HB accessory plate is already configured for recovery boards as an option, so you have that covered (if you go with their accessory arm). It can also fit Rotopax configurations as well. If your body shop is installing hinges, it would be nice if they could install your plate and then adjust for...
You are referring to swapping your OEM hinges with Raptor hinges, and NOT using Raptor OEM plate, correct? Opting instead for HB Raptor-hinges specific plate? If so, you can buy the Raptor hinges from loads of online Ford parts sites...for about 400 for the pair. I tried body color painting...
The boom23 knocks off another 250 and you get free shipping. I can't comment on the Vanguard, having not owned one, but they make good stuff (I have their rear shock mount skid and control arms plates). I just prefer an articulated tailgate and less latches...and the RA bumper, to me, seems to...
If you don't want to lose your nutplates and you go with the HB plate for OEM hinges it just takes a steady hand (don't force the bolts in) and they need to be aligned (use wooden wedges under your tailgate and on each side so that when your back the bolts out the tailgate does not drop/move)...
If you want light and no impact whatsoever to your spare mounting, and if you have OEM hinges, there are other options out there. I had the Hammer Built setup on mine and it worked very well. If you buy the Raptor specific one, you can use it with your OEM non-Raptor hinges if you buy these...
I went with Methods because they have bead grips on both inner and outers...you can air down to like 10 PSI and not lose a bead...and they are 10 pounds lighter than SAS wheels. With the swing out my weight anxiety has gone down greatly...and my tailgate is aligned again...
https://www.northridge4x4.com/part/rear-bumpers/6213r3b-tc-road-armor-stealth-full-width-rear-bumper-texture-black-powder-coat
Cheaper there than from manufacturer.
And I think you already may have mentioned this but it appears that your alignment resulted in a narrow gap on the driver side and a larger gap on the passenger side...I suspect that is because the width of the aluminum hinges prevent the tailgate from being able to be shifted all the way over...
That should do it...but then I can't help but wonder if a spacer is added if that's going to put additional stress on the composite OEM tire carrier (I believe it will because the OEM carrier was designed only to carry OEM spaced wheels and tires). Also when you factor in the additional weight...
I felt your pain when the BAMF bracket I bought and the RTR bracket I bought had the exact same issues...I had to do loads of modifying to get either of them to work, and then after getting them to work I got rid of both because they never did exactly what they were supposed to do all that well...
He has a lot of knowledge! Did you order the harness? Note that if you did you will have to grind down a bit of the OEM plug so that the new plug fits...Ford recently changed the plug housing design but the solution is a minor tweak. I believe Sounds Good is working on obtaining the new style...
The trick is trying to figure out what the specs are for our OEM speakers...that remains a mystery (unless someone happens to have that info)? I can confirm that my upgraded speakers ended up nice and clear but very quiet...so my 500 dollars ended up getting me to turn my volume up to 25 to get...
I called the main number and oddly enough someone answered (even at around 5pm PST...and they are three hours ahead, I believe).
615.610.1413
I think there are only 2 or 3 guys that run the entire show...and they all know exactly what that harness is. If you get a chance to talk to any of...