Reusing bed bolts?
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 1,644
Likes: 689
If it was really that dire wouldn't they use a grade 8 bolt ? I'm not sure what grade they are but whatever it is they'd hold up to being tightened again.
This is simply a liability issue. if they don't supply new bolts and some idiot doesn't get the old ones tight then the lawyers would blame it on the bolts. if they give you new ones then anything that goes wrong is on you.
This is simply a liability issue. if they don't supply new bolts and some idiot doesn't get the old ones tight then the lawyers would blame it on the bolts. if they give you new ones then anything that goes wrong is on you.
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 8,636
Likes: 2,432
Aren't most cylinder head bolts torque to yield? That's besides the fact that they are used in a much more critical application. I know some speculate that these bed bolts are tty, and that is why the 1 time use, but I don't believe they are actually tty. Ford has "one time use bolts" on all kinds of parts that are typically reusable on other vehicles. Shocks are one place that comes to mind. I'm inclined to believe liability might play a role in some of the "one time use" fasteners. Could be as simple as the bolts coming with thread locker pre-applied, and Ford not trusting that the individual removing the fastener will properly reapply. Who knows.
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Tuned
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 425
Likes: 198
The only reason I got new bedbolts, is because this kit is for a 2012 through 2016. So it’s not even the right kit so they sent me the wrong one
thats why it came with bed bolts. The 2017-2022 kit does not come with bed bolts
so now my truck is torn apart, and I have to wait until Tuesday to get a new kit
thats why it came with bed bolts. The 2017-2022 kit does not come with bed bolts
so now my truck is torn apart, and I have to wait until Tuesday to get a new kit
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 8,636
Likes: 2,432
Here is some brief info about the type of bed bolts used by Ford. It might not be exactly specific in wording to the Super Duty, but I do believe it applies. Also, I'm sure additional, more detailed info can be found elsewhere.
https://taptite.com/applications/ford-f150-box-bolt
.....and
Logistics Pro
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 3,529
Likes: 390
From: SEVA
Your original post ...
Your latest post ...
So based on your 2017, it sounds like you already had an answer to your own question.
Your latest post ...
So based on your 2017, it sounds like you already had an answer to your own question.
Tuned
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 370
Likes: 178
It has nothing to do with strength, it's not a torque to yield bolt. The torque spec isn't anywhere close to the yield strength of the bolt.
There is a small bead of sealant on the neck of the bolt that is supposed to keep water and gunk out of the neck of the bolt.. if you're concerned about it, run a small amount of sealant (aviation form a gasket that gets brushed on would be a good application for this) around the top portion of the bolt is where the sealant was and torque it down.
There is a small bead of sealant on the neck of the bolt that is supposed to keep water and gunk out of the neck of the bolt.. if you're concerned about it, run a small amount of sealant (aviation form a gasket that gets brushed on would be a good application for this) around the top portion of the bolt is where the sealant was and torque it down.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 863
Likes: 35
From: MA
The limitation on reuse has nothing to do with the bolts tensile or shear strength. It is not simply a liability issue. The specialized bolt provides more clamping force than what can be achieved by simply tightening a standard bolt. Once the bolt has been used, it can no longer provide the designed clamping force. Similar to why cylinder head bolts are replaced instead of reused.
I should also say the last time I was deep in a vehicle was 15 or so years ago.
Hotshot
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 10,150
Likes: 1,369
From: Chaz
I reused them on an 8ft bed F150 and it would groan a little bit when twisting it like through a ditch or something. Was noticable after. Aluminum f150 which is similar.
Also if you need 5th wheel prep call a truck bed upfitter dealer. I just sold mine for $200, they usually throw them in the scrap bin.
Also if you need 5th wheel prep call a truck bed upfitter dealer. I just sold mine for $200, they usually throw them in the scrap bin.
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