I have been preparing to remove the bed on my 2001 regular cab (8' box) and was trying to find a bit to fit the bed bolts. I tried a T55 Torx, but it was too large, and the T50, while it will engage the teeth, is too small.

I read a thread here about changing seats that mentioned that the seat mounting bolts were "Torx Plus", which is different from Torx.

I bought a set of Torx Plus bits (OTC 6180) and guess what? The TP45 bit fit perfectly! My reading indicates that the Plus bits can deliver a lot more torque without breaking, slipping, or stripping out the bolt head.

The bad news is that the discount tool manufacturers have not started to make Torx Plus bits yet, so you are limited for sources.

The set I bought goes up to TP50. The seat bolts are TP55 size. I had to order the -55 separately.

I hope this helps someone else.

 

So where did you order your set from? I've just been using the "lifetime" warranty regular torx stuff and getting new ones as I break them. So far the torx head on a bolt has been stronger than the torx fittings for my ratchet, but I figure it's only a matter of time before I screw something up.

 

I got mine from an outfit called ToolTopia through Amazon.com. They cost more than I would have liked, but not nearly as much as the Red Bandit (Snap-On truck )charges.

Interestingly enough, my friends and I have discovered that many sources sell things for less through Amazon than directly through their own sites and stores!

 

Good info. I used regular torx on my seat bolts with almost no issue, I bought the two biggest ACE had. Rep points for the Torx Plus info.

 

I threw away the bed bolts years ago when I had to cut grind 4 of them. I put bolts in after I tapped the nut plates. I think they were 14 MM..now no problem ever. The original nut plates are not tapped so the torx bolts are driven through at the factory to cut the threads. Thats why sometimes they do not come out..

Dick

 

Thread necromancy but it may help someone.

When I get a truck I pull the bed bolts then slather them with anti-seize and reinstall. I keep trucks long enough that it has always been a good call for fuel pump swaps or bed replacement when damaged. It only takes a few minutes but can save you a lot of suffering. I anti-seize all exhaust hardware and any fastener that commonly corrodes or sticks, such as bolts going into any aluminum casting. What doesn't get anti-seize gets Loctite which doesn't seize fasteners.

Doing a Chevy today so I thought to post.