Removing cargo cage

ruthcooks · 07-13-2009, 08:03 PM

Hi all, this is my first post, as I figured I needed help

My husband and I have been trying to remove the cargo cage from our 2004 Sport Trac. We followed the meager directions that tell you to extend the cage, loosen the clip screws, then push on the clip and lift it out of the D column. We got as far as loosening the screws. Can't figure out what needs to be pushed, pulled or tugged. Also, what is the D column? Thanks for any help you can give.

*Stic-o* · 07-13-2009, 09:10 PM

I've never had nor played with a Sport Trac, However, here's what I do know. The D Column is probally the rear where the tailgate closes ( Your Cab would be A,B,C) The Cage should have some kind of a latch. I belive it is:

Lower tailgate.
Rotate extender toward the tailgate.
Push the tabs, at the pivot points.
Raise extender up and out.

or more detailed......

If you open the tailgate, and pull out the two pins that hold the bed extender in the "closed" (in the bed) position, then rotate the bed extender into the "open" (on the tailgate) position, you should see the two brackets that connect the bed extender to the bed (and allow it to swivel). On each of these brackets is a small T/Y-shaped piece that keeps the bed extender from coming off the brackets when you swivel it open. You can push this T/Y piece out of the way to allow the bed extender to slide off the bracket; do the same on the other side, and you should be able to remove the bed extender from the brackets.

Rotorhead · 07-17-2009, 06:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ruthcooks

Hi all, this is my first post, as I figured I needed help

My husband and I have been trying to remove the cargo cage from our 2004 Sport Trac. We followed the meager directions that tell you to extend the cage, loosen the clip screws, then push on the clip and lift it out of the D column. We got as far as loosening the screws. Can't figure out what needs to be pushed, pulled or tugged. Also, what is the D column? Thanks for any help you can give.

I had trouble figuring it out too! If I remember correctly (I did this over 2 months ago), there are clips that you kind of need to push in to lift the cargo cage out when it is in the extended position. The clips are in the middle - half way up - the side of the cage itself.

I hope this helps; if it does not - sorry!

sickwilly · 07-22-2009, 02:25 PM

There is a screw in each side that extends or retracts a piston that blocks the clip from being able to be pushed in enough to remove it. From memory, I believe the screw loosens on the opposite side of the piston that blocks your ability to push the tab in far enough to get it off. I figure this is a theft deterrent, but since I live in crime free Middle Tennessee, I just left mine in the position where you can easily get it off of the truck.

07-13-2009, 08:03 PM	#1
ruthcooks Wannabe Elite Explorer Utah 04 sports trax Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 1 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	Removing cargo cage Hi all, this is my first post, as I figured I needed help My husband and I have been trying to remove the cargo cage from our 2004 Sport Trac. We followed the meager directions that tell you to extend the cage, loosen the clip screws, then push on the clip and lift it out of the D column. We got as far as loosening the screws. Can't figure out what needs to be pushed, pulled or tugged. Also, what is the D column? Thanks for any help you can give.

07-13-2009, 09:10 PM	#2
Stic-o Elite Movie Star Tujunga, CA '99 XL 4x4 & '06 XLT 4x2 Join Date: Sep 2002 Posts: 12,425 Vehicle Specs	I've never had nor played with a Sport Trac, However, here's what I do know. The D Column is probally the rear where the tailgate closes ( Your Cab would be A,B,C) The Cage should have some kind of a latch. I belive it is: Lower tailgate. Rotate extender toward the tailgate. Push the tabs, at the pivot points. Raise extender up and out. or more detailed...... If you open the tailgate, and pull out the two pins that hold the bed extender in the "closed" (in the bed) position, then rotate the bed extender into the "open" (on the tailgate) position, you should see the two brackets that connect the bed extender to the bed (and allow it to swivel). On each of these brackets is a small T/Y-shaped piece that keeps the bed extender from coming off the brackets when you swivel it open. You can push this T/Y piece out of the way to allow the bed extender to slide off the bracket; do the same on the other side, and you should be able to remove the bed extender from the brackets. __________________ The JP Mobile ~'99 Explorer XL The Mall Crawler ~'06 Explorer XLT The Tow Rig ~ '05 F-150 SuperCrew The Commuter ~ '10 Focus SES

07-22-2009, 02:25 PM	#4
sickwilly Wannabe Elite Explorer Middle Tennessee 2005 Exp Sport Trac Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 57 Vehicle Specs	There is a screw in each side that extends or retracts a piston that blocks the clip from being able to be pushed in enough to remove it. From memory, I believe the screw loosens on the opposite side of the piston that blocks your ability to push the tab in far enough to get it off. I figure this is a theft deterrent, but since I live in crime free Middle Tennessee, I just left mine in the position where you can easily get it off of the truck.