Bed Bolts
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 26,966
Likes: 50
From: Texas
Use a bit with a lifetime warranty because the lifetime is likely to be short. If you can get the bit from a local parts store that has several in stock and gives the warranty, that would be the safe bet.
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Junior User
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 96
Likes: 0
From: Methuen,MA
Thanks guys. I'm going to get a couple of impact rated bits and hopefully I'll be able to take my 11 year old bolts out!! The guy I bought the new bed off of gave me brand new bolts to go with it which is good, cause I'm sure I'll break at least one or two of the original rusty ones.
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 272
Likes: 0
From: The great North East.
On my 02, only 2 came off easily with the impact wrench (140 psi!!). The others were easier to get off...with the torch!!! 
I replaced them all with new OEM.
I replaced them all with new OEM.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 2,726
Likes: 5
From: Slatington, PA
Good luck. One of mine came out and the 2nd one snapped the bit. It worked better after that cause it was shorter, but I still only managed to get 2 out before giving up. Spray those suckers for a while before you try to get them out!
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 268
Likes: 0
From: Walla Walla, Wa
When I tried taking my bolts out i ended up cutting a cross in the head of a couple of them with a cut-off wheel and breaking the pieces off with an air chisel, that was after snapping half a dozen sockets
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 348
Likes: 0
From: Franklinton, NC
I'd read all the threads and posts about how hard it is to get the bed bolts out. When I had to take my bed off, I took about 40 minutes to prepare; got out the torch, impact wrench, quality sockets, two foot breaker bar, 5 pound hammer, die grinder with cut off wheel... I was loaded for bear!
Did I feel "stupid" when a good hard tug on the 3/4 inch ratchet broke every one of them free.
Gives new meaning to the old saying, "I'd rather be lucky than good anyday."
Did I feel "stupid" when a good hard tug on the 3/4 inch ratchet broke every one of them free.
Gives new meaning to the old saying, "I'd rather be lucky than good anyday."
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,153
Likes: 0
From: Boston, MA
you got really lucky if they came out easy. id say 9 out of 10 beds are going to need something other than a twist, meaning cutting the heads off or torching from the bottom (right next to the gas tank)
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,153
Likes: 0
From: Boston, MA
Thanks guys. I'm going to get a couple of impact rated bits and hopefully I'll be able to take my 11 year old bolts out!! The guy I bought the new bed off of gave me brand new bolts to go with it which is good, cause I'm sure I'll break at least one or two of the original rusty ones.
If you've been dealing with the sand and salt on the roads here in MA for the last 11 years I'd go buy some fresh cutting wheels before you start and be ready to grind the heads off the bolts
Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 775
Likes: 0
From: Williamston, MI
I just had to google it... interesting
A Torx variant, Torx Plus, introduced about 1990 when the original Torx patent was expiring, is designed to allow greater torque, and to minimize wear. The specifications for these licenses are held by Textron. Standard Torx drivers can be used to drive Torx Plus screws, but not to full torque because of the loose fit. Torx Plus drivers will not fit standard Torx screws. They are shortened to "Torx TX".
A Torx variant, Torx Plus, introduced about 1990 when the original Torx patent was expiring, is designed to allow greater torque, and to minimize wear. The specifications for these licenses are held by Textron. Standard Torx drivers can be used to drive Torx Plus screws, but not to full torque because of the loose fit. Torx Plus drivers will not fit standard Torx screws. They are shortened to "Torx TX".