Frustrating Door Removal Process

[Bronco 215]

Was trying to take my doors off my 4dr Badlands today for the first time. I can get the middle connector off extremely easily, but I can’t seem to get the bolts off. The torque wrench is angled terribly where I can’t get any consistent travel. I am 6’4” and have huge hands. Any tips to make this process easier?

Sponsored

 

[SurfsUp85]

Was trying to take my doors off my 4dr Badlands today for the first time. I can get the middle connector off extremely easily, but I can’t seem to get the bolts off. The torque wrench is angled terribly where I can’t get any consistent travel. I am 6’4” and have huge hands. Any tips to make this process easier?

It's def tight. Luckily it doesn't need much torque to get going then can be taken off by hand.

Be sure the door is open as wide as possible. Your first torque from frame to door frame (1 inch gap) should loosen it enough to use your fingers.

Use the rubber bumpers, so easy to mess the paint up taking the doors off and putting them on.

 

[WClintM]

Swivels and extensions might help.

 

[JB1901]

Get a girlfriend with small hands. You'll thank me later.

 

[BlueBronco]

Cordless ratchet. Game changer for door removal/installation.

 

[Bronco-saurs]

6'4 myself and think the door removal process is really simple. Hands barely fit in to hand tighten/loosen the bolts but it takes me no more than 10 minutes to take the four doors and top off(down).

 

[Roger123]

Cordless ratchet. Game changer for door removal/installation.

I bought this specifically for door removal.

https://www.amazon.com/Makita-XRW01...qid=1659870695&sprefix=akita+ra,aps,69&sr=8-1

 

[Ground_zero298]

It’s like that the first couple times. After that it’s pretty easy. I thought the process was a pita the first 3-5 times I did it. Now it’s a 5 minutes job that don’t even register. Don’t even need the rubber now. Probably done it 30 or so times. Key for me is using pointer and middle finger for tops, middle and thumb for bottoms, to unscrew with bigger hands. I use the supplied ratchet 1” at a time with a finger on each side to protect the paint/plastic, 10 quick turns then she’s hand loose. On the plus side being 6’4” is gonna be easy to put the doors back on for you. You will be able to look straight down when you set the door on.

A good battery 90 ratchet can make life easier too. I grabbed a Milwaukee extended 90. Covers pretty much every star bolt on the truck. Panels, bumpers, doors, top, and some others. Very handy to have In the truck. Most ratchets are 3/8 and the bronco tools are 1/4 so make sure you grab a 1/4 to 3/8 adapter or a set of 3/8 sockets if you do invest in one. Can be used as a breaker bar on the stars too if the ratchet won’t power them out. I keep that and a spare battery in the tool compartment. If going for a trip I’ll toss the battery charger in with it, can charge them while you drive if needed.

 

[DD214]

It's def tight. Luckily it doesn't need much torque to get going then can be taken off by hand.

Be sure the door is open as wide as possible. Your first torque from frame to door frame (1 inch gap) should loosen it enough to use your fingers.

Use the rubber bumpers, so easy to mess the paint up taking the doors off and putting them on.

sorry to jump in here but what rubber bumpers?

 

[‘21OBX]

sorry to jump in here but what rubber bumpers?

The two rubber strips in your bronco tool kit. They slide on and protect the paint.
To the OP

what torque wrench? The tiny ratchet and 13mm that’s in your bronco kit it more than enough. There is no torx bit involved. Make sure your turning them the correct way and keep the socket straight with the bolt head. After the come loose they wheel out with minimal effort. Getting a hand in there to start them yeah it’s a tight space.

 

[PcDBronco]

Was trying to take my doors off my 4dr Badlands today for the first time. I can get the middle connector off extremely easily, but I can’t seem to get the bolts off. The torque wrench is angled terribly where I can’t get any consistent travel. I am 6’4” and have huge hands. Any tips to make this process easier?

What torque wrench are you refering too? Theres only a need for 2 socket bolts to be removed from hinge, very easy. Theres youtube videos that explain where the rubber protectors go and the socket bolts are that are really helpful for first timers. Just beware to have a good grip on the doors and have a spot for them, alot of people have already dropped doors or dinged them against the body.

 

[SurfsUp85]

sorry to jump in here but what rubber bumpers?

In the tool bag there are two small rubber bumpers that you put on the door to keep it from banging metal together.

I'll go snap some pics for ya right now.

 

[BlueBronco]

Now it’s a 5 minutes job that don’t even register. Don’t even need the rubber now

Same here, probably about 5 minutes to remove all 4 doors and install the tube doors. No need for the rubber strips either. Just move slowly and deliberately.

 

[Dmorty217]

The tool bag ford supplies is lack luster to say the least. Yes the tools you need are in there but using a socket to remove the bolts is frustrating at times, especially the top one. A swivel adaptor helps out. Definitely use the rubber pieces when reinstalling the doors to prevent paint chips.

 

[SurfsUp85]

sorry to jump in here but what rubber bumpers?

Here are the bumpers.

Add them to these spots. I found out the hard way where to place them. Not crazy but definitely hurt my soul when it happened.


The example is on the passenger door. The scratches are on the driver side door.

Sponsored