Grab handle for driver's side A-pillar
I've got a '98 F-150 and one of the first things I noticed was that it didn't have a grab handle on the driver's side like the passenger side, and I wanted one! A while back I was making a key for a '00 F-150 and it had one on the driver's side. That got me to thinking. So I disassembled the handle and A-pillar moulding to see how it was mounted. The factory just uses nut rivits in the pillar to bolt the handle to. I happen to have some of them and the insallation tool. Everything else looked pretty much the same. So I ordered the moulding, handle and screw covers for a '00 from the dealer. I just finished installing it tonight and if I didn't tell you, you would never know it wasn't factory! Looks great! And it's functional too!
I don't know if '99's have the driver's side handle or not. I know the '97 and '98's don't. So if anyone would like to do the same thing I'll be glad to go into more detail about the install. Total cost was less than $30. It took less than an hour to complete.
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98 F-150 XLT 4X4 ORP Super Cab Short Bed, 4.6, Auto, 4.10's, Mag-Hytec diff. cover, Magnacharger supercharger, Superchip, Gibson single cat-back, 80/100w German head lamps, Warn HS9500i winch with semi hidden mount, Wrangler dual battery kit with red & yellow top Optima batteries, Torsion bars cranked up 2.5 turns. Needs one more door.
I don't know if '99's have the driver's side handle or not. I know the '97 and '98's don't. So if anyone would like to do the same thing I'll be glad to go into more detail about the install. Total cost was less than $30. It took less than an hour to complete. ------------------
98 F-150 XLT 4X4 ORP Super Cab Short Bed, 4.6, Auto, 4.10's, Mag-Hytec diff. cover, Magnacharger supercharger, Superchip, Gibson single cat-back, 80/100w German head lamps, Warn HS9500i winch with semi hidden mount, Wrangler dual battery kit with red & yellow top Optima batteries, Torsion bars cranked up 2.5 turns. Needs one more door.
I'd be interested in more info on the installation, I've been thinking about doing that but chicken out at the thought of drilling holes in the truck.
The '99s don't haVe one and the wife (all 5'2" of her) constantly reminds me of it.
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1999 Lariat Super Cab, S.B. 5.4L, 3.55 LS
and everything but the leaky slider window.
Bright red w/ gold 2-tone, Leather Captain's Chairs
Mods: Duraliner bedliner, Bugflector II, Hide-a-hooks.
& a leeetle chrome tip on the exhaust.
The '99s don't haVe one and the wife (all 5'2" of her) constantly reminds me of it.
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1999 Lariat Super Cab, S.B. 5.4L, 3.55 LS
and everything but the leaky slider window.
Bright red w/ gold 2-tone, Leather Captain's Chairs
Mods: Duraliner bedliner, Bugflector II, Hide-a-hooks.
& a leeetle chrome tip on the exhaust.
I would like to put one on my 97, more details would be appreciated!
Thanks
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1997 F-150
Ext Cab
Short Bed
4x4 ORP
Towing pkg
4.6L with Auto Trans
Superchip & Velocity Tube
6000lb GVW
Thanks
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1997 F-150
Ext Cab
Short Bed
4x4 ORP
Towing pkg
4.6L with Auto Trans
Superchip & Velocity Tube
6000lb GVW
98fword,
Good investigation...more details and some pics would be great!
97customXLT
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'97 XLT SuperCab, Teal with lower Black. 4.6 V8, 3.55LS
Moderatly customized. One of a kind. Born 5/96
Modifications made: Tinted glass / Window ventvisors / 10 Disc changer / Dash painted to match 99 Lightning / White Faced Gauges / Expedition console / Painted to match Bug Shield / Expedition front bumper w/ lights / Lariat fender trim / STX wheels/tires / Billet Grill w/ Mustang emblem / Painted to match Tailgate handle / Superchip / Airaid filter kit / Dual exhaust / A.R.E. LSII / ASC Electric moonroof.
