Thursday, December 26, 2013
How to Take off the Side Mirror on an F150
The side mirror on a Ford F150 attaches to the side of the door via three bolts molded into the plastic mirror assembly. A small triangular plastic cover hides the mounting nuts that are accessible form the inside of the door. Ford uses this method on all of its late model vehicles, including its popular F150 truck series.
Instructions
- 1
Remove the triangular cover that hides the bolts and wiring harness from the inside of the door panel by pulling it off the door with your hands. The cover is located inside the door on the opposite side of the side mirror.
2Disconnect the two plastic wiring harness connectors that connect the motor inside of the mirror assembly with the mirror control switch. If your mirror is not powered, skip this step.
3Hold the mirror to keep it from falling out and remove the three nuts that secure the mirror to the door with a long-well socket.
4Pull the mirror along with the mirror studs out of the door and slide the new mirror into the door, studs first.
5Hold the mirror in place while you secure it with the three nuts.
6Reconnect the wiring harness. Again, if the mirror is not powered, skip this step.
7Place the triangular cover back onto the door panel and push it into place.
Thursday, December 5, 2013
How to Take the Stock Exhaust Off of a Dodge RAM
Removing the stock exhaust system will allow you to replace it with a new system or upgrade it with an aftermarket system. If your exhaust system has damage to it, replacement pieces are available from most auto-parts stores but replacement of the entire system with a more free-flowing, larger-diameter exhaust system can increase the performance and fuel economy of your Dodge truck. Another option is to replace the system from the catalytic converter to the back if you prefer.
Instructions
- 1
Raise the rear of your Dodge truck with a jack and support it under the rear axle with a set of jack stands positioned under the rear frame rails. Move your jack to the front of the truck and raise it as well, placing a second set of jack stands under the frame rails in the front. Make sure the truck is very stable before working under it.
2Position yourself under the rear of the truck and remove the tailpipe section first. Remove the exhaust clamp from the pipe between the tailpipe and the muffler, using a socket and ratchet. Slide the tailpipe hanger out of the rubber isolator on the frame and remove the tailpipe from under the truck.
3Move forward to the front of the muffler and remove the exhaust clamp with a socket and ratchet. Slide the muffler forward to remove the two rod hangers from the rubber isolators on the frame. Lower the muffler down and remove it from under the truck.
4Move forward to the front exhaust pipe and catalytic converter. Locate the retaining bolts where the front pipe and the exhaust manifold meet. There are two on each side. Remove the retaining bolts using a socket and ratchet.
5Pull the pipe down and slide the mounting rod on the catalytic converter out of the rubber isolator on the frame, then remove the pipe and converter as a unit. Slide the assembly out from under the truck.
