Notices
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks 1987 - 1996 Ford F-150, F-250, F-350 and larger pickups - including the 1997 heavy-duty F250/F350+ trucks

Replacing bed bolts

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Mar 5, 2009 | 08:34 PM
  #1  
GearJaminOutlaw's Avatar
GearJaminOutlaw
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
From: Hampstead, NC
Replacing bed bolts

Had to remove the bed to install a gooseneck hitch. Of course the carridge bolts spun in the square at the bed, Hours later got them drilled,ground and chisled out of the way. I was wondering if anyone else has run into this before and what style bolt you went back with? Thanks, Jimbo.
 
Reply
Old Mar 5, 2009 | 08:57 PM
  #2  
todd koebel's Avatar
todd koebel
Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
From: St. Louis
Had a horrible time getting mine out- but my bed was destroyed and I was replacing it anyway. Evetnually, I think I cut them with a sawsall at the frame. I looked for some time trying to find replacement bolts (with the wierd shape on top to prevent spinning), but ended up just using some carriage bolts from sears
 
Reply
Old Mar 5, 2009 | 09:08 PM
  #3  
goodB0Y's Avatar
goodB0Y
More Turbo
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 679
Likes: 3
From: Vancouver B.C.
had to torch mine off to get the new box on. I tried the dealership and they weren't available (your trucks newer so u can try them)... I then thought I'd put a body lift on it cause it was cheap and came with new bolts...They were just plane old bolts, grade 5 or so.... If I was to do it again I would use some good quality bolts as the ones from the kit haven't held up well to being removed a couple of times... I'd go grade 8 or at least grade 8 bolts and washers.
 
Reply
Old Mar 5, 2009 | 09:20 PM
  #4  
GearJaminOutlaw's Avatar
GearJaminOutlaw
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
From: Hampstead, NC
Thats kinda what Im thinking. Do the regular head bolts get in the way any?
 
Reply
Old Mar 5, 2009 | 10:37 PM
  #5  
1966Tbird's Avatar
1966Tbird
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,639
Likes: 2
i used stock carrage bolts and welded the heads to the bed, i know i'm gona kick my self in the *** when i want to do a body lift but i really had no other choice
 
Reply
Old Mar 5, 2009 | 11:34 PM
  #6  
goodB0Y's Avatar
goodB0Y
More Turbo
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 679
Likes: 3
From: Vancouver B.C.
Originally Posted by GearJaminOutlaw
Thats kinda what Im thinking. Do the regular head bolts get in the way any?
I have a bed liner and the bolts dont bother nothing... like I said the only prob I have is the head of the bolts are worn off already from removing them... and they are pulling through the wimpy washers that came with my body lift kit.
 
Reply
Old Mar 6, 2009 | 09:14 AM
  #7  
Mikestrucks's Avatar
Mikestrucks
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 262
Likes: 0
From: Upstate South Carolina
I have most bolt kits available. Original used from Ford in good condition. Happy to gather up what I don't have in stock for you as well! Mike
 
Reply
Old Mar 6, 2009 | 08:22 PM
  #8  
GearJaminOutlaw's Avatar
GearJaminOutlaw
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
From: Hampstead, NC
Once I get the bed off in the mornin Ill figure out what Im gonna do. Til then Ill keep pondering the subject.
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

 Brett Foote
story-1

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-3

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

 Brett Foote
story-6

Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

 Joe Kucinski
story-7

AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

 Brett Foote
story-8

Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-9

Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Mar 7, 2009 | 08:14 PM
  #9  
todd koebel's Avatar
todd koebel
Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
From: St. Louis
When you put the new ones on be sure to use something tho prevent them from siezing- youll really be glad you did if you have to pull the bed off for some reason. Ive had a rough time with my fuel system, and im really glad its not a bear to get the bed off.
 
Reply
Old Mar 8, 2009 | 04:29 PM
  #10  
luv2huntnfish's Avatar
luv2huntnfish
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 85
Likes: 0
From: Mountains of VA.
I had to destroy the bolts to remove the bed from the 88 model I used to own. I was able to get new bolts from the local FORD dealership but that was about 3 years ago. Might not hurt to check with your local dealership to see if they are available.
 
Reply
Old Mar 8, 2009 | 06:51 PM
  #11  
GearJaminOutlaw's Avatar
GearJaminOutlaw
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
From: Hampstead, NC
Im sure I could get the bolst but holding them while tightening them is the problem since the bed holes are rounded out. Ill just use regular hex head bolts with heavy washers.
 
Reply
Old Mar 9, 2009 | 12:20 AM
  #12  
Bern_F150_4x4's Avatar
Bern_F150_4x4
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 673
Likes: 0
From: Maryland
You can grind the heads off of the bolts with an angle grinder. The bed will lift right off and then you can finish them off with a cutting disk in the grinder; saved me a lot of cussing... The grinder will spray molten metal in the process so you may want to protect your bed paint with some masking tape if it matters.
 
Reply
Old Mar 9, 2009 | 02:10 AM
  #13  
Blue Rebel's Avatar
Blue Rebel
Posting Guru
20 Year Member
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,244
Likes: 2
From: Cottage Grove, WI
Just used Grade 8 bolts here. Really dont haul anything other than people and beer, and they havent gotten in the way of that yet!
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
jimkidd
Arkansas Chapter
11
Jun 16, 2006 06:03 PM
jimkidd
Arkansas Chapter
3
Apr 7, 2006 09:16 PM
jimkidd
Arkansas Chapter
2
Mar 16, 2006 11:09 AM
jimbo81587
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
1
Feb 24, 2004 05:17 PM
jimbo2
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
3
May 4, 2002 02:42 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:48 PM.

story-0
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-1
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-3
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-5
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE
story-7
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

And it might be even better than that.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-18 19:26:42


VIEW MORE
story-8
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

Slideshow: Does lowering an F-150 Lobo RUIN the ride quality?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-18 19:20:37


VIEW MORE
story-9
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

Slideshow: Ford's bizarre fishing-themed Explorer concept has resurfaced after spending decades largely forgotten.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:07:46


VIEW MORE