[This message has been edited by 97customXLT (edited 09-12-2000).]
Good investigation...more details and some pics would be great!
97customXLT
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'97 XLT SuperCab, Teal with lower Black. 4.6 V8, 3.55LS
Moderatly customized. One of a kind. Born 5/96
Modifications made: Tinted glass / Window ventvisors / 10 Disc changer / Dash painted to match 99 Lightning / White Faced Gauges / Expedition console / Painted to match Bug Shield / Expedition front bumper w/ lights / Lariat fender trim / STX wheels/tires / Billet Grill w/ Mustang emblem / Painted to match Tailgate handle / Superchip / Airaid filter kit / Dual exhaust / A.R.E. LSII / ASC Electric moonroof.
[This message has been edited by 97customXLT (edited 09-12-2000).]
I am thinking about putting a drivers side handle also. The wife is verically challenged, all 5'0" of her,
and she sure does need it. From what I can tell on mine there are slots/with caps already in the moulding, so i think an install should not be a problem.
How about some more info maybe some pics.
Thanks in advance.
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1999 F150 XLT 5.4L Triton
Silver metallic, rear slider, 275-60/17 Goodyear GTll,loaded to the max. future mods include airaid system, catback exhaust, tonneau hard cover and rhino lining.
and she sure does need it. From what I can tell on mine there are slots/with caps already in the moulding, so i think an install should not be a problem.
How about some more info maybe some pics.
Thanks in advance.
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1999 F150 XLT 5.4L Triton
Silver metallic, rear slider, 275-60/17 Goodyear GTll,loaded to the max. future mods include airaid system, catback exhaust, tonneau hard cover and rhino lining.
I think there's a pattern emerging here! Is there some link between guys who own F-150's and their mutual admiration for petite women? Could be!
Anyway, the part numbers for mine with medium graphite interior are as follows.
Handle is (YL3Z-1531407-AAC).
Moulding is (YL3Z-1503599-AAC).
Screw covers are (YL3Z-1531459-AAA). Need two.
There are some minor differences between the moulding pieces. On the old moulding there are three clips that hold it on. On the new one the top and bottom clips are in the same location. Where the middle clip is on the old piece is one of the mounting holes for the new handle. There is a tab between the two handle mounting holes that looks as if it should have a metal clip on it also. This will need to be removed with a Dremel or simular tool. Unless you would rather cut a rectangular hole in the A-pillar. I chose not to for obvious reasons. Remove the old moulding by pulling the top out first then carefully work the bottom out. There is a finger or more appropriately a locating pin about 3 5/8" down from the center of the top clip on the new moulding. Transfer that measurement to the pillar, lightly center punch the mark and drill a 1/4" hole. It's always best to use a smaller bit (1/8" or so) as a pilot to minimize bit walking. Now snap the new piece in place and check for proper fit. Hold the handle up in place and with a scratch awl mark the location of the holes on the pillar. Take the handle away and center punch your marks. Here is where you'll need the nut rivits and installation tool. I got a cheap one from Harbor Freight a long time ago. www.harborfreight.com. You can also get a nice one off one of the tool trucks. I used #10-24 with 10-24 X 3/4" allen screws and washers. Drill the correct size hole for the nut rivits in each location for the handle. Mine were 1/4" OD. I would measure them in case they are different. Before I drilled the handle mounting holes I removed the moulding so I didn't get chips down inside. You may also want to cover the dash/vents with a sheet or news paper. Once you have the holes drilled, install the nut rivits. Replace the moulding and you're ready to attach the handle. I used Loctite 242 on the screws to make sure they don't loosen up. Finish up with the screw covers and you're done!
I think that about does it. If you guys have any questions, please ask. Have fun!
Oh yeah, At this time I don't have any way to post pictures. If you take a peek inside a '00 F-150, it looks just like that!
