Removing Armrests (Darn POs!!!)

[erikhillard]

So the PO installed incorrect armrest in my truck and I got a blue set off eBay to replace them.

Of course the PO installed them with hex heads not phillips heads. Non of my sockets will fit into the armrests. Wondering how in the heck the PO ever got these things tight?

From what I see on the door disassembly page the armrest comes off before the panel does. Any way to get the panel off with the armrest on it? Then maybe I can get the nuts off the back of these bolts.

[jzjames]

Nah. Get a little (3/8", 5/16"?) socket and put it on a nut driver and take it off.

[flyboy2610]

I use a deep well socket. The socket won't become detached inside the armrest that way. All the ones I have removed have been 3/8" hex head screws. I don't think Phillips head screws were OEM.

[68F250]

I use a nutdriver to jam into the hole.

[fordman]

i use a deep 3/8 socket it works great.

[erikhillard]

Thanks guys. Saves me from buying a ton of sockets guessingg which one fits..

[jor]

Here's what I use. 1/4" drive with a deep socket.
jor

[fordman]

free tools is always a plus

[Tim P.]

That is correct 3/8 deepwell 1/4 drive. Phillips were not oem.

[erikhillard]

Well everyone was right. 3/8 deep socket pulled it off like a breeze.

Just to reveal exactly what I had feared the PO had done to install the nonstock armrests.

[fordman]

yea the one will cover up with the correct armerests. however the other one will need some replacement of the door panel to fix it with.

[studdmstr]

Just to reveal exactly what I had feared the PO had done to install the nonstock armrests.

Don't you hate finding stuff like that. Your all set to do a job that will only take 15min and you end up having to replace a bunch of other stuff and spending a few hours.