Slight mod to the Ford OEM swing out tool boxes.

[KnightRanger]

Not really a build thread, but thought I share this idea ( to anyone interested).
The Oem swing out tool boxes are great, but not alot of space inside for all the other stuff( shovel, axe, first aid kit, etc).
I used QuickFist clamps, assorted metric nuts and screws and a power drill.
For the fire extinguisher, I used a bike aluminum drink bottle holder and large QF clamp on top(trimmed to fit).
The Molle panel has metal grommets on the backside making it easy to secure with screws.
Anyway, anyone with basic DIY skils can do something similar to this if they want to.

Sponsored

 

[KnightRanger]

Mods, Thanks for moving it to the correct forum thread.

 

[MT19RANGER]

Not really a build thread, but thought I share this idea ( to anyone interested).
The Oem swing out tool boxes are great, but not alot of space inside for all the other stuff( shovel, axe, first aid kit, etc).
I used QuickFist clamps, assorted metric nuts and screws and a power drill.
For the fire extinguisher, I used a bike aluminum drink bottle holder and large QF clamp on top(trimmed to fit).
The Molle panel has metal grommets on the backside making it easy to secure with screws.
Anyway, anyone with basic DIY skils can do something similar to this if they want to.

Very nice. Great job!!!

 

[Bubbabiker]

Impressive!!

 

[19SilverRanger]

Not really a build thread, but thought I share this idea ( to anyone interested).
The Oem swing out tool boxes are great, but not alot of space inside for all the other stuff( shovel, axe, first aid kit, etc).
I used QuickFist clamps, assorted metric nuts and screws and a power drill.
For the fire extinguisher, I used a bike aluminum drink bottle holder and large QF clamp on top(trimmed to fit).
The Molle panel has metal grommets on the backside making it easy to secure with screws.
Anyway, anyone with basic DIY skils can do something similar to this if they want to.

Looks awesome, nice job. I just ordered mine. Did you have any issue with the install? I also have the factory spray in bed liner, and on mine I noticed today some of the holes are slight sprayed over.

 

[KnightRanger]

Looks awesome, nice job. I just ordered mine. Did you have any issue with the install? I also have the factory spray in bed liner, and on mine I noticed today some of the holes are slight sprayed over.

Thanks!
I forgot to mention that if you have a factory spray in bed liner, the instruction says to take some material off to be able to acess the 4 torx screw( each side) and also scrape some material off the 3 existing factory holes near the tailgate ( each side). It wasn’t hard, just a bit annoying lol.

 

[LightningBlue]

Not really a build thread, but thought I share this idea ( to anyone interested).
The Oem swing out tool boxes are great, but not alot of space inside for all the other stuff( shovel, axe, first aid kit, etc).
I used QuickFist clamps, assorted metric nuts and screws and a power drill.
For the fire extinguisher, I used a bike aluminum drink bottle holder and large QF clamp on top(trimmed to fit).
The Molle panel has metal grommets on the backside making it easy to secure with screws.
Anyway, anyone with basic DIY skils can do something similar to this if they want to.

I love this!!!

 

[THLONE]

Looks good. Have you given it the backroad test?

 

[KnightRanger]

Looks good. Have you given it the backroad test?

Thanks!
No issues so far when we went soft roading on sand yesterday. That includes 60 plus miles combined highway and street.
The toolbox brackets and hardware seems well made and sturdy. The actual boxes on the otherhand, I wish it was made thicker or heavier duty material. It seems decent enough, but I wouldn’t put alot of heavy stuff inside. ( I am contemplating on using one of the boxes and convert it to hold an ARB twin compressor, I will update this thread when I do )

 

[KnightRanger]

For those with factory spray in bed liner, This pic shows the 2 oem bed tie downs with the 4 torx screws that you have to re-use to install the large tool box bracket. Use snips or small knife to expose or scrape just enough bed liner material off, til you clear the screw head. Do this for both sides of the bed.

 

[Rockweiler]

Impressive!!

What he said!

 

[KnightRanger]

What he said!

Thanks guys!

 

[KnightRanger]

I finally did mock up and install of the ARB twin air compressor inside one of the tool box.
I used marine grade metric screws and rubber pads for the mounting points. I also drilled several
vent holes and 2 large holes for the Air hose and ARB wiring harness.
( it has built in fan to avoid overheating)
Anyway, the only thing left is to find a good mounting point (12volt power) from the battery to the truck bed.
So far, the only feasible way I found is to follow the factory harness that runs underneath the driver side frame rail, then run the wiring to the bed.

 

[rangerdanger]

I finally did mock up and install of the ARB twin air compressor inside one of the tool box.
I used marine grade metric screws and rubber pads for the mounting points. I also drilled several
vent holes and 2 large holes for the Air hose and ARB wiring harness.
( it has built in fan to avoid overheating)
Anyway, the only thing left is to find a good mounting point (12volt power) from the battery to the truck bed.
So far, the only feasible way I found is to follow the factory harness that runs underneath the driver side frame rail, then run the wiring to the bed.

There is 12v power in the bed, on the driver's side:

DIY: Adding the 12V Power Outlet Option in the Bed

 

[KnightRanger]

There is 12v power in the bed, on the driver's side:

DIY: Adding the 12V Power Outlet Option in the Bed

Thanks, do you know if its rated to handle at least 40amps for the Twin compressor?
(While I was under there, only thing I saw was the Tow/power harness)
I think its safer If I run 10gauge wiring from battery then attach it to the ARB 40 amp maxi fused harness.
That is how I ran it on my jeep JK and JL, but on the Ranger, no access to truck bed from cab, makes it a challenge.

Sponsored