I currently own a 2010 F-150 Lariat Crewcab. I am wondering if it is possible to replace the driver's side A pillar with one that has the integrated handle. I how ever do not know if they even make one for my year vehicle. Can anyone please advise me it is possible and if so in the camel color. Thank you

 

A-pillar grab handle addition not easily done without creative fabrication. *Know of only 1(one) incidence of it being done.

Best bet is to install something on the order of the following ..... e.g..

 

I think that Ford quit putting the grab handles because too many "large" people were breaking them off. They figured people could grab the steering wheel instead, but they did keep them for the passengers. I'm not sure but I think they were discontinued around 07 or 08, I could be wrong on that part though.

 

HIGHLY doubt that. Got any factual anecdotal source for that theory.

Did they also figure that there was more $$$ in servicing steering wheel issues than A-pillar trim -and- that passengers are "smaller" than drivers?

Discontinued in 2009, re-introduced in 2015.
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One source right here on the forum:

https://www.f150online.com/forums/20...may-break.html

here's another, different forum:

https://www.fordf150.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=118758

 

Thanks John, I didn't have time to search but knew it was out there. Us old guys gotta look out for each other!

 

Hell Jim, I knew you were taking your afternoon nap and weren't going to be alert for several hours.

Regards,
john

 

Those references (and a few others found via Google [ [b]ford f-150 a-pillar grab handle failure ] ) compared to the total gen'11 (2004 - 2008) sales of 4,197,949 (-reference-) wouldn't necessarily constitute FoMoCo decontenting it because ... "too many "large" people were breaking them off".

And it certainly wouldn't explain the re-introduction beginning in 2015. *Unless of course, they determined that there were fewer "large people" buying F-150s.
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I agree with you in theory, but one big lawsuit can change a company's position quickly, so maybe the legal people informed them to discontinue until a better solution is engineered. I can't think of another reason they would discontinue for a short time, then resume installing them.

 

$$$$.

 

I remember on my '97 the oil filter was remotely installed almost under the front left side of the bumper. Very easy to change, no lifting needed. My '02 had it on the block but you could purchase a kit from Ford for 30 or 40 dollars to extend the lines for remote mounting. I went to using Fumoto valves ever since.

It was all about the $$$ saved to keep the pricing down.

 

FoMoCo ... lawsuit(s) ... History doesn't support that. *Recent, off-the-top-of-my-head examples - transmission leadframe, fuse #27, EcoBoost intercooler, etc., etc., etc..

As glc noted ... $$$ was probably (?) a small consideration during the gen'12's extensive redesign, especially with the addition of the new airbag curtain.HOWEVER ... The same year/gen' F-250 (SuperDuty) also went thru a re-design which included airbag curtains though there was a LH A-pillar grab handle.IMO, the resumption of the LH A-pillar grab handle in the gen'13 F-150s was the result of marketing research based upon previous gen' 12 buyer feedback and/or complaints.
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And for the adventurous few's listening pleasure and reading enjoyment ..... (includes a retro-fit how-to)

 

Perdue Pharma going after bankruptcy because of lawsuits? Plenty of supporting evidence.

 

fify👍