Driver's Side A-Pillar Grab Handle

[Robert Scott]

Both my previous F150's and my Tundra had grab handles. I found them very convenient to lift my 170 pound body over the corner of the seat into place behind the steering wheel. Todays modern steering wheel is much lower and compartmentally configured in a manner making it awkward to grab and lift in place, especially if you have left the engine running and you are returning to the truck. Age has no issue in this case, it is a personal preference requirement.

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[Spence's bumper sticker]

I use the grab handle from all but the missing driver's to pull myself up and over to wipe the roof and glass...could really use a driver's grab handle to do the same to help with wiping the driver's windshield

YES! Exactly where this feature comes in useful.

 

[Kemo Sabe]

I don't ever remember grabbing an A pillar handle to get into any truck... maybe I'll need one when I get older

Hey Beef Stew!
I’m 77, and never missed nor thought about having a handle to get in or out of my trucks. Had a new 2000 Silverado for 20 years, didn’t have one, to my knowledge. Passenger did.
My, so far perfect Black Chrome 4800 mile Ranger, has been good, and haven’t needed a handle. But, it could be my 6’3” helps me enter, as I use that to my advantage. Take care.
Kemo Sabe Larry

 

[Motorpsychology]

I fully understand the convenience of the driver side grab handle, but wouldn't the steering wheel have almost the same usefulness as far as ingress / egress?

Using the steering wheel for leverage can cause freeplay to develop in the tilt steering column over time on Kenworth T680s. the mechanisms are a similar design to Ford manual tilt/telescope columns. The grab bars are standard on both sides.

 

[VESH]

Well the kit arrived today. Original Ford packaging well wrapped. Upon first inspection I noted a couple of small differences but went ahead with the install.. IT DOES NOT FIT OUR TRUCKS without EXTENSIVE modification and then it still doesn't fit right. After an hour or so of messing with it.. trimming the metal bracket and modifying the A pillar cover I threw it in the trash.. I had attempted to modify it where it was not returnable. So basically it was a waste of $134 and a few weeks wait time. I am sure many of you are much better at making things work, but in my opinion and MY OPINION only it was a waste of money. Even the color was off quite a bit. IF Ford releases one designed for the 2019 US market I might get one in the future.


Bottom line is I would NOT recommend it.

While you were in there did you see any mounting points that might work with a paracord grab handle? Thinking of testfitting something like this per photos if there are two points, or in a loop if there is only one. The outside of my drivers seat will be trashed in 12 months if I don’t do anything about it

 

[Jdm4292]

While you were in there did you see any mounting points that might work with a paracord grab handle? Thinking of testfitting something like this per photos if there are two points, or in a loop if there is only one. The outside of my drivers seat will be trashed in 12 months if I don’t do anything about it

Would like to know this as well, I'm 5'5"

 

[Rviator]

For me at least the drivers side A pillar is shaped so there is plenty of surface to hold onto. I only use it when wiping off the windshield.

 

[viperwolf]

Hi Rich,

I use the steering wheel...works for me!

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

This may be something correted over the years. Back in the day, my dad had a power wagon and his friend had Bronco lifted. They would tear up the woods with those things. Both steering wheels developed slack after a while from them pulling on them to get in. The Bronco owner had his replaced twice. I dont remembr the details, It was a long time ago. Im sure it was do to the extra stress of distance they had to lift themselves up in to the trucks. I never seen a lose steering wheel in recent years.

 

[Motorpsychology]

Seems to be a Ford thing. My 2009 Mariner has only the right handle. if you search the forum, there is at least one thread dealing with installing a left grab handle; with mixed results, IIRC.

 

[P. A. Schilke]

This may be something correted over the years. Back in the day, my dad had a power wagon and his friend had Bronco lifted. They would tear up the woods with those things. Both steering wheels developed slack after a while from them pulling on them to get in. The Bronco owner had his replaced twice. I dont remembr the details, It was a long time ago. Im sure it was do to the extra stress of distance they had to lift themselves up in to the trucks. I never seen a lose steering wheel in recent years.

Hi Alex,

Back when I hired into Ford, the engineer next to me had steering column design. The top bearing was a POS. I cannot think how you could have made this bearing any cheaper. They came apart frequently and warranty was through the roof. The engineer could care less...just sit at his desk and deal with his outside interests in building a racket ball court when this sport was all the rage. Since the steering shaft was one piece down to the steering gear, crash testing showed that the steering wheel would hit the driver in the mouth. There was a new design that had a telescoping connection to the steering gear. The new engineer got rid of the POS bearing in a new design. I was certainly on a learning curve on this whole new crash testing deal!

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

 

[sklnbnz]

Has anyone found or installed grab handles in their ranger similar to these by Bartact. Or any other aftermarket solution? The Bartact I found are Jeep roll bar install specific which of course won’t work on the ranger. Would love to have something just like this (or at this point anything for that matter) for the drivers side and the passenger side above the windows.

 

[sklnbnz]

Has anyone found or installed grab handles in their ranger similar to these by Bartact. Or any other aftermarket solution? The Bartact I found are Jeep roll bar install specific which of course won’t work on the ranger. Would love to have something just like this (or at this point anything for that matter) for the drivers side and the passenger side above the windows.

Just found a whole other thread on this. Sorry for the repetitive. I can't seem to delete the post

 

[McDeuce]

There must be more people that don't care than do. Neither of us are right and I'm not wanting to argue about it. Just trying to understand why exactly people want it so bad. I have a Nissan Xterra now and without running out to the garage to check, I couldn't tell you if it has a grab handle on the drivers side or not
[/QUOTE

Advanced Aritist … just got 1st total knee replacement done, next a hip, then the other knee … I like stainless steel … lol!

 

[McDeuce]

Ordered one of the kits today. 30-45 day delivery time.. I'll post back when I get it.

Thank you, good luck!

 

[McDeuce]

Well the kit arrived today. Original Ford packaging well wrapped. Upon first inspection I noted a couple of small differences but went ahead with the install.. IT DOES NOT FIT OUR TRUCKS without EXTENSIVE modification and then it still doesn't fit right. After an hour or so of messing with it.. trimming the metal bracket and modifying the A pillar cover I threw it in the trash.. I had attempted to modify it where it was not returnable. So basically it was a waste of $134 and a few weeks wait time. I am sure many of you are much better at making things work, but in my opinion and MY OPINION only it was a waste of money. Even the color was off quite a bit. IF Ford releases one designed for the 2019 US market I might get one in the future.


Bottom line is I would NOT recommend it.

Thank you for trying !

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