I'm a short guy and would like to have a grab handle on the driver's side. Went to the dealer's parts man and asked if one of the other trim levels had a grab handle. He looked and said "Nope". So I was thinking that maybe either he was wrong or maybe 2008 parts might fit. If anyone has gotten one for their truck please chime in. Thanks Chris.

 

My FX4 does not have one either. I had one on my 2002 screw and I used it frequently (I'm 6'1") so it is not just a height thing; it was just very convenient. I wonder why it was eliminated.

 

I'm guessing for money.....probably a dollar or two savings...

My parents won't buy a new truck because of the no handle....they've got bad backs and need it...i'm hoping ford rethinks it and puts it back for 2010

 

That's one thing I dearly miss from my old '07 truck. It was my first comment to the salesman when I took the '09 for a spin - where's the grab handle???

 

I don't think it is about money. I have asked several guys who work at Dearborne (sp?) and a fleet guy and all of them have said it is for better driver visibility. Not to mention it would be redundant because the steering wheel can be used to help you in. That is what I was told. Who knows. The visibility makes sense. I have seen some honkin' grab handles that got in the way.

 

But the 04-08 handles didn't get in the way....when sitting in my seat and looking at the pillar the handle is ENTIRELY behind the pillar....and i don't like the idea of putting the stress on the steering column

 

The grab handle is great to help getting out of the truck; don't need to get in.

 

I agree about missing the grab handle and having to use the steering column for suppport. could one buy the passengerside and modify it to replace the trim on the driver's side.

 

I have seen this thread done a couple of time, and I have noticed that I always use the door and the steering wheel to get in my truck. I also need a step bar, because I am short. I have noticed that not having a step bar creates more rub on the seat. But, I do hope they bring back the handle every sales counts.

 

The lack of the assist handel on the drivers side is annoying on the 09's i test drove, and I use mine all the time on my 08. I use it not only to get in and out of the truck, but also to adjust my body on long road trips when i need to shift from sitting so long.

On my friends Jeep, he bought aftermarket "oh *****/assist handels" that strap on and wrap around with velcro to the top door frame. Does anyone know if there would be a way to put these on an F150 or if they make something like this for pickup trucks? They work realy well on his Jeep.

 

I think that add-on style grab handles would detract from the very nice interior of the 09's.

If you could match the plastic color of the 09 to an 08 or earlier grab handle. I bet there is a way to mount one on the door header, as is in the 08's.