J-Brace Installation, Yikes

[Johnny 5]

I don't know what it's called but I can find out and let you know asap. My friend is a mechanic in Port Huron Michigan which is right across the river from Canada and when this stuff was I'llegal in the US (because of environmental concerns) he could tell which vehicles were from Canada as he got them lifted up because they had this undercoat on and their vehicles looked brand new and rust free. I'll get back with you as soon as I can call and find out. Maybe start a new thread afterwards?

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[Johnny 5]

Out of curiosity, which undercoat are you using?

I forgot to use the "reply" function but I did reply to your question.

 

[DMC]

Used points to get my J-braces as well and it said backordered but they came in less than 2 weeks .

Let us know if you do it yourself, and if so, what you run into. Always appreciate your write-ups!

 

[HighDesertRanger]

I don't know what it's called but I can find out and let you know asap. My friend is a mechanic in Port Huron Michigan which is right across the river from Canada and when this stuff was I'llegal in the US (because of environmental concerns) he could tell which vehicles were from Canada as he got them lifted up because they had this undercoat on and their vehicles looked brand new and rust free. I'll get back with you as soon as I can call and find out. Maybe start a new thread afterwards?

Thank you. Fascinated to see what he’s recommending.

 

[jedadiah]

The rivets aren't too bad to drill out if you punch the center of the mandrel, then drill it out with 5/32 drill bill, and then drill the head off with a 1/4". I used pneumatic tool oil as a cutting oil. Once the head was off and the liner was out, I was able to drill through with the 1/4" bit and push them out the back. Those screw-in/push-in expando fasteners that Ford loves were worse than the rivets.

 

[FossIsleBC]

Thank you. Fascinated to see what he’s recommending.

Me too
Was thinking of spraying FluidFilm but curious to know what is being talked about here. Did you ever get an answer?

 

[Johnny 5]

Me too
Was thinking of spraying FluidFilm but curious to know what is being talked about here. Did you ever get an answer?

I haven't had a chance to call them yet to see what they're using. Scheduled June 4th but I want my j braces installed from the dealer before they spray it and if they're not in by then I'm re-scheduling my undercoat. I used the same stuff on my 18,' and 22' F-150's and once it's on there it's not coming of without digging your finger into it and scraping. This stuff will never dry and flake off either. Hope to find out soon.

 

[Velociraptor]

Has anyone had ford install their j brackets? If so how much did they charge ?

 

[Johnny 5]

Has anyone had ford install their j brackets? If so how much did they charge ?

Yes, I did. Just like a few other people through out these forums, I paid $330 labor. They forgot to use my points for the cost of the braces, which would have covered them, so the total came to $520. I dont even intend to need them. I never knew what they were until I joined this forum. Just got them for a piece of mind.

 

[Velociraptor]

Yes, I did. Just like a few other people through out these forums, I paid $330 labor. They forgot to use my points for the cost of the braces, which would have covered them, so the total came to $520. I dont even intend to need them. I never knew what they were until I joined this forum. Just got them for a piece of mind.

Kind of ridiculous. Ford should at least cover the cost of the product or the install for a poor engineering design. Having to have braces installed after the fact to have a cover is just ridiculous.

 

[Johnny 5]

Kind of ridiculous. Ford should at least cover the cost of the product or the install for a poor engineering design. Having to have braces installed after the fact to have a cover is just ridiculous.

I totally agree. I would guess that they can't figure out how to put them on during production without slowing the line down, or they dont want to pay two more peoples salary and benefits to put them on along with the price of the parts. Or all the above. I would glady pay more for the vehicle than to have to put them on afterwards. My Ranger Raptor still makes me smile when I'm driving it though!

 

[tpack424]

It is totally ridiculous. So simple to do at the factory. What a mess to have to do it later.

 

[Critical Habitat]

Has anyone had ford install their j brackets? If so how much did they charge ?

My dealer honored the $192 installation quote from the ford accessories order page, though they said their labor cost was more than $192. They said the first bracket took the longest and the second was really easy, because they learned from the first. Ford authorizes/estimates 1.8 hours for the install, including 0.2 hours for the required photos submission.
Still waiting to see if 2024 Ranger Job 2 installs these at the factory, since the current TSB covers installed (if you get a ford-branded Leer topper) are only through July 15th 2024.
Someone mentioned that maybe the reason it is so difficult to get the braces now might be they are reserving the parts for the Job 2 assembly line?
Going to be annoying and keep pinging @Ford and @fordperformance on social media to ask why they won't cover the parts/labor for all rangers so we can use our trucks for truck things, as intended. If enough complain, maybe they will address the apparent Ford structural design defect.
23P22 Ford Structure Technical Service Bulletin (tsbsearch.com)

 

[Velociraptor]

My dealer honored the $192 installation quote from the ford accessories order page, though they said their labor cost was more than $192. They said the first bracket took the longest and the second was really easy, because they learned from the first. Ford authorizes/estimates 1.8 hours for the install, including 0.2 hours for the required photos submission.
Still waiting to see if 2024 Ranger Job 2 installs these at the factory, since the current TSB covers installed (if you get a ford-branded Leer topper) are only through July 15th 2024.
Someone mentioned that maybe the reason it is so difficult to get the braces now might be they are reserving the parts for the Job 2 assembly line?
Going to be annoying and keep pinging @Ford and @fordperformance on social media to ask why they won't cover the parts/labor for all rangers so we can use our trucks for truck things, as intended. If enough complain, maybe they will address the apparent Ford structural design defect.
23P22 Ford Structure Technical Service Bulletin (tsbsearch.com)

So if I buy a bakflip from ford through the dealer they will install the J brace for free? Do I have to have them install the bed cover too or can I do that myself and still get a free j brace?

 

[fordtrks4ever]

So if I buy a bakflip from ford through the dealer they will install the J brace for free? Do I have to have them install the bed cover too or can I do that myself and still get a free j brace?

No only if you order a cap from Ford

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