Installing Gen14.5 (MY24) Loading Compartment Partition (Bed Storage Box) RL3Z60286A72AB Into Gen14 (MY23) F-150 -- DIY how-to instructions & photos

[ReverendQ]

I was picking up parts for yet another modification to my MY2023 XLT 302A PB when I noticed the little storage box in a MY24 F150 on the Santa Margarita Ford lot, see Figure 1A, 1B, 1C.

At the time, and as of this posting, I still don’t know why it is called “Loading Compartment Partition” (LCP) as to me it’s a small storage box stuck in the bed side of the rear fender. I had to ask my favorite parts guy to identify it and let me know the cost. Justin R. at Santa Margarita Ford sent me the link https://parts.ford.com/shop/en/us/a...ev)-p-rl3z60286a72ab?pdp=y#/collapseRelated15 . Figure 2 is a picture of the LCP. I have no idea why the circled part exists as it is blanked out in the actual unit. Maybe it is there to make installing it that much more difficult?

This procedure is how I installed the LCP, made for the MY24+ F150, into my own MY23 PB. See Figures 3 4. The following is my approach, with my truck, and my tips to use as a reference for those who also want to add the LCP.

DISCLAIMER: Keep in mind that you will be cutting a large hole and drilling holes into your truck bed. If you make mistakes, mess up or fail in this installation, even if using the following procedure that is your responsibility.

The LCP is Ford for p/n RL3Z60286A72AB and the four bolts (they come in a pack of four) p/n W718208S450B. You will also need four flat washers, lock washers and M6 nuts.

STEP A) Make A Template.
Once all the parts are in hand, make a template based on the LCP, see Figure 5. My template was square with sides of 240 mm and the inside hole offset 25mm from those sides for an internal centered square hole cut of 190 mm sides. Place your template on the LCP and note the fit. Inspect the LCP noting how it may flex on the bottom between the frame bottom and compartment. Note the location pins and various tabs, especially around the curved corners. Envision how the LCP will be mounted to the bed panel.

STEP B) Plan the Cutting, Drilling and Mounting.
Position the template on your bed panel side, see Figure 6 7. Note out you will be constrained by the bed back, bed ribs or corrugations and floor. Keep in mind you will need to use cutting tools for the LCP hole and drill holes in these tight spaces and corners.

Crawl underneath your truck with a good light and inspect the area around where the LCP will be installed. Note anything that may keep you from installing the LCP or using your tools. Compare what you are seeing with how the LCP is mounted in a MY24, see Figures 8A 8B 8C 8D.

Take any tie downs off and out of the way. Take your taillight out and zip tie the wiring back so its not blocking your view and to where it can be avoided by cutting tools, saw, or drill bits. Cover the connectors so they do not get aluminum dust in them. Cutting and drilling are very dusty. See figures 9, 10, 11.

STEP C) Cutting.
Using your templet mark the hole to be cut and mounting holes, I used a grease pencil. Put on your gloves, eye protection, and mask (aluminum dust is not good for the respiratory system) and make a few practice cuts and holes on the piece you will be cutting out. See Figure 12.

I used a step bit and carefully drilled holes on the inside of the corners of the area to be cut out. Following this I cut the area out for the LCP using a small hand saw, with of all things, a drywall blade. It worked very well. Keep in mind that it is better to start small and trim than to be too big and not be able to drill positioning and mounting holes. Where I cut is about the only place I believe can be used. There are issues in the bed panel and the underneath framing that prevent being even a few millimeters off on placement of the LCP. Be careful, go slow, sneak up on it so to speak and measure, check, and measure again before cutting to final.

STEP D) Drilling
Check the fit and trim the main hole for the LCP as necessary. I used tin snips for trimming. Determine where you will need to drill the 12mm holes for the set posts. This you must eyeball as best you can. See Figure 15 16 17 18.

After filing to null any sharp edges or burs apply some tape around the edges of the hole. This might prevent any damage to the LCP while mounting it, it should keep any rattles from developing.

Position the LCP in the it hole (using its set posts) exactly how you want it to be positioned once attached to the bed. Mark the LCP mounting holes. I did this by drilling small pilot holes into the bed side panel using the LCP mounting holes as a guide. Again, make sure the LCP is steady and does not move from its anticipated final position when marking the holes or drilling pilot holes. Remove the LCP and drill the final mounting holes just large enough for the bolts.

STEP E) Mounting
Insert the LCP back into the large cut hole lining up the set posts. It should be snug. Apply some blue thread lock to the bolts, line up the bolt holes and insert the bolts through the LCP and truck bed. Install a washer, lock washer, and nut on each bolt. The two bolts on top were accessible through the taillight hole and the bottom bolts are accessible from the bottom.

Getting the washers and nut on the bottom back bolt is a PIA and for me the most difficult part of the installation. Because I could only just touch the bolt end with one finger I had to use a magnet to play a sort of ring game to get the washer on the bolt, then a similar ring game using a grab tool to hold the lock washer until it was placed on the bolt end. For the nut, I taped one side of it inside a ratcheting box wrench, held it on the bolt end while my wife turned the bolt head from the bed side to start it. Once started I spun the nut with a single finger to seat it and then used long nosed needle nose pliers to keep in from spinning as my wife to torque the bolt into the nut.

Conclusion
I suspect that I may be the only one that does this modification, if you do please document it in reply. I enjoy doing this because I enjoy learning and trying different modifications, especially if they have some functional utility. However, now that it is implemented will somebody tell me what it can be used for.

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[HammaMan]

Still can't believe ya did this!

How's the bed rigidity around the box now?

 

[ReverendQ]

Still can't believe ya did this!

How's the bed rigidity around the box now?

I reckon the rigidity lost from cutting the bed ribs or corrugations appears compensated for by the box itself.

The LCP frame (what you see from in the bed) is rigid on its sides, but the bottom has a flexible plastic piece that goes on the outside of the cut bed lip. This allows it to be inserted and then snugs it up against the bottom cut and leftover corrugations. It's difficult to explain without having the part in hand.

Once mounted and the bolts torqued down, the box doesn't appear to move easily. I grabbed the bottom to see if there was any flex or give in the panel and there was not.

Originally, I was going to add angle aluminum stiffeners to the outside mounting, see attached, but this proved too difficult at the rear, and may not even be possible as there are many things in the way.

I also contemplated aluminum rivet nuts similar to the Ford approach, but this too required a precision I don't believe I am capable of, and I worried about rivet nuts becoming loose and turning.

I could have fallen back to flat pieces instead of angle aluminum. Others may want to consider this but for me the stiff flat washer, lock washer, and lock nut approach was feasible and adequate (sans any galvanic issues with the zinc coated parts.)

 

[ReactiveD]

Good write and good job

 

[GregBC]

Very cool (and brave, lol!).
I imagine it could be used to keep tie-down straps, short power cords, tools (like related to trailer hitches…). I’d definitely use it to hold 9/16 wrenches I need for my Softopper and Adarac as well as holding straps for SUP. (Right now they’re a jumble under the rear seat so just moving the jumble elsewhere always makes me feel like I’ve uncluttered , lol!)

 

[astrand1]

I love seeing things like this. Awesome job. I do wonder is it big enough to put like an extra hitch or something like that in there?

 

[ReverendQ]

I love seeing things like this. Awesome job. I do wonder is it big enough to put like an extra hitch or something like that in there?

Recovery hitch, yes. Trailer hitch for under 5000# maybe, trailer hitch for over 5000#, nope. See the picture to give you an idea.

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