A-Pillar Grab Handle Mod
#1
#2
I'm STILL on the hunt for the correct parts for this swap. Here's what i've learned...
02 and older a-pillar plastic is different than 03 and up a-pillar plastic. 03 will work in a 01, but it doesn't fit right at all.
Its really hard to find the dark grey 98-02 style w/ grabs.
New brackets for the handle to screw into runs about $20 each from the ford dealer.
The handles themselves are all the same except color.
Basically what's needed : plastic a pillars, grab handles, screws, and handle bracket.
02 and older a-pillar plastic is different than 03 and up a-pillar plastic. 03 will work in a 01, but it doesn't fit right at all.
Its really hard to find the dark grey 98-02 style w/ grabs.
New brackets for the handle to screw into runs about $20 each from the ford dealer.
The handles themselves are all the same except color.
Basically what's needed : plastic a pillars, grab handles, screws, and handle bracket.
#3
Do you need the new A pillar? You can't just drill a couple holes in your current one and screw it into the bracket?
Just asking cuz I think I noticed the A-pillars and trim on the newer rangers all snap in, but in my truck they're all bolted in. So I think there's zero chance of my swapping in a new A-pillar
Just asking cuz I think I noticed the A-pillars and trim on the newer rangers all snap in, but in my truck they're all bolted in. So I think there's zero chance of my swapping in a new A-pillar
#4
Do you need the new A pillar? You can't just drill a couple holes in your current one and screw it into the bracket?
Just asking cuz I think I noticed the A-pillars and trim on the newer rangers all snap in, but in my truck they're all bolted in. So I think there's zero chance of my swapping in a new A-pillar
Just asking cuz I think I noticed the A-pillars and trim on the newer rangers all snap in, but in my truck they're all bolted in. So I think there's zero chance of my swapping in a new A-pillar
#6
#8
going way too fast on an icy road, i was going dead straight but the truck was floored, i hit a big pot hole with the rear tire while floored and the back just skid around doing about 60 and steered into a field and just started rolling lol. i am so glad i covered my face with my arms after seeing that grab handle on the wheel lol.
#10
#11
I know dude, then Shane said you need the different A-pillars, and I was trying to seek more information as to why the whole A-pillar was needed, in other words is it possible just to obtain a grab handle and bracket and make it work? This might be easier for you since Shane also said it's more difficult to find the 98-02 pillars with grab handles
#12
#13
idk....i prefer the full oem treatment.
I suppose you can add the bracketry, drill holes for it for the handle screws and roll with it...but....it won't look finished/right to me. Plus, the ones designed for the grabs have recesses for the handles to "hide" into, thus making it all look like a finished product that looks good.
The a-pillar plastic snaps onto a lip on the a-pillar, and the upper part of the pillar snaps into holes into the roof. The ones that snap into the roof changed on 03+ trucks. I havn't gotten to the point of seeing if I could just dremel the roof, but i really don't want to do that.
I suppose you can add the bracketry, drill holes for it for the handle screws and roll with it...but....it won't look finished/right to me. Plus, the ones designed for the grabs have recesses for the handles to "hide" into, thus making it all look like a finished product that looks good.
The a-pillar plastic snaps onto a lip on the a-pillar, and the upper part of the pillar snaps into holes into the roof. The ones that snap into the roof changed on 03+ trucks. I havn't gotten to the point of seeing if I could just dremel the roof, but i really don't want to do that.
#14
phisically it'll fit.....but it won't fit right. try it if you want, you'll see what i'm talkin' about.
#17
it looks worse then it actually was, i walked out of it, with only a bloody nose, and i wasnt wearing a seatbelt. cant you get the pillar and handle out of a sport trac? i know the dash is the same, and the pillars look the same.
#18
Looks like I got something to do next week after work.....hit up the yards again and take a look at explorers and sport tracs.
#19
haha yea, but only explorer sports and sport tracs, i had a four door explorer and it looked different. but i know the sport trac had the exact same interior as my 02 ranger
#20
#21
really? i didnt really ever notice any height difference between the two doors or roofs, but i never really looked that far into it back then, the sport trac and ranger were my daily drivers, i had a bronco for wheelin back then.
#22
#23
I put a few of these on. My Ford dealer can get the brackets but not the screws to hold in the grab handles. Easily found at a hardware store tho. I used a small flat waher on them as well, seems to be a 'lil snugger fit now. Ford Dealer has the handles too, in whatever color I think about 22 bucks each. I found a few at the j/y, but yes the dark gray is somewhat hard to find.
I used bolts and nuts to hold in my brackets. Was kinda crazy, I couldn't get any rivets to work, so I used a magnet to drop the bolts (you will have to dremel an existing narrow slot above the bracket slightly bigger to fit in the bolts) down the A pillar and pull them thru the holes(the holes are already there in the A pillar and line up with the brackets. I used flat washers and lock washers, very snug.
The A Pillar windshield trim can be had at the dealer too or online about 28-32 bucks depending on short cab, super cab ect or try the j/y.
They look fine and are very snug. LOL I did mine in the Lowes parking lot hehe. I got tired of matching bolts, lol.
Hope that helps. Good luck!
I used bolts and nuts to hold in my brackets. Was kinda crazy, I couldn't get any rivets to work, so I used a magnet to drop the bolts (you will have to dremel an existing narrow slot above the bracket slightly bigger to fit in the bolts) down the A pillar and pull them thru the holes(the holes are already there in the A pillar and line up with the brackets. I used flat washers and lock washers, very snug.
The A Pillar windshield trim can be had at the dealer too or online about 28-32 bucks depending on short cab, super cab ect or try the j/y.
They look fine and are very snug. LOL I did mine in the Lowes parking lot hehe. I got tired of matching bolts, lol.
Hope that helps. Good luck!