Doghouse Removal November 13, 2022, 11:59:45 am We have lots of problems with packrats in our area. We have our methods which have been effective and I also very frequently check all vehicles. Anyhow, today I planned on removing the doghouse so I can get a good look at the engine. I unsnapped the four clips at which point I expected the unit to break free but it's solid. I note four or six of those damn 1/4" head screws near the bottom and suspect LD had added those. Do I remove those? Anything else I should know?I read Hilola's recent post on removal but he doesn't mention any screws.One thing I enjoy about the LD is how quiet it is even though the engine is screaming at high revs so I don't want to affect that. Any difficulty in reinstalling it? Thanks.jor
Re: Doghouse Removal Reply #1 – November 13, 2022, 01:08:39 pm Removing the doghouse can be very challenging. The doghouse is held by four clips, provided by Ford. I have never seen any additional screws used.The simple fact is the doghouse can be very difficult to remove due to the tight fit caused by LD's application of carpet.The carpet on the doghouse overlaps the floor carpet, it needs to be forced out of the way. Start rocking the doghouse from side to side and rearward at the same time, it can be a real PIAI have spent up to a half hour removing the doghouse, it's a job I loathe.When reinstalling the doghouse, spray its rubber seal well with silicone, it will engage with the opening better.Look on the front of the doghouse to see two clips that must fit inside the opening.Larry
Re: Doghouse Removal Reply #2 – November 13, 2022, 01:30:25 pm Hi JOR; Yes I did have to remove those four screws or so that LD put around the base to get the carpet to lay flat. That was 20 years ago for me, the first time I took out the 'dog house'. I didn't put those screw back those many years ago, and it hasn't been a problem. You can use a machinist's scribe to locate the holes, and line it up with the carpet before re-installing the screws if you do want to put them back in. By now the holes where those left out screws were, is not noticeable. LD rethought that carpet overlap recently and in newer models the carpet is out of the way. I got a photo recently from Kent (2015) with his 'dog house' removed and it was much 'cleaner' to take out. Years ago at a Vista (Ca.) Caravan Club meeting I helped a couple from Alaska (Don and Judy) re-install their 'dog house' properly. It had been removed for a smog test, and the person hadn't gotten it back in correctly. The gap was letting hot air, and noise in on the passenger side. In Ca, I've never had to remove the engine cover for a smog check. RonB
Re: Doghouse Removal Reply #3 – November 13, 2022, 02:18:28 pm I just dealt with removing the doghouse. Larry's comment about the carpeting on the doghouse is on target. I have found that removing the Ford trim panel below the dash on thr passenger side provided a bit more clearance for removal. I reinstall that trim panel after getting the doghouse back in place. It does take a bit of persuasion to get it loose. I pull on the top area where our cup holders are located to start a bit of movement and then it is back and forth from the top and the bottom. I have always had to remove that plastic trim panel which simply clips into place. That may be different on your model year than it is on our 2003. Curse words are frequently used too😁Steve K
Re: Doghouse Removal Reply #4 – November 13, 2022, 03:10:26 pm When I remove the Dog House I always first remove the passenger seat and set it outside. Also I have removed that carpet on the bottom and only put it back in with screws when I am sure it's going to stay in. A few times I have remembered that there was One more thing I wanted to do in there After I got the Dog House back in. It's always after you latch it, that you need to back in for a tool or something. So that is why I wait on screwing the carpet back in. Karen~Liam 98 ~ MB NinA
Re: Doghouse Removal Reply #5 – December 22, 2022, 06:11:33 pm OP here. Got the doghouse out. I took Liam and Steve's advice and removed the pax seat and dash trim pieces. As in Ron's rig, my carpet was screwed into the cab floor at four places. (photo with tools pointing to screw locations)There really isn't a lot of sound insulation in there. I added some good auto sound insulation material to the factory insert.I didn't like the carpet so I removed it and painted the doghouse. I'll probably install some different carpet sometime down the road. Also added a little color to the drink holder. I gotta call BS on the method LD used to adhere the carpet to the doghouse. They applied some adhesive and then hit it hard with an impact driver and those little 1/4" sheet metal screws. 38 of those babies. No rhyme or reason. Some even screwed into that purdy Ford gasket! Anyhow, it's a breeze to take out now and it's nice and quiet!Oh, I see what you guys mean about that engine being a tight fit. It looks like it would be really tough to work on. I wonder if they have to pull the engine to remove a head. Almost forgot. I did find some packrat droppings in the intake valley. I'm on it with hood open and another trouble light.jor 7 Likes
Re: Doghouse Removal Reply #6 – December 22, 2022, 08:12:43 pm Jor, was it difficult to remove the passenger seat?