------------------
98 F-150 XLT 4X4 ORP Super Cab Short Bed, 4.6, Auto, 4.10's, Mag-Hytec diff. cover, Magnacharger supercharger, Superchip, Gibson single cat-back, 80/100w German head lamps, Warn HS9500i winch with semi hidden mount, Wrangler dual battery kit with red & yellow top Optima batteries, Torsion bars cranked up 2.5 turns. Needs one more door.
[This message has been edited by 98fword (edited 09-12-2000).]
Anyway, the part numbers for mine with medium graphite interior are as follows.
Handle is (YL3Z-1531407-AAC).
Moulding is (YL3Z-1503599-AAC).
Screw covers are (YL3Z-1531459-AAA). Need two.
There are some minor differences between the moulding pieces. On the old moulding there are three clips that hold it on. On the new one the top and bottom clips are in the same location. Where the middle clip is on the old piece is one of the mounting holes for the new handle. There is a tab between the two handle mounting holes that looks as if it should have a metal clip on it also. This will need to be removed with a Dremel or simular tool. Unless you would rather cut a rectangular hole in the A-pillar. I chose not to for obvious reasons. Remove the old moulding by pulling the top out first then carefully work the bottom out. There is a finger or more appropriately a locating pin about 3 5/8" down from the center of the top clip on the new moulding. Transfer that measurement to the pillar, lightly center punch the mark and drill a 1/4" hole. It's always best to use a smaller bit (1/8" or so) as a pilot to minimize bit walking. Now snap the new piece in place and check for proper fit. Hold the handle up in place and with a scratch awl mark the location of the holes on the pillar. Take the handle away and center punch your marks. Here is where you'll need the nut rivits and installation tool. I got a cheap one from Harbor Freight a long time ago. www.harborfreight.com. You can also get a nice one off one of the tool trucks. I used #10-24 with 10-24 X 3/4" allen screws and washers. Drill the correct size hole for the nut rivits in each location for the handle. Mine were 1/4" OD. I would measure them in case they are different. Before I drilled the handle mounting holes I removed the moulding so I didn't get chips down inside. You may also want to cover the dash/vents with a sheet or news paper. Once you have the holes drilled, install the nut rivits. Replace the moulding and you're ready to attach the handle. I used Loctite 242 on the screws to make sure they don't loosen up. Finish up with the screw covers and you're done!

I think that about does it. If you guys have any questions, please ask. Have fun!
Oh yeah, At this time I don't have any way to post pictures. If you take a peek inside a '00 F-150, it looks just like that!
------------------
98 F-150 XLT 4X4 ORP Super Cab Short Bed, 4.6, Auto, 4.10's, Mag-Hytec diff. cover, Magnacharger supercharger, Superchip, Gibson single cat-back, 80/100w German head lamps, Warn HS9500i winch with semi hidden mount, Wrangler dual battery kit with red & yellow top Optima batteries, Torsion bars cranked up 2.5 turns. Needs one more door.
[This message has been edited by 98fword (edited 09-12-2000).]
Mines 5'4" Must be true,lol
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98 F-150 4.6 Litre XLT2wd Ext. cab
prarie tan/tan int.
K/N gen.II fipk
custom dual exh/gibson rectangle tips/rear exiting.
color matched snuglid
Superchip!!!
Westin nerfs blk .powdercoat
Clear front corners
Cobra 75WXST cb w/weather alert
Kenwood cd w/Radio Shack speakers,don't laugh it sounds pretty good
On the way/wheels,tires,air dam, etc..etc.......
doin the monochromatic boogie
on the front end.Billet grilles on order
Hoping for deliverance from door crack hell.
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98 F-150 4.6 Litre XLT2wd Ext. cab
prarie tan/tan int.
K/N gen.II fipk
custom dual exh/gibson rectangle tips/rear exiting.
color matched snuglid
Superchip!!!
Westin nerfs blk .powdercoat
Clear front corners
Cobra 75WXST cb w/weather alert
Kenwood cd w/Radio Shack speakers,don't laugh it sounds pretty good
On the way/wheels,tires,air dam, etc..etc.......
doin the monochromatic boogie
on the front end.Billet grilles on order
Hoping for deliverance from door crack hell.
