How to Install a Bed Extender in a 2004 F-150
- 1). Drop the tailgate and pull the bed liner back on the bed wall to locate the pre-drilled bed extender mounting holes where the bed extender hardware attaches. If you do not have a bed liner, skip to step 3.
- 2). Use the drill and hole saw to cut through the bed liner, over the bed extender mounting holes. Do this on both sides of the bed. Make sure not to let the saw contact the actual bed wall. You will need to cut three holes on each side; one central one for the swivel stud, and one each above and below for the retaining plunger.
- 3). Remove the tail lamp assemblies with the socket set. They are held in place with two fasteners located in the bed wall, on the side of the lamp assembly.
- 4). Take the swivel studs out of the bed extender hardware kit, which you can purchase whole or in individual pieces from your local Ford dealer's parts department. Thread the swivel studs into each side in the center hole. Tighten down using the Allen wrench. Make sure to put the washers on the studs before installing them. If your F-150 does not have the mount behind the central hole, place a nut there for the studs.
- 5). Install the four retaining bushings in the other four holes. The bushings may push into the holes easier if you lube their edges with silicone spray first.
- 6). Reinstall the tail lamp assemblies in the reverse order of the removal process. Set the bed extender into the bed, open end facing outward, lay the central hubs over the pivot studs and push down until the extender snaps into place. Make sure it is oriented so that when the extender is pivoted onto the tailgate, the retaining plunger is at the top, for easy access.
