I posted this in the 1999-2016 Super Duty forum as well, but for the most part the guys hanging out in this section seem more knowledgeable and quicker to respond.

This is old damage, but it bugs me more and more. I'm in need of a new bed Rail cap on my passenger side (want to do both). Bed needs fixing back there on the upper corner too.



If you'd like I can get another picture without the rack in the way since it's off now.

I'm having trouble finding caps for a 2000 model. Everything I'm finding is listed for 2002 and up. EDIT: It's a short bed BTW.

What are the differences? Can I put the '02+ caps on my '00?

IF not, anyone know where I can find a pair of new caps at a reasonable price?

If it's going to be very much for caps, it may be better to swap beds if considering what other dents and dings would cost to repair.

 

I can't answer your questions but I have a pair of them off of an 8' bed out by the garage that you could have. Shipping from here would be a deal stopper, I'm sure. Just your luck, I just ran a truck down to Atlanta on Tuesday and could have brought them along. If you have anyone up this way or if I get another trip down what way, maybe it could work.

 

Thank you, but I've got a short bed, so those wouldn't have fit anyway.

 

should be part F81Z-99291A41-AAB

 

Thank you, I can actually find that part number through the Ford parts dealer sites.

LT side: F81Z-99291A41-AAB
RT side: F81Z-99291A40-AAB

Only places can find either of those is through Ford dealers, and even online it's $150+ per side. Looking at $300+ to replace both through Ford and then add repair costs for the crunch.

I can find aftermarket replacement, which I have no problem using, listed for the 2002-2016 trucks for less than $100 set. What I can't figure out is what changed from 2001 to 2002 that they won't fit the earlier trucks. Was hoping someone here has been around enough of thes to be aware of the difference, if there is one at all.
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Josht, I don't believe there is a difference and the bed rails you found for 2002 will work. Maybe post a link to the ad and we will see something you missed? I thought the beds were the same up to 2008 in measurement as that is what I recall from when we were shopping for a topper. I could be wrong though as that was eight years or so ago.

Although, someone I trust and feel may know the answer to your question right off the top of your head is @Y2KW57 . Perhaps if he has time in his busy schedule he van provide some advice.

 

What do you get for part numbers from Ford for those later years? If they're interchangeable, I would expect their numbers to be the same.

 

Here's some on Amazon, the particular set I was referring to for $99.
Found essentially the same thing on eBay. Those all use 3M mounting tape, but I could swear that I also saw them that clipped in like factory pieces when I was looking previously. With the 3m tape they would probably fit to all years no problem, but I didn't know if something had changed in the OEM mounting on later years that would keep the clip in type from mounting on earlier years.

I'm trying to get this fixed so I can run a bed cover. Since that bed cover will have a frame that will also secure the rail calps to the bed, the 3M mounting tape instead of clips would probably be fine.

There are a few. Here's all the part numbers I found and the years listed on Ford part site:

1999-2004 (platinum)
RT side: F81Z-99291A40-AAB
LT side: F81Z-99291A41-AAB

2003-2007 (beige)
RT side: 3C3Z-99291A40-BAA
LT side: 3C3Z-99291A41-BAA

2003 -2016 (black)
RT side: 2C3Z-99291A40-BAA
LT side: 2C3Z-99291A41-BAA

When I posted those numbers earlier I thought platinum was referring to the trim package, but I don't think it goes back that far. Now I'm thiking it referrs to the trim color, and the ones on my truck are definitely more gray than black and it doesn't appear to just be sun fading. Maybe the year changes were just because of the color changes?

This is good info to know because even if I do end up spending more money on replacement OEM caps, I would rather have black than the gray that is on there now.

 

I find those part numbers interesting the way the center string is the same for all of them and the third string is only different on the top ones. To a good parts guy, that probably means something.

 

Prefix gives year/decade and product line, will vary depending on if pre or post '99.

Pre 1999:
F81Z
F = decade (1990)
8 = year of decade (1998)
1 = product line (F350/Excursion)
Z = design responsibility (Ford Customer Service Division (Ford), Product Analysis and Publications)

Post 1999:
3C3Z
3 = year (2003)
C3 = product line (Medium Truck)
Z = design responsibility (Ford Customer Service Division Product Analysis / Ford Service Parts)
​
Next is the base part number. This can span many models and years. An ignition switch on a F250 and a Taurus might have the same base part number even though they are very different parts. Body parts will also include a body code before the base part number.

99 - Body code
​​​​​291A40 - base part number

FWIW F-150 rail covers have the same base part number with a different body code.

