Ford underbody tire carrier removal and storage box

bluedog225 · 02-27-2010, 10:23 PM

FYI

I went to the mother ship today (SMB-Austin). I specifically wanted to find out if they cut out the underbody tire carriers when they installed the storage boxes. And if they added any reinforcement to replace the beefy tire carrier frame.

They do cut them out, and they don't replace it with anything. I saw both an installation under a van and a cut out tire carrier in the scrap heap. This was confirmed by an employee.

I thought this might be the case. Also, the van I looked at ( and mine) both have a draw tite hitch with 3-4 bolts into the frame past the tire carrier. This has to add some strength right where it is needed.

Tom

**daveb** · 03-01-2010, 01:10 PM

At least on mine, I have 3 heavy duty cross members that hold the batteries. Are you saying the hitch assembly directly bolts up to a portion of what is removed? I would like to see some pics.

Ford_6L_E350 · 03-01-2010, 04:42 PM

I'm sure the bumper also adds to the rigidity of the rear of the frame.

Mike