Trending Topics
Mine is 5'7" but I may be doing the handle as well. It is very helpful for any height.
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1998 F150 4x4 Lariat Supercab Flareside 5.4L in Oxford White/gold, ORP, Tow Package, 3.55 Gears.
Modifications: K&N FIPK, Stepshield door sill protectors, Performance Accesories 3" body lift and Lift Lips.
See photos at http://www.communicomgroup.com/jmtruck
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1998 F150 4x4 Lariat Supercab Flareside 5.4L in Oxford White/gold, ORP, Tow Package, 3.55 Gears.
Modifications: K&N FIPK, Stepshield door sill protectors, Performance Accesories 3" body lift and Lift Lips.
See photos at http://www.communicomgroup.com/jmtruck
Guest
Posts: n/a
I installed a driver side grab handle just over two years ago. It was fairly straight forward. Cutting the odd shape holes in the pillar A-arm was the most difficult. The rubber lip in the handle itself that covers the hole is small, so do not over cut your holes or it will show. I used a Dremel tool to do the job. I use the handle ~every~ day. I was glad Ford finally wised up and installed them as OEM on the 99's-00's
Here is a pic of the mod.
More pix can be seen here www.f150.ws click on My Gallery, then Darin's Hotspot. My Zing link of all my pix is at the bottom of that page
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1998 (50th anniversary series) Solid Pacific Green Metallic F-150 XLT Supercab, 4.2L, Automatic (4R70W), 2WD, Limited Slip, 8.8 axle, Tow Pkg, 6' bed, Rear slider
Accessories added:
Performance:
Superchip / 4.10 gears / K&N air filter / Outerwear’s pre-filter / Dynomax Super Turbo muffler
Suspension:
Edelbrock IAS shocks / Hellwig rear sway bar
Other accessories "added":
Color keyed outer grill / Perfect-fit bra / Stull polished grills / (4) 3A Racing 55 watt driving lights / (2) **** Cepek 150 watt driving lights, all controlled by SPDT switches / Clear corners / Fiberglass hood / Chrome F-150 emblems w/ side indicator markers / Trenz billet antenna / Power mirrors / Custom painted mirror housings / Muth signal mirrors / Driver side grab handle / White face gauges / Lloyd custom colored and embroidered floor mats Husky floor liners / B-Quiet sound deadener / Carr side steps / 3" rear seat lift / Black Max soft tonneau cover / Black Max cargo cleats / 3" body lift / OEM Chrome differential cover / Smart Park 2000 / (2) Lighted Ford logos / (2) KC HiLight 55 watt back-up lights / Viper 550 alarm (remote start) / OEM fender flares / Lift lips / BFG AT's 265/75/16 tires / (Custom painted OEM air dam, antenna cover, tailgate handle, slotted taillight covers, all plastic covers under the hood, and stone guards) / 23 tooth speed-O gear.......
Stereo:
still building......
Boston ProSeries 6.5" / Competitor 10" Subwoofer / Stock head unit with 6 CD changer.
Contact me at;
lmaox10@hotmail.com
[This message has been edited by franks&beans (edited 09-25-2000).]
Here is a pic of the mod.
