The J-brace is now an active “customer satisfaction program”

[rxv_poor]

I wonder if I will get refunded the cost of the J brace and installation?

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[AndyAndy]

Huh, I just ordered mine today and paid for the installation.

How much was installation? I’m headed in tomorrow for mine but wasn’t sure what they’re going to charge.

 

[Moto26]

What a sh$t show!

C’mon Ford!

Ford does some really dumb things, but this has to be one of the dumbest ever.

Remember those TV ads they used to air, showing a Ford pickup carrying a Chevy pickup across the top of the bed? And now it can't even handle a bed cap as it rolls off the line...

Unbelievable.

 

[danmoochie]

Guys I work at a dealer. Nothing has changed. Still only required for over the box frame toppers. Been that since day one. And only free if you order topper from Ford. I see nothing about making it a recall. I own oa RR so I watch it.

 

[Fattirz in NC]

Is there a need for J braces if you want to put on an aftermarket bed rack for a tent or carrying boats? If I end up with a new Ranger I’ll be seriously considering a Yakima OverHaul HD system for paddle boards, kayaks and a canopy.

 

[Hootbro]

I wonder if I will get refunded the cost of the J brace and installation?

If there is an actual true recall, there is usually provisions in the recall to submit for reimbursement if you have out of pocket expenses to address the issue prior. Just have to keep receipts for it.

 

[GManGeno]

I have an RR and ordered the J-Braces. It took me 2+ hours to install one side and about 1 hour to do the other side.

I found the only tricky part was drilling out a single 1/4" rivet. To replace the rivet on reassembly, I did have to buy a $29.00 1/4" rivet gun since the rivet gun in my toolbox was too small. But any project that gives me an excuse to buy a new tool, is worth doing myself.

 

[CrudeBacon77]

Thanks for the update, I guess that explains why my order from three weeks ago is in limbo, with no updates.

John Davies
Spokane WA

Mine has been in limbo as well. 4 weeks. Says “partially received” which I have no idea what that means.

 

[wlarsen76]

Hmm, I'm scheduled to have them installed on Friday. I wonder what this would mean for me.

So, Hudson Ford (Wisconsin) wanted to charge me $535.81 + tax and shop fees... I told them I would just pick up the part and find someone else to do it.
I'd be fine with paying over the $192 fee on Ford's Accessary site, but that's highway robbery.
Anyone have a recommendation?

 

[fordtrks4ever]

Just a guess that the dealer does not want to install the J brace so they come up with an outlandish labor figure so you walk away.

 

[Hdale85]

I asked for clarification, she sent me the TSB number and I said it's not a recall though, just a TSB we'll see what she says. This place has done lots of orders for forum members so I'm not sure why they would be pushing back against ordering one for me?

 

[wlarsen76]

Just a guess that the dealer does not want to install the J brace so they come up with an outlandish labor figure so you walk away.

That's possible, but I ordered the part over a month ago and it finally was delivered to them. I wonder why they wouldn't have said anything then.

Incidentally, I did purchase and take the part with me (after checking to see if I could return it). I am waiting on call back from the service dept from another ford dealer (White Bear Lake, MN). Their parts dept quoted me $20 cheaper than Hudson.

It sort of sucks that I have the part in hand and am probably going to have to return it to then turn around and order it through another dealer adding more backorder time.. but I guess it is what it is.

 

[Hootbro]

That's possible, but I ordered the part over a month ago and it finally was delivered to them. I wonder why they wouldn't have said anything then.

They probably had no idea of the scope of work involved and time it would take.

In my experience, everything is reactive instead of proactive when it comes to dealership service department.

 

[ivotuk]

Is there a need for J braces if you want to put on an aftermarket bed rack for a tent or carrying boats? If I end up with a new Ranger I’ll be seriously considering a Yakima OverHaul HD system for paddle boards, kayaks and a canopy.

I believe there was a weight limit. Anything over 90 pounds or thereabouts, requires J Braces. So I'd say that yes, you will need them.

This is utter BS by Ford though! They KNEW they had a weakness in their pickup bed, yet instead of fixing it during manufacturing, they cobble together a part and expect the buyer to pay for everything.

Chevy has been having a heyday with their pickup bed and tailgate commercials vs Ford, showing them dumping rocks in to a Ford bed and having holes punched through it.

Wait until they get a hold of this in their commercials. "Yup, 90 pounds of weight on your Ford bed, and it collapses. That is of course, unless you pay Ford to fix their defect, after you buy their truck."

Then they have a large, overweight man pull himself up in to the bed where it meets the cab, and it collapses.

 

[Einhander]

possibly a stupid question but if i plan on getting a bed rack to add a rooftop tent on should i be looking into getting a J-brace?

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