Need bed installation tips!!
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Need bed installation tips!!
I am replacing my current rusted out bed with another one opn my 84 F250. I need to know how to do a few things:
1. Whats the best method for getting off the bolts? Mine seems to have eight, can I get away with less than that for the new bed?
2. What size bolts should I use in case I cant salvage my existing ones?
3. How do I disconnect the wiring for the taillights? Is there a connector somewhere?
4. What would you guys do to the truck while the bed is off?
Thanks very much
1. Whats the best method for getting off the bolts? Mine seems to have eight, can I get away with less than that for the new bed?
2. What size bolts should I use in case I cant salvage my existing ones?
3. How do I disconnect the wiring for the taillights? Is there a connector somewhere?
4. What would you guys do to the truck while the bed is off?
Thanks very much
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1. If your going to trash your old rusted bed just use a grinder and grind the heads off the bolts.
2. Go to your local hardware store and get some carriage bolts. And if you have 8 bolts use 8. When I replaced my bed it only had 6 so I think you may only have six. Could be wrong but it has been awhile.
3. There is a connector under the truck right by the bumper that you can pull apart.
4. I checked to make sure all the brake/fuel liines were good. I cleaned up rust on the frame. Just checked to make sure that everything was in good shape when I was under there.
2. Go to your local hardware store and get some carriage bolts. And if you have 8 bolts use 8. When I replaced my bed it only had 6 so I think you may only have six. Could be wrong but it has been awhile.
3. There is a connector under the truck right by the bumper that you can pull apart.
4. I checked to make sure all the brake/fuel liines were good. I cleaned up rust on the frame. Just checked to make sure that everything was in good shape when I was under there.
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From: Virginia
You can use carriage bolts, but you have to do a little rigging. The hole in the frame is 1/2". But the head of the factory carriage bolt is way bigger than that, so a 1/2" carriage bolt will not lock into the square hole in the bed. What I did was buy some large washers that the 1/2'' carriage bolt would fit down into, and before I installed the carriage bolts and washers, I ground two flat spots on the bolt so I could hold them with an adjustable wrench to get them tight.
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From: Suffolk, VA USA
LMC sells a bed mounting kit which is the correct sized carriage type bolts for $9.95. This kit will work with the 8 bolt beds. The part number is 40-0017. There are some six bolt beds in the 86's and maybe some 85's...these use the newer type bolts found in the 87-96's. Unfortunately that's what I have on my truck. The only place I could find these bolts was at the dealer.
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From: Out of here
Originally Posted by ri_truck_guy
LMC sells a bed mounting kit which is the correct sized carriage type bolts for $9.95. This kit will work with the 8 bolt beds. The part number is 40-0017. There are some six bolt beds in the 86's and maybe some 85's...these use the newer type bolts found in the 87-96's. Unfortunately that's what I have on my truck. The only place I could find these bolts was at the dealer.
That's why I went to Lowes and got 4 inch galvanized carriage bolts, washers, lock washers and nuts for about 10 bucks total.
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I got the old bed off using a torch to get the bolts off. I see that the front two bolts had spacers on them. Are they necessary? Also, my bed had 8 bolts, kinda unusual. What length bolts are sufficient? I also busted a brake line in the process, so new lines will be in order. Thanks, and keep the tips coming!!
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From: Suffolk, VA USA
Given that the original question centered around an 8 bolt bed, the $9.95 kit with the correct sized carriage bolts heads will well work for boggerted. That's not to say other things won't, but the kit bolts have the right sized head for the opening in the bed.
The description of the difference between the 8 and 6 bolt beds and the differences between those bolts was to clarify Redneck's statement. The carriage bolts would work in the two rear bolts on a six bolt bed, but the front four bolts use large oblong heads. There would be so much of a gap between the bolts and the holes in the bed that there would be a lack of mechanical grip even using fender washers...it could be dangerous under load, especially if the bed shifts (like in an accident) and the carriage bolts are mild steel. Not as much of an issue with an 8 bolt bed that uses all carriage type bolts.
The description of the difference between the 8 and 6 bolt beds and the differences between those bolts was to clarify Redneck's statement. The carriage bolts would work in the two rear bolts on a six bolt bed, but the front four bolts use large oblong heads. There would be so much of a gap between the bolts and the holes in the bed that there would be a lack of mechanical grip even using fender washers...it could be dangerous under load, especially if the bed shifts (like in an accident) and the carriage bolts are mild steel. Not as much of an issue with an 8 bolt bed that uses all carriage type bolts.
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I got some rustoleum rust primer and am going to sand down the frame and give it about 2 coats primer and 2 coats gloss black. Should turn out really nice. Also, when I was torching the bolts, the hot metal melted some of my fuel sending unit wires. What colors are the individual wires so I know which ones to re-insulate so they dont arch.
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From: Salem Or
for the most part Ford wouldn't put usless hardware on their vehicals because it would just cost them more money to put them on so yes those spacers are more then likely important. if they were between the bed and the frame then they help stop the bed from squeaking when driving. as for the the bolts i would strongly advise that you make sure to get the correct ones and use all of them. If you are worried about the cost of them think of it this way. do you want to spend a few extra dollors now or alot more later if somthing goes wrong? unfortuently i've learned the hard way not to cut corners when it comes to my truck.
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Well, I am going to oerder the kit from LMC for the bed to be safe. Also, I painted the frame and it looks AWESOME! I was also able to retrace the wires I burnt and retaped them to prevent any electrical problems.
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