First timer here , I have 1996 7.3 ext cab long bed , i want to put a steel flat bed on my truck . Does any one think i should bolt this on?? i would rather weld it on, or would that be a bad idea?? any help would be great thanks

 

i put one onto a 07(?) F-250 and we bolted it on...its a good idea...we wound up needing to take it off i foreget why though...but as far as i know its better to just bolt it on. besides the bolts used are almost just as strong as welding

 

If i do bolt, where could i get grade 8 carriage bolts? seems like no one near me sells them.

 

tractor supply co.

 

thanks for help

 

I too would go with bolts....grade 8 or better.
I get mine from a truck suspension shop...but I suspect any good garage will have them.

 

id have to say bolts too. ill see if i remember to tomorrow, and ill post some pics of how my dad and i bolted the flatbed on my f100. its alot easier to take the bed off if you ever need to, obviously.

 

Grade 8 bolts all the way, I dont think you can get carriage bolts in grade 8. grade 5 is as high as they go.

 

Yup ...grade 8 carriage bolts are available
Carriage Bolts
Though you may have to hunt if you want some that aren't fully threaded in the size you want.

 

Where?.....I could use a few, 3/8-16 x 8in.

 

There is a link in my post..."carriage bolts"
here it is >> http://www.melfast.com/html/carriage_bolts.html <<

 

Thanks!, I Was told they were not made, now I can shove this in someones face!

 

No worries...glad I could help

 

don't go to fastenal, they only get grade 2 or 5

 

great link ottawaguy