J-Brace Installation, Yikes

[FreezingFlatlander]

I started installing the J-Braces on the passenger side and have gotten to the point where I can see where they bolt on. I can say that this is no job that can be done easily, it will make you cuss. The instructions call for drilling out the two pop rivets but as you can see in the pictures I failed on that step so now have to find a way to remove what remains of the pop rivets and suspect a saber saw may be the solution. Cutting the metal at the corner to allow sliding of the backing plate up inside the vertical channel and bolting the J-Brace in place I can handle but getting to this point wasn’t fun.

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[DanTheMan]

So it seems that these braces are currently listed as a service bulletin in the UK but not North America. What the heck?

 

[olefordguy]

IMO it’s a dumb failure on Ford for not installing those at the factory. That’s a structural piece! The average buyer is not gonna have a clue about the need for those when installing normal truck accessories. Ford aught to be ashamed, I would venture to assume nothing like that is needed on the competitors trucks

 

[ivotuk]

Use heavy dikes/wire cutters to cut the heads of those rivets off.

 

[ivotuk]

I would hold off using any kind of saw as that tends to open things up to corrosion.

When you're done, spray it with silver Rust-Oleum. The light color makes it easier to see any problems.

Places you get rust, use a paint brush and lightly cover it with OSPHO. Let it sit over night then rinse it off, dry it, and apply paint.

OSPHO kills surface rust.

I've used OSPHO on fishing boats, and keep a bottle in my garage. Keep it out if reach of children and pets.

https://www.ospho.com/

 

[pablo94sc]

IMO it’s a dumb failure on Ford for not installing those at the factory. That’s a structural piece! The average buyer is not gonna have a clue about the need for those when installing normal truck accessories. Ford aught to be ashamed, I would venture to assume nothing like that is needed on the competitors trucks

I never heard of these until here, and I've owned trucks in the past. It seems like a necessary component, not an aftermarket accessory to support accessories. I'm at a loss as to why Ford didn't build these into the bed at the factory.

 

[Critical Habitat]

Interestingly enough, there is a TSB indicating that, if you buy a topper from ford, they will install the braces under "warranty", but not for those that decide to buy one from someone else.

 

[DMC]

Found this video that shows a different style of J Brace installation. This requires a plate to be put on the inside of the bed (requires drilling through the bed).

Aeroklas J-Brace for Ranger 2023+ & Amarok 2023+ (youtube.com)

 

[Crapblaster]

This one says it's an easier to install Brace:
https://select4wd.com.au/products/trailbait-j-brace-next-gen-ranger

Others:
https://www.truckman.co.uk/j-brace-kit-ford-ranger-mk8-2023-onwards-xaac4140135
https://www.ullsteinconcepts.com/pr...einforcement-brackets-amarok-ranger-2023.aspx

 

[olefordguy]

attached is the Ford Customer Satisfaction Program memo (23P22) (NHTSA # 10251256) for the J bracket on 2024 Ranger

 

[10-4 Overland]

At least for the rest of us, maybe it will help that the allowable install time is in writing.. 1.6 hrs?

Worth a try

 

[Wayfaring Ranger]

attached is the Ford Customer Satisfaction Program memo (23P22) (NHTSA # 10251256) for the J bracket on 2024 Ranger

It's interesting how it says "This program will be in effect through July 31, 2025".

This makes me wonder...will it start being added from the factory after July 2025?

 

[FreezingFlatlander]

If anyone can get the dealer to install these for under $200 then believe me it's the best money you ever spent as I am finding it's taking me more time than expected and it's a harder task than anticipated.

 

[Deleted member 5555]

So what would happen if there was too much weight on the bed side? Has this happened and are there failure pictures somewhere?

 

[Mike9816]

So what would happen if there was too much weight on the bed side? Has this happened and are there failure pictures somewhere?

It may not be verticle loads. I think it's to prevent lateral movement. " Ford recommends the installation of a load box reinforcement bracket kit to improve the structural performance of the bed when used in extreme off-road conditions."

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