Bed bolt size/length
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 130
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From: Scottdale, PA
Bed bolt size/length
Well, I meant to grab a bed bolt before I left for work, but I somehow managed to forget. can anyone give me a ballpark length so I can run to the hardware store on my lunch break. I am pretty sure 5/8" is the diameter that will work, I am just unsure of the length.
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 2,936
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From: Acworth, GA
OK, I just went out to the shed and found those bed bolts. As you can see in the picture, the one on the left is new and the one on the right is the old one. I got the new ones online from LMC (Bed Mounting Kit-16PC, $9.95). The new one is a carriage bolt and has a thread length of 4" and the old one has a thread length of 2" and has something else going on there. I'm just not sure what it's called. I'm not sure of the diameter.
Edit: Total length of the old bolt is 3-1/2".
Edit: Total length of the old bolt is 3-1/2".
Last edited by Grubbworm; Mar 6, 2012 at 06:28 PM. Reason: Edit: Total length of the old bolt is 3-1/2".
Old School Hot Rodder
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 6,472
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From: Exmore, VA
Grubbworm, don't know what it's called either, but the front and rear pair are like that, but different lengths, the center set matches one end, I think the rear, but are carriage bolts like the left hand one. The oval section of the Ford bolts fits in the holes in the bed so they won't turn, the carriage bolts will spin in these holes. BTW, Ford is real proud of those bolts. Diameter is 16mm, thread is M16X1.0
Last edited by 85lebaront2; Mar 6, 2012 at 06:41 PM. Reason: Additional info added.
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2012
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From: Scottdale, PA
Thanks a ton for that Info. I used it to find a similar bolt online...went with a grade 8, 5/8" carriage bolt. Got 6 at 4" for $8. 5/8 carriage will not spin in the oval. I am sourcing washers and nuts local (farm store). No one had 5/8 grade 8 carriage locally.
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 2,936
Likes: 9
From: Acworth, GA
Grubbworm, don't know what it's called either, but the front and rear pair are like that, but different lengths, the center set matches one end, I think the rear, but are carriage bolts like the left hand one. The oval section of the Ford bolts fits in the holes in the bed so they won't turn, the carriage bolts will spin in these holes. BTW, Ford is real proud of those bolts. Diameter is 16mm, thread is M16X1.0
Well, I had to chizel and grind two of them out. They were rusted together pretty good. I knew it would happen to me, so I bought a new set beforehand. I also had to use a larger fender washer under the bolt heads. Yes, I could see how they would spin, but I had no issues tightening them up.
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 901
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From: South Jersey
I have a shortbed and i remember my bolts all being different lengths. One broke and I replaced it with a carriage bolt and washer, not a big deal.
still, i would NOT recommend spending the extra money for a grade 8 bolt. it's a huge waste of money. you need strong bolts when they are put to the test with having weight either on the head of the bolt or against the shaft. since the bed rests on the rails and the bolt heads are at the top they are pointless. so unless you plan on towing around a camper by your bed rails you're pouring money down the drain.
still, i would NOT recommend spending the extra money for a grade 8 bolt. it's a huge waste of money. you need strong bolts when they are put to the test with having weight either on the head of the bolt or against the shaft. since the bed rests on the rails and the bolt heads are at the top they are pointless. so unless you plan on towing around a camper by your bed rails you're pouring money down the drain.
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2012
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From: Scottdale, PA
Like I said, I goy all 6 for less than 10 bucks with free shipping. Want to talk ridiculous, look at what ford wants for a bed bolt. I agree, 8 is overkill, but they will be here tomorrow...so no great time loss...also, no one carries 5/8 carriage locally, so I was ordering either way
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