Headache rack?
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,104
Likes: 5
From: West Tx
Well, you can do a bed insert with rails that run the length of the truck rails but float it so any impacts to the bed rails dont damage the actual bed rails... see picture. I didn't have to drill any mount holes to mount mine, just used HD turnbuckles.
Post Fiend
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 10,007
Likes: 4
From: Central Florida
Like that picture, I'd try to spread as much of the force over as large an area as possible. If you just want a clamp in, there are rubber expanding blocks that drop into the stake pocket holes and expand out as you tighten the bolt, or you could use toggle bolts.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 3,550
Likes: 5
From: Lancaster County PA
The BackRack system uses an "L" shaped bolt that drops down into the stake hole and turns so the threaded end passes through the hole inside the bed. Big bolt, I think 7/8 inch dia. sticks out from the stake pocket into the bed and that gets tightened. The other end of the bolt is directed straight up through the stake hole and through the mounting plate of the rack.
Feels pretty sturdy to me, but I guess it all depends on what you are hauling in the back of your truck as to whether or not the strength is sufficient.
Feels pretty sturdy to me, but I guess it all depends on what you are hauling in the back of your truck as to whether or not the strength is sufficient.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 13,873
Likes: 3
From: Atlanta GA
Really depends on what year make model of truck. Some trucks have holes in the stake pockets so you can put a bolt through whatever is in the stake so it can't lift out. Or you can drill a hole through the stake pocket yourself. Some stakes have a hole in the very center at the bottom you can use to bolt a rack down that has the bolt at the bottom, from underneath the truck.
I guess it comes down to is what are you looking to protect from that could cause a headache.
I guess it comes down to is what are you looking to protect from that could cause a headache.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 3,550
Likes: 5
From: Lancaster County PA
Here are pictures of the BackRack method of attachment on a '97 250 HD.
You can see both ends of the L shaped bolt that goes into the stake hole.
You can see both ends of the L shaped bolt that goes into the stake hole.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 191
Likes: 0
was that just an l-shaped bolt you bought? or did you turn a straight one into an l-shaped one
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 3,550
Likes: 5
From: Lancaster County PA
I bought the whole rack off craigslist for $40. The bolts came with it.
It is forged in an "L" shape, as opposed to being a bent bolt.
But, I don't know why one couldn't make his own by heating and bending some 3/4" ready-rod.
Keep in mind, though, that the horizontal leg of the "L" (that which comes through the side of the stake hole) has a "washer" on it in order that it can be drawn tight against the side of the stake hole and held in place by the nut inside the bed.
here is a drawing of what one looks like:
It is forged in an "L" shape, as opposed to being a bent bolt.
But, I don't know why one couldn't make his own by heating and bending some 3/4" ready-rod.
Keep in mind, though, that the horizontal leg of the "L" (that which comes through the side of the stake hole) has a "washer" on it in order that it can be drawn tight against the side of the stake hole and held in place by the nut inside the bed.
here is a drawing of what one looks like:
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 191
Likes: 0
so i have mine almost done, im gonna try to figure out pics. the frame is built, im gonna bring it to school to finish up the welding tomorrow. (we got snowed in today, no school). Its going to have 4 lights up on the top bar, one facing back, and antenna mounts on the sides.
so far ive spent $18.
10ft of 1x2" rectangular tubing-$10
14ft of 1" square-$8
and other odds and ends laying around in the garage
so far ive spent $18.
10ft of 1x2" rectangular tubing-$10
14ft of 1" square-$8
and other odds and ends laying around in the garage
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
bkuuz1
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
8
Nov 24, 2010 11:30 AM