More pix can be seen here www.f150.ws click on My Gallery, then Darin's Hotspot. My Zing link of all my pix is at the bottom of that page
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1998 (50th anniversary series) Solid Pacific Green Metallic F-150 XLT Supercab, 4.2L, Automatic (4R70W), 2WD, Limited Slip, 8.8 axle, Tow Pkg, 6' bed, Rear slider
Accessories added:
Performance:
Superchip / 4.10 gears / K&N air filter / Outerwear’s pre-filter / Dynomax Super Turbo muffler
Suspension:
Edelbrock IAS shocks / Hellwig rear sway bar
Other accessories "added":
Color keyed outer grill / Perfect-fit bra / Stull polished grills / (4) 3A Racing 55 watt driving lights / (2) **** Cepek 150 watt driving lights, all controlled by SPDT switches / Clear corners / Fiberglass hood / Chrome F-150 emblems w/ side indicator markers / Trenz billet antenna / Power mirrors / Custom painted mirror housings / Muth signal mirrors / Driver side grab handle / White face gauges / Lloyd custom colored and embroidered floor mats Husky floor liners / B-Quiet sound deadener / Carr side steps / 3" rear seat lift / Black Max soft tonneau cover / Black Max cargo cleats / 3" body lift / OEM Chrome differential cover / Smart Park 2000 / (2) Lighted Ford logos / (2) KC HiLight 55 watt back-up lights / Viper 550 alarm (remote start) / OEM fender flares / Lift lips / BFG AT's 265/75/16 tires / (Custom painted OEM air dam, antenna cover, tailgate handle, slotted taillight covers, all plastic covers under the hood, and stone guards) / 23 tooth speed-O gear.......
Stereo:
still building......
Boston ProSeries 6.5" / Competitor 10" Subwoofer / Stock head unit with 6 CD changer.
Contact me at;
lmaox10@hotmail.com
[This message has been edited by franks&beans (edited 09-25-2000).]
I just got my molding and handle today. What a cool mod, only took me 25min install time and it looks like its always been there. I've wanted one sence I got the truck. I worked on plenty of 2000-01 F150's and never noticed the handle.
****GREAT THINKING 98fword****
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98 f150 4.6 auto 4x4 supercab-short box/bright red & black/6 disk cd changer/ dynomax cat back/k&n fipk/super chip/lund taillight covers/clear corner lens/factory fog lamps/pace edwards box cover/ultra wheels/LT265-75-16 BFG/ westin nerf bars/steel horse billit grill & bumper insert/reflex shocks/bosch plat. plus 4/accel wires/auto start/skidoo summit 700 high mark/FORD DEALERSHIP
****GREAT THINKING 98fword****
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98 f150 4.6 auto 4x4 supercab-short box/bright red & black/6 disk cd changer/ dynomax cat back/k&n fipk/super chip/lund taillight covers/clear corner lens/factory fog lamps/pace edwards box cover/ultra wheels/LT265-75-16 BFG/ westin nerf bars/steel horse billit grill & bumper insert/reflex shocks/bosch plat. plus 4/accel wires/auto start/skidoo summit 700 high mark/FORD DEALERSHIP
Here's a pic of the install. You can't tell it wasn't in there from the factory! 
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98 F-150 XLT 4X4 ORP Super Cab Short Bed, 4.6, Auto, 4.10's, Mag-Hytec diff. cover, Magnacharger supercharger, Superchip, Gibson single cat-back, 80/100w German head lamps, Warn HS9500i winch with semi hidden mount, Wrangler dual battery kit with red & yellow top Optima batteries, 285/75R16 Goodyear MT/R's, 16x8 Center Line Hell Cats. Needs one more door.
http://hometown.aol.com/ninetyeightfword

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98 F-150 XLT 4X4 ORP Super Cab Short Bed, 4.6, Auto, 4.10's, Mag-Hytec diff. cover, Magnacharger supercharger, Superchip, Gibson single cat-back, 80/100w German head lamps, Warn HS9500i winch with semi hidden mount, Wrangler dual battery kit with red & yellow top Optima batteries, 285/75R16 Goodyear MT/R's, 16x8 Center Line Hell Cats. Needs one more door.
http://hometown.aol.com/ninetyeightfword
Nice,
I gotta have one of those but the numbers must be different for the grey interior.
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Drive it like ya stole it,
Terry Deaton
99 F150 XLT, Bright Red, 2WD, 4.6, S/C, S/B, Superchip, K&N FIPK, FMS 9mm, +4s, Nerfs, Leer Top, Cow Catcher W/Bright A$$ Lights, True Duals with hi flow cats and Magnaflow Lightning Style, 275 Dunlops with 3.08 gears, fat swaybars, Steeda front and Hellwig rear, 3.5" Fabtech spindles with 2" blocks, B/E Performance Shift kit with B&M Cast Deep Pan, Steeda Billit Pedals.
