Rear bed storage

[STrac4me]

OK.....I know this is going to sound silly, but how the heck do you open the large front storage compartment. The two smaller ones in the rear have a twist latch....then open, but the front one that runs along the cab will not open. I don't see any latch and no instructions in the owners manual. I will have to admit.....I have not done a search, but if you have an answer....let a fellow owner know. I don't know if I would put anything in there or not, but I still want to have access. I do use the small ones.....air compressor in one and bungy straps in the other.

Thanks....

 

[JohnnyO]

My 2008 has the same twist latch as the smaller ones on the side. Maybe 2007's were different. If you don't get an answer here, try www.mysporttrac.com. Maybe someone there with a 2007 will see it. Early 2007 models had some differences like the rear door handles and one-piece fixed rear window. If you can post a picture of the lid I'd like to see it.

 

[STrac4me]

My 2008 has the same twist latch as the smaller ones on the side. Maybe 2007's were different. If you don't get an answer here, try www.mysporttrac.com. Maybe someone there with a 2007 will see it. Early 2007 models had some differences like the rear door handles and one-piece fixed rear window. If you can post a picture of the lid I'd like to see it.

Thanks for the reply.....no the small ones on the side are the same as yours. They have a twist latch and open easily....the one I am talking about is the one that is across the front of the bed. It pretty well runs the width of the bed and has a recess (like a handle) in the center. I have pulled/pryed but it will not open. I have gone under the truck and don't see any lock. I would imagine your 2008 is the same.

Thanks....

 

[RoyHorb]

i have an 08 that have the same exact front storage with the same exact twist latch as on the small storage ones... i as well belong to mysporttrac.com and spmebody there with your exact truck can probabaly help with ur year

 

[STrac4me]

i have an 08 that have the same exact front storage with the same exact twist latch as on the small storage ones... i as well belong to mysporttrac.com and spmebody there with your exact truck can probabaly help with ur year

Thanks.....I posted my question on mysporttrac and got the answer in just a couple of minutes. There is a hidden latch/handle under the bed rail on the drivers side about 12" back. I pulled down the latch and it opened up. The storage compartment even has gas shocks.

Now I know.....

 

[Austin77]

I have a 07 with the same "hidden" latch... Don't feel bad, it took me a wile to find it as well! Lol

 

[JohnnyO]

Thanks.....I posted my question on mysporttrac and got the answer in just a couple of minutes. There is a hidden latch/handle under the bed rail on the drivers side about 12" back. I pulled down the latch and it opened up. The storage compartment even has gas shocks.

Now I know.....

That's different from the 08-up then.. Now we know too.

 

[GreenMando]

The storage compartment even has gas shocks.

Those gas shocks do not last long.

 

[06bluez]

very interesting.. i always thought putting the latch in the middle of the door was stupid. you have to climb in the bed to unlatch it and open it. I just leave my latch undone, and can lift the lid from the side usually.

can you post some pictures of the side mounted latch? sounds like a much better design than the newer version.

 

[STrac4me]

I will have to post it up later.....It does look neat; it sits flush to the bed rail and unless you are know it....you would not even notice.

 

[JohnnyO]

very interesting.. i always thought putting the latch in the middle of the door was stupid. you have to climb in the bed to unlatch it and open it. I just leave my latch undone, and can lift the lid from the side usually.

Heh. Try having a bed mat. (I have my reasons. The pros outweigh the cons but it's a PITA to get to the storage compartments.)

 

[ChilliConCarnage]

Those gas shocks do not last long.

My gas shock is not holding up the storage bin door. But I'm having trouble finding a part number, or a replacement. Can anybody help?

 

[Trac Marks]

The Ford part number for the strut is 7A2Z-99286A06-A.
Most part diagrams list it as a "connector". Its $150 to $200 for Motorcraft everywhere I've looked.

You might be able to find a tool box lid substitute, or maybe even some small SUV rear window strut to use. Mine is weak as well, but not $150 weak, especially considering I use the box once or twice a year.

 

[Tech By Trade]

I got a window strut at princess auto with the exact same specs as the ford one for 6 bucks out of the surplus section.

 

[brussell639]

I need a new shock for mine too, but not for $150!! That's beyond highway robbery!

 

[Damen Bircher]

I need the gas strut for the storage compartment as well..
Does anybody have a link to where you can buy a cheaper alternative online?
Thanks!