Retractable flush mount black stake-pocket tie-downs - VFL3Z-99000A64-D (Bullring)- Install

[erford150]

Hi,
Super simple installation just like any other F-150. Pry the blank plastic plate out from the side using a trim removal tool or flat head screwdriver - (removed plate is shown in the second picture below). Then drop in the bullring assembly and tighten the screw to clamp in place. Takes like one min per side. Part number is VFL3Z-99000A64-D

I did the version with the Ford logo and Ford part number that I bought from a Ford parts dealer online. These were a little different than the ones I had bought previously directly from Bull Ring in that they seemed to be updated. Only had one screw to clamp down and have a hook that is angled towards the bed when extended, instead of straight vertical. Both are improvements.

 

[bmwhitetx]

$49 at Ford Accessories (set of 2), potentially cheaper at other dealers: https://accessories.ford.com/products/retractable-flush-mount-black-stake-pocket-tie-downs-2pc-set-1

Instructions: https://www.fordservicecontent.com/...ory_files/VFL3Z_99000A64_D_BedHooks_Black.pdf

 

[AAnative]

Can you install these on the front stake pockets too? I'm needing to carry a sailboat on a ladder rack and would love two sets of these tie downs.

 

[KurtsRPMGarage]

Can you install these on the front stake pockets too? I'm needing to carry a sailboat on a ladder rack and would love two sets of these tie downs.

I'm not sure if there even is a front stake pocket. On the lightning there is no precut section in the plastic for one. There could be one underneath buts its not obvious.

 

[bosox8]

Hi,
Super simple installation just like any other F-150. Pry the blank plastic plate out from the side using a trim removal tool or flat head screwdriver - (removed plate is shown in the second picture below). Then drop in the bullring assembly and tighten the screw to clamp in place. Takes like one min per side. Part number is VFL3Z-99000A64-D

I did the version with the Ford logo and Ford part number that I bought from a Ford parts dealer online. These were a little different than the ones I had bought previously directly from Bull Ring in that they seemed to be updated. Only had one screw to clamp down and have a hook that is angled towards the bed when extended, instead of straight vertical. Both are improvements.

Thank you for posting - this is my first F-150 and wasn't really aware of those tie-down areas - ordered a set - appreciate you taking the time to tell some of us!

 

[Maquis]

I'm not sure if there even is a front stake pocket. On the lightning there is no precut section in the plastic for one. There could be one underneath buts its not obvious.

If you look in the bed, there appears to be a front pocket in the sheet metal.

 

[Blochead21]

You can buy the router bit on Amazon to open it up.

 

[kvasiir]

You can buy the router bit on Amazon to open it up.

These flush-mount bull rings won't work in the hole you make, though. Their trim hangs over the stake pocket for that flush look. You'll have more cutting to do to make things fit nicely. I tried and gave up.... your perseverance may be greater than mine.

 

[GoodSam]

Purchased with FordPass points. Instructions seemed to be wrong showing tipping in the bed side before the fender side - easier to reverse that. There is also a little challenge getting the phillips tensioning screw into its threads.

 

[21st Century Truck]

These flush-mount bull rings won't work in the hole you make, though. Their trim hangs over the stake pocket for that flush look. You'll have more cutting to do to make things fit nicely. I tried and gave up.... your perseverance may be greater than mine.

I just installed the rear Ford angled retractable bull rings on the bed rails. Neat design. I intend to also install another pair in the hidden front stake pockets after I cut out the plastic over them.

I saved the two rear stake pocket covers to A). use as final-fit cutter templates, and B). use as undershims under the front bull ring trim to compensate for the lack of a molded lip in the plastic hole I'll cut out, such as the molded lip in the rear holes.

I also noted the steel - on - aluminum galvanic corrosion discussion in another bull ring thread here, and will cover the clamp edges of the hidden bull ring steel C clamps with some appropriate plastic.

 

[21st Century Truck]

I just installed the rear Ford angled retractable bull rings on the bed rails. Neat design. I intend to also install another pair in the hidden front stake pockets after I cut out the plastic over them.

I saved the two rear stake pocket covers to A). use as final-fit cutter templates, and B). use as undershims under the front bull ring trim to compensate for the lack of a molded lip in the plastic hole I'll cut out, such as the molded lip in the rear holes.

I also noted the steel - on - aluminum galvanic corrosion discussion in another bull ring thread here, and will cover the clamp edges of the hidden bull ring steel C clamps with some appropriate plastic.

Front stake pockets are now uncovered and the Ford accessory angled bull rings are mounted.

Project is not too hard to do as long as you take your time to not mar the metal underneath.

Center hole in the polypropylene plastic rail trim = 4 and 1/8 inch from the front bed metal edge, and 1 and 1/2 inch from the inside bed wall edge. Then Dremel out just inside the two low channels inside the high raised plastic rail cover channels. Key Tip: use the rear stake pocket OEM fill covers for a cut template and for the shape of the radiused corners. I final-cut and trimmed the plastic to fit with a sharp thin-edged knife.

Pictures:

1. Inner guts of the rear stake pocket. You can clearly see the "pocket" for a wooden stake, etc.

2. Inner guts, or lack of any, for the front stake pocket. The opening goes straight down to the pavement, which can be seen. However, both rear and front pockets' lips have the curled-down flange edges appropriate for these Ford accessory angled bull rings to grab onto. Note: to lessen any galvanic reactions between differing metals, I inserted pieces of a vinyl V-Flex window seal strip I had laying around between the bull ring clamp flanges and these bed stake pocket flanges.

3. All four bull rings mounted and extended, for demo with two tie-down straps across the bed.

4. Close-up of one front bull ring, extended with tie-down strap + hook.

5. Close-up top view of a front-mounted bull ring, extended with same tie-down + hook.

6. Shot of the removed front stake pocket trim... the centered hole aids in removal.

7. Shot of the underside of this removed front stake pocket cover. Note the thin vertical stiffening ribs... these need the most care with a knife to cut through as their edges rest on metal.