Raptor J Brace Install

[StillwaterRaptor]

Just thought of this for those embarking on the project. Just remove the wheel. Gives you so much more space and ensures you can get the drill square, etc. it’s an extra 5 minutes and requires jack and jackstands but just do it.
Also jacking it up by the frame, my 21” floor jack couldn’t get the tire off the ground. Articulation has a downside too.

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[snowmanoz]

Spoke with Ford customer service after my dealer indicated they did not feel comfortable installing the J-Braces. Ford rep basically took notes for my complaint, they were kind enough to explain Ford does not own the dealerships and that it was within the dealers rights to decline any customization work, and it's not covered under my warranty.

When I explained the work involved installing a Ford Part on a Ford Truck to enable me to carry kayaks on my very expensive truck........all I got was a "that makes sense but I cannot speak for the dealers" response.

The next suggestion was to try another dealer. While that may be a solution, it fundamentally rubs me the wrong way and this new relationship with the Ford brand has now taken a few steps back.

Venting into the internet is very calming........

 

[sikedsyko]

Doesn't Ford have basically pre-established rates for installation of accessories like the J-Brace? On the Ford accessories website you can add installation to the order of the brackets for $192. I'd be willing to bet the dealer thinks the install isn't worth the $192, so they just decline to do it.

 

[jrRaptor]

I can understand the Service side not wanting to do it to a point. But any dealership with a competent body shop should be more than capable enough; this seems more like their line of work.

I used some of my FordPass points to purchase my braces but they are on backorder. I asked the dealership that was looking into my AC issue about installing them and they're looking into it. They noticed my tonneau cover and asked if I bought it through Ford since they read the bulletin that the braces and install would be covered under warranty if the cover was purchased through Ford. And that's the part that sucks, I did not get it through Ford but my cover is one of the exact same covers rebranded on Ford's site at a $1000 markup (or something). So waiting on the Service manager to decide. If not, well I like working on my own truck anyways.

I do agree though, this is a really shitty situation Ford has stuck everyone in.

 

[a77cj7]

Just thought of this for those embarking on the project. Just remove the wheel. Gives you so much more space and ensures you can get the drill square, etc. it’s an extra 5 minutes and requires jack and jackstands but just do it.
Also jacking it up by the frame, my 21” floor jack couldn’t get the tire off the ground. Articulation has a downside too.

I chose not to remove the wheel, so the wheel well liner would sit on it and not bend farther than necessary. I didn’t want to drill the rear rivets to completely remove the liner.

My floor jack shows a 24” lift, and had no problem lifting the tire while under the frame lower control arm mount.

 

[KarateMonkey]

I'm just shoacked that Ford engineers let a truck that can't support over 90lbs on the bed rails go into production. This should absolutely be a recall or warranty job. I mean what truck can't support a topper? Was this a limitation on the 5th gen?

 

[snowmanoz]

I can understand the Service side not wanting to do it to a point. But any dealership with a competent body shop should be more than capable enough; this seems more like their line of work.

I used some of my FordPass points to purchase my braces but they are on backorder. I asked the dealership that was looking into my AC issue about installing them and they're looking into it. They noticed my tonneau cover and asked if I bought it through Ford since they read the bulletin that the braces and install would be covered under warranty if the cover was purchased through Ford. And that's the part that sucks, I did not get it through Ford but my cover is one of the exact same covers rebranded on Ford's site at a $1000 markup (or something). So waiting on the Service manager to decide. If not, well I like working on my own truck anyways.

I do agree though, this is a really shitty situation Ford has stuck everyone in.

Picked up the J-Brace from the dealership. They explained the reason they decided to not install is because the instructions require you to cut a corner off the truck. They refused to cut a brand new truck……lol

 

[FreezingFlatlander]

I can't blame the dealerships for not wanting to do this job as it's more labor intensive, more time consuming than customers think and Ford indicates in their instructions that it is only a 70 minute job. I take exception to the thought that anyone could complete this task in 70 minutes. The dealers are getting caught in the middle for something that Ford should have addressed at the factory.

 

[SoutheastRangerRaptor]

I can't blame the dealerships for not wanting to do this job as it's more labor intensive, more time consuming than customers think and Ford indicates in their instructions that it is only a 70 minute job. I take exception to the thought that anyone could complete this task in 70 minutes. The dealers are getting caught in the middle for something that Ford should have addressed at the factory.

Agreed, this is a design flaw and Ford should have never let this go from the factory this way. It's just chicken-shit. BUT.... also a chicken-shit move by these dealers picking and choosing not to do the job because they don't make enough money. Maybe they are only getting 70 minutes / $192 to do the install, but that still covers their labor even if it took a tech 3 hours to do the work. I don't see them crying when they are gouging customers with these rediculous ADM fees. Lastly, why the heck is Ford STILL sending these out from the factory with this weak bed? It's a truck, but you build it with a 90 pound weight limit on the truck bed??? Just rediculous.

 

[engus13]

You can purchase the J-braces and include installation without paying a single dime using the FordPass points you get when you buy a truck. You don't need to pay anything out of pocket if this is that important for you to get on your truck.

The question becomes can the dealer charge additional istallation charges in addition to the $192 or do they have to honor that.

I asked my dealership for a qupte to install the braces and they said $412, which does not include parts cost.

 

[jeffers]

Its nice there's a fix, but this is how it should come from the factory.

 

[FullSend]

FYI, Ford Accessories store just started a 25% off sale - FIREWORK25. Just ordered this kit.

 

[millertime496]

So, got them installed at my dealer paid like 1.6 hours cost about 300$.

Part was 160 or wtf ever.

Top of the bulliten states. "Ford recommends the installation of the part for extreme off road use".




I read that part of course I start with, my ranger raptor off road performance truck is missing the part you recommend. To which she agreed and she told me to send the invoice to ford customer service. Ill add the address for this on here so you can send your invoice, complaints, threats of how you spent 70k$ on a truck you cant use as a truck until you wait months for a bracket.......and a month for a tech to get to it.


Not to mention a roof top tent. WTF ford?

 

[SoutheastRangerRaptor]

So, got them installed at my dealer paid like 1.6 hours cost about 300$.

Part was 160 or wtf ever.

Top of the bulliten states. "Ford recommends the installation of the part for extreme off road use".




I read that part of course I start with, my ranger raptor off road performance truck is missing the part you recommend. To which she agreed and she told me to send the invoice to ford customer service. Ill add the address for this on here so you can send your invoice, complaints, threats of how you spent 70k$ on a truck you cant use as a truck until you wait months for a bracket.......and a month for a tech to get to it.


Not to mention a roof top tent. WTF ford?

@millertime496 Did you send them the invoice? Do you think they'll actually pay for the install? (would be nice if they did...)

 

[nikhsub1]

Man I hope these just come installed on the 2025s...

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