Flareside bed "step pad" removal?
 

I know the "step pads" are held in place by plastic clips, and I also know they can be rather easily broken when being removed, requiring the pads to be replaced. Does anyone know a "safe" method for removal that minimizes the risk of tab breakage?

Also, can the rear "step pad" be removed without taking the bumper off?

Thanks in advance,

Andy

I had crawled under mine and pinched the clips with needle-nose pliers and popped it off that way. I put a cloth around the whole step in between the plastic and paint so I wouldn't scratch it. Pinched the clips then pulled it upwards.

I believe the rear pad can be done too. Never done it but I seem to remember just tabs underneath. same deal as the sides. Pinch the tabs and pull upwards.

Thanks FordGuy. Some prying with a trim-removal tool using a wood shim and rag for protection got them off. Both the front and rear pad's tabs require they be pulled off horizontally. The rear one also has a tab that pulls out toward the rear. And the bumper does *not* need to come off for removal of the rear pad.

These pics might help someone else down the line:

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.f15...14e72d85e9.jpg

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.f15...c55e468bbf.jpg

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.f15...cd823c8f2a.jpg

Andy

Glad you got them. I forgot they pulled horizontally.