Coming Soon: 4.10s and Auburn Diff, Eibach Front Coils and Add a Leafs, Underdrive Pullies and Kick A$$ Shocks.
96 SVT COBRA (almost stock)
98 AERO black w/lotsa chrome
Speed Kills, drive a Chevy and live forever.
I gotta have one of those but the numbers must be different for the grey interior.
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Drive it like ya stole it,
Terry Deaton
99 F150 XLT, Bright Red, 2WD, 4.6, S/C, S/B, Superchip, K&N FIPK, FMS 9mm, +4s, Nerfs, Leer Top, Cow Catcher W/Bright A$$ Lights, True Duals with hi flow cats and Magnaflow Lightning Style, 275 Dunlops with 3.08 gears, fat swaybars, Steeda front and Hellwig rear, 3.5" Fabtech spindles with 2" blocks, B/E Performance Shift kit with B&M Cast Deep Pan, Steeda Billit Pedals.
Coming Soon: 4.10s and Auburn Diff, Eibach Front Coils and Add a Leafs, Underdrive Pullies and Kick A$$ Shocks.
96 SVT COBRA (almost stock)
98 AERO black w/lotsa chrome
Speed Kills, drive a Chevy and live forever.
Yes they are differnet numbers for gray int color but, first you have to deciede what color gray you have. Look on your B piller(door latch) There you will fint a sticker with all the info you will need. Look for somthing that looks like int. trim(dark graphite code is T*, while med graphite is 2*)(the * is just a check number the first nub or letter will be enough to tell you the color).
The numbers are as follows
dark graphite
handle-YL3Z-1531407-AAD
MOLDING-YL3Z-1503599-AAD
COVER-YL3Z1531459-AAD(need 2)
MED GRAPHITE
HANDLE-YL3Z1531407-AAC
MOLDING-YL3Z-1503599-AAC
COVER-YL3Z1531459-AAB(need 2)
hope this helps
Happy Hallodays
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98 f150 4.6 auto 4x4 supercab-short box/bright red & black/6 disk cd changer/ dynomax cat back/k&n fipk/super chip/lund taillight covers/clear corner lens/factory fog lamps/pace edwards box cover/ultra wheels/LT265-75-16 BFG/ westin nerf bars/steel horse billit grill & bumper insert/reflex shocks/bosch plat. plus 4/accel wires/auto start/left hand grab handle/skidoo summit 700 high mark/FORD DEALERSHIP
The numbers are as follows
dark graphite
handle-YL3Z-1531407-AAD
MOLDING-YL3Z-1503599-AAD
COVER-YL3Z1531459-AAD(need 2)
MED GRAPHITE
HANDLE-YL3Z1531407-AAC
MOLDING-YL3Z-1503599-AAC
COVER-YL3Z1531459-AAB(need 2)
hope this helps
Happy Hallodays
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98 f150 4.6 auto 4x4 supercab-short box/bright red & black/6 disk cd changer/ dynomax cat back/k&n fipk/super chip/lund taillight covers/clear corner lens/factory fog lamps/pace edwards box cover/ultra wheels/LT265-75-16 BFG/ westin nerf bars/steel horse billit grill & bumper insert/reflex shocks/bosch plat. plus 4/accel wires/auto start/left hand grab handle/skidoo summit 700 high mark/FORD DEALERSHIP
I have a few questions.
1. Does anyone have the numbers for the needed parts for a tan interior.
2. My 99 f150 does not have this grab handle, but I have heard that it is pre-drilled for it. Is this true?
1. Does anyone have the numbers for the needed parts for a tan interior.
2. My 99 f150 does not have this grab handle, but I have heard that it is pre-drilled for it. Is this true?