Re: Doghouse Removal Reply #7 – December 22, 2022, 09:13:41 pm Quote from: HiLola - December 22, 2022, 08:12:43 pmJor, was it difficult to remove the passenger seat?Haven’t removed the passenger seat for a doghouse removal, but did when upgrading to a swivel base, was trivial, just four bolts. 1 Likes
Re: Doghouse Removal Reply #8 – December 22, 2022, 09:15:16 pm Quote from: HiLola - December 22, 2022, 08:12:43 pmJor, was it difficult to remove the passenger seat?With the right torx head driver and a pneumatic 3/8" ratchet, it takes only a couple of minutes, a little longer using hand tools. It opens the whole area up. Removing the seats is necessary when changing the spark plugs or doing other work in the engine bay.Before removing the seats, remember to disconnect the plug for the wiring of the seat belts and seat belt pretensioners.Larry 5 Likes
Re: Doghouse Removal Reply #10 – December 23, 2022, 11:07:14 am QuoteWith the right torx head driver and a pneumatic 3/8" ratchet, On mine the two front fasterners were Torx head bolts and the back two were nutted studs with Torx heads. Hadn't seen that before. But as you said, real easy to remove.QuoteBefore removing the seats, remember to disconnect the plug for the wiring of the seat belts and seat belt pretensioners.I figured that out just before I destroyed that wire! Good advicejor
Re: Doghouse Removal Reply #11 – March 31, 2023, 01:24:28 pm Jor, your forum profile shows you have a 2009 MB which is the same year and model as ours. However our doghouse is much different than yours. That’s kinda of interesting. At any rate, I’m gathering my energy and enthusiasm to tackle the removal of our doghouse for the same reasons you mentioned in your original post. I’m going to need some guidance!
Re: Doghouse Removal Reply #12 – March 31, 2023, 04:42:11 pm Ed, your doghouse looks exactly like my 2017. It's pretty easy; just undo the four clips and gently rock the doghouse back and forth until it lifts up. Removing the front plastic part first, by lifting it up, makes the doghouse more accessible and less bulky. I did not remove any seats for the removal. This thread may help a bit:Removing the Doghouse 1 Likes
Re: Doghouse Removal Reply #13 – March 31, 2023, 05:26:46 pm QuoteHowever our doghouse is much different than yours. That’s kinda of interesting. Yea, you'd think they'd be the same. The actual doghouses are likely identical but the drink holder deal sure is different. I like yours better! Maybe Ford made a midyear change.jor
Re: Doghouse Removal Reply #14 – March 31, 2023, 05:57:42 pm Quote from: HiLola - March 31, 2023, 04:42:11 pmEd, your doghouse looks exactly like my 2017. It's pretty easy; just undo the four clips and gently rock the doghouse back and forth until it lifts up. Removing the front plastic part first, by lifting it up, makes the doghouse more accessible and less bulky. I did not remove any seats for the removal.Thank you for your guidance and your helpful post. A quick question please. To remove the drink holder, do you just pull it forward?I’m now looking forward to tackling this project.
Re: Doghouse Removal Reply #15 – March 31, 2023, 06:55:19 pm Ed, to remove the cupholder section, place both hands at the bottom on both sides, then hit it upwards firmly. It should pop right off. Recommend you remove all the items inside first or you'll have a mess like me!
Re: Doghouse Removal Reply #16 – April 01, 2023, 10:22:17 am Quote from: HiLola - March 31, 2023, 06:55:19 pm Recommend you remove all the items inside first or you'll have a mess like me! Btw Greg, if you’re not busy next week could you drop by and give us a helping hand 🤚? 😂
Re: Doghouse Removal Reply #17 – April 01, 2023, 11:34:32 am Quote from: Ed & Margee - April 01, 2023, 10:22:17 amBtw Greg, if you’re not busy next week could you drop by and give us a helping hand 🤚? 😂Ed and Margee, I'm hoping to make a trip out your way in about a year. I'd love to give you hand if you can wait!
Topic: Doghouse Removal (Read 472 times)
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Topic: Doghouse Removal (Read 472 times)
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