Adding console / armrest on XL STX Bench Seat

[mrbuntman]

All I can say is WOW, this really worked. I was pooping in mt pants cutting into jump seat. It is worth it!

Posted by and credit to @RunOhio

I have a 2022 XL STX with a bench seat. The upper console on this truck is just an armrest. I modified to the opening console/armrest using part numbers off the Lariat trim. Fairly easy. It comes with the black leatherette lid that matches the STX color and leatherette armrests exactly … so looks completely factory. Really glad I did it.

See pictures for parts numbers, need to order the console assembly (says “armrest” and it comes with the door attached), small mat and screws (comes in pack of 4, but only need 2, M4 x 12MM). (Three part numbers needed).

The screws are ridiculously priced, but after wasting significant time trying to find others that worked, I recommend just suck it up and use the factory ones, even though they are hidden under the mat.

Pictures show most of the below steps:

1) Carefully remove the cup holder/phone charger assembly. Note there is a screw under the rubber in the bottom of the cup holder

2) Using a razorblade cut out the middle of the armrest … start small and expand your cut opening as needed, don’t get carried away. Go as big as needed to pull out the foam armrest support … the foam you case squeeze to get out a fairly small opening, much smaller than the size of the armrest. My opening was only about 6 inches x 6 inches.

3) I did not cut the front off or the armrest material opening like other posts did … I left the plastic edging on the front edge figuring the cupholders would seal better with the original material underneath.

4) Carefully make 45-degree cuts at the corners, don’t go to far until you can fold all four edges over.

5) What is nice is the armrest is built for the opening consoles. You will see little plastic hooks around the edges to hold the console material taught. Pull the material tight and make a small slit on the material a bit higher than the hooks in order for it to be taught with the razor blade and pull down over the hook. Cut and hook one at a time.

6) Place in the arm rest assemble … it just clicks in place. There is nothing to screw under the front mat (big opening)

7) In small back opening goes the two screws and the small mat to cover them.

8) Reinstall the cup holder/phone holder plastic working the front of the console material into the proper spot underneath so it is held tight also.

Side Note: While I had the cupholder/phone holder off I ran a iPhone Magsafe charger cord along the edge underneath and out the back to the rear charge port on the back of the console. So I have a MagSafe charger laying in the phone holder space without a cord to the front dash.
Let me know if any questions.

https://www.f150forum.com/f129/adding-opening-console-stx-xl-bench-seat-534044/

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[jasonkosi]

Lol all the time I spent trying to decipher parts diagrams online when that thread existed the entire time. I figured it would be an easy swap to add the storage to the top, but wasn’t sure if the inner parts were the same between consoles.

 

[mrbuntman]

Scared the shit out of me to cut into it but once you do, you’re committed!

 

[brfertig]

nice work, i love these types of OEM upgrades to the truck.

 

[Jmet8]

Hey nice job you are now ready to do the rest of the seats. You can get some brand new factory leather take offs from a lariat on eBay for like $175. I almost wanted to try this in my single cab but went center console insted. Keep modding.. This will definitely help out others who will want to do this cause the after market one aren’t no where as nice as this oem one..

 

[PBXL]

Thanks to your post I was able to get this done today. Parts were on national hold until recently. I need to go back and clean up the install a little but this was an awesome guide.

 

[Dale B]

I have a 2024 RCSB and was very interested in adding the storage to my armrest. My interior is slate grey and I was searching for the same armrest as yours only in slate gray.

On eBay, I found brand new take outs of the entire seat with the storage installed in the armrest. The seats are being removed by a customizer from brand new trucks. The entire seats are being sold for less than the price of the armrest storage with freight included. I purchased one and will report back.

I will be looking for instructions about replacing the center seat. I would like to add USB ports and a phone charger to the new armrest while I am at it.

 

[KTM753]

On eBay, I found brand new take outs of the entire seat with the storage installed in the armrest. The seats are being removed by a customizer from brand new trucks. The entire seats are being sold for less than the price of the armrest storage with freight included. I purchased one and will report back.

Are you willing to share the eBay auction link? Or seller Username?

 

[Dale B]

Are you willing to share the eBay auction link? Or seller Username?

Sorry, I wasn’t sure if the rules allowed this.

My order has shipped and should arrive on Monday.

 

[KTM753]

Thanks Dale, it shouldn't be against the rules. You aren't selling anything. $200 for the whole seat shipped is a good deal. Thanks.

 

[Dale B]

Thanks Dale, it shouldn't be against the rules. You aren't selling anything. $200 for the whole seat shipped is a good deal. Thanks.

I figured that if I bought the whole seat that I wouldn’t have to cut mine up and that the other parts might come in handy. It might be easier to figure out how to add USB ports with the seat out of the truck anyway.
Now I just need to figure out how to install it. There are a lot of trim pieces preventing access to the seat mounts. I may have to call on you guys for some words of wisdom.

Maybe I need a factory service manual?

 

[KTM753]

YouTube is a good place to start, not perfect but it helps. From 30 seconds to 2 minutes is removal help.

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