hardlid will come to the states.

 

[unixadm]

My truck was built 9/24 and it does not show any Outstanding Field Service Actions in Oasis. Of course I have a set of J Braces sitting here for the dang truck. I will say there was an updated Ford document that indicated they were not needed after 9/30.

 

[RangerRickS]

Picked up my new Lariat a couple weeks ago. Love it. My first Ford. My built date is 9/13. Anyone know how to determine for sure if I need the braces besides opening her up? I won't be putting a topper on it but it is a truck and I don't want to think about how much weight I am putting where - ugh. BTW - new to this group too. I appreciate all the insights shared...

 

[Joejr]

I doubt Ford will do anything for us who already have raptors needing the braces. It really is crappy that we will need to pay for a problem Ford created by the original design. It seems all car companies screw people over all the time.

 

[Hofstetm]

So my truck was built on 9/12 and I took delivery on 9/16. Yesterday I had dropped my truck off for the break-in Oil Change, Tire rotation, Hood latch adjustment, Tune Installation, and J brace install (grabbed a set recently when they were back in stock). My Dealer, who has been awesome (shout out Griffon Ford in Waukesha) called me and said the bed design is different and the j braces don't fit. There is no more metal tab to cut, its a different design. We confirmed the part numbers were correct on what was sent vs what I ordered ( VN1WZ2627726B ). After the technician and I talked, we confirmed the installation procedures he was referring to which is the same as others have seen from folks here, youtube, etc, and the brackets don't align up as its a completely different design.

I have not seen anyone else confirm the installation of the part for Vehicles after 9/12. They are going to take some pictures and button her back up. Ill post those here. Guess I have an extra set of j-braces to post for sale as well. More to come once I go pick it up.

Small world, I grew up and lived in Waukesha all my life - and my wife, daughter and I moved to Madison about 3 years ago. Nice to have a fellow RR owner so close - haven’t seen many (if any) of them! I had RR delivered in June to Madison from Iowa as the spec I wanted wasn’t available around here.

Anyway, I might take those J braces off your hands assuming Ford won’t make it right for early buyers.

 

[dronebyjordan]

So my truck was built on 9/12 and I took delivery on 9/16. Yesterday I had dropped my truck off for the break-in Oil Change, Tire rotation, Hood latch adjustment, Tune Installation, and J brace install (grabbed a set recently when they were back in stock). My Dealer, who has been awesome (shout out Griffon Ford in Waukesha) called me and said the bed design is different and the j braces don't fit. There is no more metal tab to cut, its a different design. We confirmed the part numbers were correct on what was sent vs what I ordered ( VN1WZ2627726B ). After the technician and I talked, we confirmed the installation procedures he was referring to which is the same as others have seen from folks here, youtube, etc, and the brackets don't align up as its a completely different design.

I have not seen anyone else confirm the installation of the part for Vehicles after 9/12. They are going to take some pictures and button her back up. Ill post those here. Guess I have an extra set of j-braces to post for sale as well. More to come once I go pick it up.

Thanks for all of this detail and photos. Any idea on how to find your true built date? My cactus grey is supposed to be delivered next week, and the ford vehicle tracker says "in production" 08/29/24 and "built" 10/03/24. I'm trying to find out if I will need the jbraces or not, and did a little research on the dates on window sticker, but unsure of which date is actually correct or relevant here. Any info is appreciated!

 

[ag02m5]

I wonder if any lawyers want to make some money with a class-action lawsuit. Seems like a reasonable case.

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