The last part, suffix, denotes a part revision. From what I understand it could be a simple updated part, or colors like above. With these parts it can also denote short or long bed.

 

I haven't read this entire thread... I only dropped in where I was tagged in, and while I'm not sure exactly what questions remain, I think you have figured out by deduction that there were no physical or functional changes to the bed cap rails from 1999-2016.

The bed side profile and tailgate stampings changed in a mid cycle refresh, but the bed caps didn't change. The sheet metal thickness and number of fasteners in the tailgates changed also, before the skin contour change, but again, none of those changes affected the bed caps.

There was indeed a "Platinum Edition" Super Duty going back that far... back to 2001, when Ford introduced the first Super Duty Platinum. They are not well known because they were primarily allocated to Texas dealers. Similarly appointed as the Lariat LE, the 2001 Platinum was distinguished by the silvery gray (aka platinum) two tone waterfall color scheme, and a chrome front bumper WITHOUT the plastic protective cladding... a chrome bumper without any holes.

I don't think Ford keeps press releases dating that far back on their website anymore, but staff at FTE preserved Ford's press release here:

9/20/2000: The 2001 Ford Super Duty Platinum Edition

As for the change in black in 2003, I met an interesting character at Ford whose job was making sure the black plastics matched (in color) from supplier to supplier on Ford vehicle platforms. Perhaps his efforts are evidenced by the tonal shift in bed caps and bumper cladding. I only met him once, so I don't know. I recall thinking I can't believe that Ford paid a guy full time to just make sure that all the black colored plastics matched. He was a colorful guy though.

 

Thanks for chiming @Y2KW57

With your reply, I don't think I have any remaining questions. @Sous tagged you for a reason, I can only assume that it is due to your experiences with these trucks. I was already leaning in that direction, now I'm convinced of it.

I was aware of the bed side styling and tailgate changes. I would love to get an '08 step gate for mine someday, but that price means it's going to wait. Given listed date ranges I didn't know if there may be mounting changes for the caps that I couldn't see, or wouldnt know if I didn't have both in my hands.

This thread has also been beneficial for the tonneau cover selection. I want a BakFlip that will open up against the back of the cab. The only one they list for a 2000 short bed is the G2. It's nice, but if I'm spending that much I'd rather spend a little more ($100) and get the MX4, which is only listed for 2008+

 

I didn't say that the tailgate caps were the the same. I thought you were asking about bed rail caps. The tailgate cap is different in 2008. You might want to give BakFlip a call before you order.

 

I was asking about the bed rail caps. Primary goal is fixing the eyesore, secondary goal is getting it so a bed cover will fit and seal up.

Now that I know there isn't a difference in the bed itself the options open up. You mentioned the differences in tailgate caps and I understood that completely, it's something I'll address when it comes time to actually buy a cover.

The bed cover is around the same price as I am seeing for the tailgates. As such, I'm in no rush to buy either. As I said in previous post, I want to swap to a 2008+ tailgate. It's entirely possible that I'll end up with the tailgate before the cover, just depends on the deals I find over the next few months/year.

The fact that the MX4 isn't listed for the pre 2008 isn't the only concern, the G2 also has different part numbers for the pre and post 2008 so there is a difference. If I end up with a cover for pre 2008 first, I'll stick with a earlier tailgate. If I end up with with the 2008+ tailgate first, I'll get the cover for that. As much as I prefer the styling of the 2008 tailgate, I am flexable here.

Hell, I'm going to be in no rush fixing this bed either. Spending enough in the cab and under the hood that I'll have to wait a little bit before I feel like laying down the cash to fix the crunch. I'm just in the planning stages right now and figuring out how I want to go about doing things. I doubt anything will happen with before I make it to a GTG and at the rate I'm going that might not be the one next month.

 

I remember that Ford hit the aftermarket with two significant changes from previous pickup beds for the new Super Duty introduced in 1998.

#1: The amount of taper in bed rail distance in width from side to side between the cab (at 80") necking down to the tailgate. Prior 3/4 ton and up pickup beds didn't taper in toward the rear like the then new Super Duty did.

1A: Outside width of truck at cab = 80"
1B: Inside width of bed at cab at top of box (where rails fold down into the bed) = 64.6"
1C: Outside width of bed at centerline of rear stake pockets = 63.5"
1D: Inside width of bed at tailgate hinge posts at floor = 60.1"


#2: The amount of cab height relative to the bed floor. Cab over truck camper manufacturers had to suggest that the RV dealers supply 4" tall bed spacers with their products until the campers could be redesigned to fit the new Super Duty.