Expanding on what was done in this thread - https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/7...-rack-fix.html - today I got 16 blocks of 1x2x3 hard black plastic to put under each screw. I wanted 1 solid piece to go under each rail but they didn't have the right thickness in stock. The goal is to lift the rack system so I can use my yakima rooftop cargo box. Longer metric screws are hard to find so tomorrow I'm heading to specialty store to pick them up. I know it's going to work just not sure how it will look. I'll post pics when I'm done. If it works out I could put a kit together. I expect total cost to make the rack useful will be < $75 .

 

Bigzirb did a similar mod: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...fications.html Then he goes and builds a basket also. Make sure you clean the channels real good while you have them off. Sure makes the crossbars slide easier. Remember.... lots of pics.