Question for all you fine folks...

I bought an '04 Bright Red Lariat Screw last week (very happy new owner), and am looking to put a bed extender in. Ford has one for $400... and Westin has one for under $300. Both are made (or at least designed) by Amp Research. The Westin part is brand new, and they haven't posted their install instructions yet, but it's supposedly available at a place near my work.

Does anyone know what the differences are between the two? I've heard that the Westin bar might not make use of the factory holes (from the local retailer)... and I've heard (from Westin) that it uses a bracket that uses the factory holes. I'd like to save > $100, but I'd rather a clean solution.

Thanks in advance.

 

$400 is insane! I don't understand it - this bed extender is a $195 option when buying the truck. I'm getting mine for invoice ($166).

We're talking about the same extender, right? Hard to believe they double the price if you order it later...

 

jdmclemore,

Good point... I hadn't even thought to look that up... so I just made a comparision on Ford's own websites...

Under Build a Ford, the MSRP for the bed extender is indeed $195.

On the Ford Accessories website, they charge $401.66 MSRP (same price my dealer quoted). It is described there as a stainless steel bed extender.

Now that I look at Westin's website (www.westinautomotive.com), theirs is listed as aluminum with a silver powdercoat finish.

So, to all whose F150 came with a bed extender, is the bed extender powder-coated or stainless steel?

-snowbound

 

Stainless.

 

I haven't checked, but I'm sure some people buy trucks off the lot with extenders that they don't want or need. Have you checked eBay?

 

What's the Ford part # ?

 

If they're both made my AMP for the Ford truck, why would you not expect it fit?

 

dzervit,

The part number according to the Ford Accessories webpage is:
4L3Z-84286A40-AA

chains350,

Excellent suggestion... thanks!

I did find one, but it's one digit off in the part number... I'll have to check with the seller, and possibly the parts dept at my dealer.

JohnAndDar,

Thanks. That really points out the price gouging they're applying if you want to buy the bed extender a week after you pick up your truck. Wow.

I really didn't think I'd get answers so quickly in an online forum... I made two trips to the local aftermarket place yesterday and didn't make this kind of progress.

 

snowbound,

It might be worth checking the F150Online classifieds for a 2004 F150 bed extender (in addition to eBay). There are a couple listed there, one for $75+ shipping.

John

 

For my 2003 Screw that did not come with the bed extender from the factory, I was told that Westin had to change the mounting brackets (patent?) which required drilling of new holes for the aftermarket bed extender vs. the OEM one. I don't know if that would be the same for the 2004.

Going with a used one is your best bet ,regardless of how it mounts. There are a lot for prior generation F-150's, so I'm sure there are some now and will be plenty more.

 

suds5.4,

Sorry if I misled... I'm sure both will fit. I'd rather not put extra holes into my bed for mounting something, when Ford already put holes in for the bed extender. APT has pointed out that this is true for the 2003 and earlier models. That's why I was originally concerned about differences between the Westin and Ford bed extenders.

JohnAndDar, and APT,

Thanks... I probably should go the used route, though one place I called may be able to supply a new one for a reasonable price. Out of principle, I'd like a brand new one to go with my brand new truck, but if it costs twice as much, then I really ought not to be bothered by a used one in good condition. But that's my own problem.

Oh, for anyone who wonders, the part number that was one digit off was actually for the 2003 and earlier (and Heritage, I'm sure).

Thanks all!

 

I felt the same way. New truck = new accessories. I ended up not buying one and don't regret it. I have a drop in bedliner which has slots for a 2xwhatever to hold cargo inside the bed in the last 18" or so. Having the bed extender would allow me to fit a quad back there, but you have to remove it to get it in and out. I understand why so many are for sale as it isn't as useful as it appears for many people.

Anyway, good luck on your quest. Since they are stainless steel, most used ones for 2004 will be in good condition.