Hey all, I'm new to truck ownership and have a 1996 F250 longbed. I'd like to get some hideaway anchors to go in the stake holes. Seems like there anren't many options for this (since the truck is 15 model years old). Does anyone have any brand suggestions for anchors? I'd prefer hideaway, like the bull ring (which don't seem to have a model that fit the older F150/250), but exposed is OK too.

 

I have the bull ring tie downs on mine. I got the ones like this. They fit the rear stake pockets fine. I had to modify them a little to fit the middle and front pockets.

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA300_.jpg

What I would like to have also is the lower tie downs like most of the newer trucks have.

 

I just bought some of these from LMC truck, they are awesome you twist the eyebolt to expand the rubber to hold them in. Just take them out when not in use if you like.

 

Those are really good tie downs. I just don't like the look of them sticking up all the time.

 

I agree but they only take a minute to install/remove. I don't drive with them in unless i need to. You can always leave a few of them in you glove box or under the seat.

 

Thanks for the info...What, specifically, did you have to modify to get them to work in the front?

 

Your right about that. They are really easy to take on and off. I never really thought about that before.

 

For the front and middle tie downs, I had to cut a little off of the sides so they would slide down inside the pockets.

 

Thanks TG. Did you just use a utility knife or something else?

 

I used a hacksaw and then a grinder to smooth down the edge.

 

Yikes!

 

They have a cast aluminum I think block on the bottom of them and I just made it shorter. You don't have to use the grinder to smooth the edge, since it won't be seen and no one will cut themselves on it.

 

That doesn't sound too bad. How much shorter did you have to make 'em?

 

I only had to shorten them about 1/4 inch or so. I cut each one twice though so it would still be centered. So I actually cut about 1/8 inch off each side of each one. If I remember right there is also a thin metal plate on them that I cut as well.

 

Thanks to all who provided input. I finally broke down and bought some "Bull Ring" hidden anchor points at Home Depot and installed them tonight. Since the front four stake holes have a metal "sleeve" in them, I had to take a pry bar and move some of the sleeve out of the way. It took about 20 minutes each for the front four and about 5 minutes total for the rear two!