PSA - Mounting Hi Lift Jack to Bed Side

[HTX1811]

Don’t do it. I noticed today after being mounted for 2 months or so, the bed side aluminum has split.
I thought the washers were big enough. Guess not.

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[P. A. Schilke]

Don’t do it. I noticed today after being mounted for 2 months or so, the bed side aluminum has split.
I thought the washers were big enough. Guess not.

Hi HC,

Sad to see this happen, but thank you for posting for other Forum members. How big are the washers on the back side? I do not wish to arm chair quarterback you or your install. What would have helped is backing plates, graded hardware and washers under the bolt heads.
Are you going to repair the cracks or just leave? Hate to say this but the cracks may continue however if you drill a 1/8" hole at the end of the cracks it will stop the propagation. Do the 1/8" hole even if you weld up the cracks... What the drilled hole does is stop the microscopic crack you cannot see with the naked eye.

Good Luck!

Best,
Phil Schilke
Ranger Vehicle Engineering
Ford Motor Co. Retired

 

[HTX1811]

They were half-inch washers. I believe a full backing plate would have been fine. But obviously I did not do that. I took the Jack down and will not be going back up. As long as the Jack isn’t there I don’t think I have to worry about the cracks continuing. I’m uncertain on what repair route I’m going to do. I’m thinking I may just bedline the entire bed. One good thing about the aluminum rust is not a concern.

 

[HoosierT]

They were half-inch washers. I believe a full backing plate would have been fine. But obviously I did not do that. I took the Jack down and will not be going back up. As long as the Jack isn’t there I don’t think I have to worry about the cracks continuing. I’m uncertain on what repair route I’m going to do. I’m thinking I may just bedline the entire bed. One good thing about the aluminum rust is not a concern.

I was under the impression that the bed is steel.

 

[HTX1811]

I was under the impression that the bed is steel.

Maybe so. Thinking back to drilling it it did seem to be steel but I just assumed it was aluminum because the F-150 is. I’ll do some research and get back with an answer.

 

[Figarou]

Maybe so. Thinking back to drilling it it did seem to be steel but I just assumed it was aluminum because the F-150 is. I’ll do some research and get back with an answer.

It's very simple.......try using a magnet.

I just did. It stuck to the inside and outside of the bed. Not the tailgate. It stuck to the bumper and doors...not the hood.

 

[HTX1811]

There u go. Tailgate aluminum. Bed side steel.
Thanks

 

[HoosierT]

Yep pretty sure it’s just the hood, tailgate, and front fenders that are aluminum.

 

[P. A. Schilke]

They were half-inch washers. I believe a full backing plate would have been fine. But obviously I did not do that. I took the Jack down and will not be going back up. As long as the Jack isn’t there I don’t think I have to worry about the cracks continuing. I’m uncertain on what repair route I’m going to do. I’m thinking I may just bedline the entire bed. One good thing about the aluminum rust is not a concern.

Hi HC,

The bed is steel....Just the tailgate is aluminum. If there is any bed movement a spray in will not "hide the cracks" A drop in bed liner will though....

Half inch washers are not going to help. Fender Washers maybe... This is an example of a aftermarket set up that has no testing, and is why I am wary of much of the aftermarket unless provided with conclusive data of testing for robustness.

You are, in my mind, the victim, not the cause. There is a aftermarket company that offers suspension pieces...I cringe every time I hear their name but I an not going to id them. When purchasing...ask for their testing data. Bet they do not have any.

I hated going to SEMA on behalf of Ford as so much was JUNK! There are really good aftermarket companies, but it is up to the buyer to determine who they are.

Please...drill 1/8" holes at the end of each crack...

Best,
Phil Schilke
Ranger Vehicle Engineering
Ford Motor Co. Retired

 

[HTX1811]

Oh no, I am not a victim. I came up with the idea of using the Jeep hood mounts in a way not advertised. I wanted a way to mount the jack where it would be out of the way and I concluded why not use the Jeep hood mount hardware and mount them to the bed.
My experience is the research in this instance and it proved to be a fail.

I will drill the holes as suggested after I remove the mounts.

 

[Gsxrdoug]

I know this is an old thread but Dang-it I was just about to do this. I have the same mounts that I used with the rail system on my taco and was going to use rivet nuts but I guess I see what else is out there or not have it mounted at all.

 

[Cabose-1]

Yeah, I love the Rangers, heres the but monkey......................
But..................
The bed is really really weak, I use it for work and take care how i place things in the bed, but the paint, comes off and the bed dents with the slightest sneeze of any piece of wood or brick in it. I would not trust drilling holes to place anything in the bed.

Some of you i feel are very brave putting camper tops on. Rails are flimsy too. Afraid that my tonneau cover will bend them too.

Regardless, still my favorite truck

 

[Gsxrdoug]

Ugh, really wanted to mount this sucker like I had in the Taco on rails but I guess no bueno.

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