Shell not aligning with bed

Hello, my shell does not line up with my bed. It sticks out on the tailgate side by about an inch. I have seen this same problem on many other tacomas. Anyone have any experience with this issue?
If you look at my profile picture it will give u a better understanding of what I am describing. See how the shell is further from the cab than the bed? The amount that sticks out on the back is that same gap. And yes, I have made sure to push the shell as far up as possible, using the factory sliders.

 

First gen beds were an inch longer. You buy the right cap?

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/1st-gen-bed-size-vs-2nd-gen-bed-size.9136/page-2

 

Well that would really suck. Thing is it doesn't line up in the front either. But I betcha that's the problem. Smh

 

mine is a leer 100xr, it hangs over about half an inch or more on the end. I may be wrong but a 1st gen shell on a second gen would be very obvious if that was the case as I dont think they match up well at all.

Mine fits the sides exactly as it should and I bought it from a guy with the same truck. I think it just doesnt fit snug in the back or I need to shimmy it forward more. either way it was a cheap craigslist find and it doesnt bother me but if I paid full price it might

 

I have removed mine a couple times to haul things, and noticed it can be impossible to slide front to back for proper alignment without lifting it. I've found it easiest to lift with my legs. Lie down in the bed, put your feet up against the roof of the shell, and do a leg press to lift it up a bit. While it's up try pushing it forward as far as it will go towards the cab, maybe you can close the gap this way.

Other than that, I would call a topper dealership and maybe they will be willing to help get it to fit

 

Funny. That's exactly how I adjust mine when I move it.

Another thing to check is the type of truck it was made for. I think there is a difference between toppers made for a double cab with a long box and an extended cab. Bed length is same but the shape of the front of the cap is different to hug the more rounded double cab instead of the straighter extended cab. Your topper looks like it was meant for a double cab long box to me.

 

I thought it was the same except for regular cab (which has a different cab shape in the back). my access cab shares the same model leer I bought with a DCLB according to the dealer I took it to for some parts.

 

The only cab that's different is the Regular and Access/Double.

The shells will work regardless of cab, the only difference is the contour where the shell meets the cab - the RC and AC/DC have a different rear cab profile.

Bed length doesnt matter.

 

I usually loosen it and press my back up into it. Easier to walk it forward than leg left/crunch it lol. Mine hangs about a half inch when snug. After a desert trip it slides back a bit almost and inch. I think it's normal.

 

I really appreciate the tips. Sounds like I'm not the only one with this issue. I bet the leg press technique will work because I'm sure this is the right cap. Will report once I try it this evening.

 

I forgot to report that the leg press did work, however, I did need help from my neighbor to push it while I raised it. Perhaps I should have loosened the shell a little more before moving it forward.. well anyways it fits perfectly.

 

yeah loosen it up a little more than you think. And to help illustrate i stand in my bed bent over at the waist and jam my back up into the leer shell, then i walk it forward.

 

exactly what I do. I also did this to slide 2x8's between the bed and topper so I could lift it off and store it in my garage. on and off with 1 person.

 

good tip! do you hang it from your studs in the ceiling? I had been driving with the shell hanging off for years. smh. now it is flush.

 

Yea, can't see it, but they are large hooks from home depot that are screwed into the studs.



cam buckle tie down straps are from harbor freight

 

i never thought about using 2x4s. what a great idea. i was trying to figure out how to hook the tie downs and was going to get a super long strap to go all the way around. question.. I am going to be towing and need brighter reverse lights. I bought led 921 and they plug right in but there is an issue with flickering hit and miss. any ideas? maybe there is a loose ground? thing is the stock lights work fine and when i swap um they work fine for about the first 2 back ups. im super frustrated!

 

Sounds like a loose connection somewhere

 

yep, i think so. i gotta have my bro in law check it out. he is a mechanic. this has caused me such a headache..