Front Runner product thread

AXE BRACKET INSTALL

https://www.frontrunneroutfitters.c...rack-mounted-axe-bracket-for-slimline-ii.html

To be honest, this install was almost too short and easy to try and record and details on. The instructions by Front Runner were adequate (nice change of pace) and the product was simple enough that it didn't require much thought.

I purchased this axe mount for my MAX AX I had received while deployed to augment RED HORSE. This is because the MAX AX is a sweet tool that comes with multiple attachments for any situation. In term, reducing how much I have to pack out on trips.

$255 BILLET4X4 U.S. Made MAX AX 7-in-1 Military Vehicle Extraction KIT (Military-Grade) - NSN 5120-01-416-8568

https://www.amazon.com/BILLET4X4-Military-Vehicle-Extraction-Military-Grade/dp/B01N7AMAVG

Sadly, the butt of the MAX AX's butt is widened for hammering and will not fit into the Front Runner Axe Mount. New axe for me, I guess.



The only lessons learned from this install is to not be naive and assume any old axe will fit (I can measure the exact dimensions of the axe-head cover if y'all want) and that you shouldnt be intimidated by the ammount of hardware Front Runner sends you. This product came with all of the mounting hardware for EVERY rack they produce and I only required 1/3 of it for my particular install. This was a non-issue.



You can see below that this product will require that you drill a hole in your axe, you may lock it in place (hole in the threaded bolt), and you can only mount the handle section in the predetermined holes beneath your rack. Arguably you could even mount a hatchet to your truck with the amount of adjustability this platform provides.



Finally, my only issue with this product is the lack of attention to detail Front Runner paid when putting on the sticker. Seriously, you had one job. It might be small...but it's a $73 sticker...take some pride.



Looks good, serves it's purpose, and integrates seamlessly with the slimline rack. I do not regret this purchase.

 

Installed it last night. The punch worked perfectly. A little too perfectly actually. It cut a hole through the cardboard and moving blanket I laid beneath it. haha.

 

That’s awesome!! Glad to hear it worked out and thanks for getting back to me. I’m going to order the hole punch.

 

Definitely get the clear silicone as well.

 

Thanks for the advice. Can I ask what you used to cut through the rubber and metal wire under the weather stripping.

 

I used dykes, needle nose pliers, a box cutter, and a tape measure. After I marked the spots where the bolts are you measure a little one 1/2 an inch on either side. Then I used the dykes to cut a small strip at each side of the .6 inches and tore it off with the pliers. The wire strip you need to cut runs in the center of the weather stripping and its way easier to cut if you get as much material out of the way. Then at each side I cut through the wire stripping with the dykes. Finally using the box cutter I cut the center section. It helps if you bend the weather stripping towards you (it sort of reminded me of filleting a fish. For some reason my install was a major pain in the ass (I thought parts were missing but they were really nested inside each other, bolts weren't catching easily, T slots weren't drilled out all the way, etc.). Also didn't help I was doing it solo. It feels sturdy though.

 

Thanks for the detailed response. Today I learned what a dyke is haha I actually googled it thinking you were messing with me. I always thought they were simply called wire cutters. Anyway, thanks again to you and @GrilledCheese for the write up. I’ll post when I finally install mine.

 

When my friends kept asking me/each other to pass them the dykes I was like W.T.F. and then quietly googled it and was like ohhhhh ok. Whew. I thought there was some hate speech going on. =P

I too only heard them referred to as wire cutters.

 

Some other tips:

1. When screwing the side rails to the roof I couldn't get it to catch with the washer and spring nut. I screwed one bolt in with no washer and it compressed it enough that I could screw in the other bolt with the proper washer/spring nut. Then I backed out the bolt with nothing and was able to screw that one in with the washer and spring nut.
2. I used my kid's washable paint and dotted the bolts in the screw to mark the weather stripping.
3. Before you put on the wind deflector put the bolts in that will go into the side rails first. That was a demoralizing thing to learn even though I followed the instructions.
4. The spaces that go into the weather stripping are different sizes. The shorter ones go in the middle.
5. I used a moving blanket on my tonneau cover and on the roof to move the rack onto the rails.
6. You can use the sunroof to try and get a better angle to the bolts sometimes, I also sat on my tonneau cover to get more comfortable access to the back bolts.

 

Thanks for the help just installed my Front runner rack with the Pelfreybilt Accesscab rails . Used marine grade silicone for use underneath the waterline of boats so I am confident there will be no leaks

 

Could someone please tell me this measurement? Please!!!!

 

Awesome setup. Great write up. Thanks for the close-ups.

Quick question: Can you fully tilt your moon roof with the low profile FR?

 

Hey y'all!

Just wanted to throw up some "before" pictures of the new cab-height bed rack from Front Runner called the "Pro Bed Rack". The final product and installed pictures are soon to come!

 

That would be right about 8" / 202mm! This is standard for all Front Runner racks, save for the Slimpro Van Racks because the slats on those racks are infinitely adjustable front-to-back.

Nice Setup! We rarely see the PilfreyBilt Rails nowadays. BAMF bought them out and has the remaining inventory on these:
https://www.bayareametalfab.com/Pel...er-Rack-Riser-Bars-AC-ONLY-NO-Rack_p_126.html
I am not sure if these are still being manufactured or if they are just selling them until sold out, but if you are an Access Cab owner and pick these up, just shoot Front Runner an email to purchase the rack platform. These footrails will support a 5-slat rack (49.5" W x 37.5" L). You can also send me a PM.