Bed bolts replacement

Just going to update this real quick. I removed mine again today to clean them. I forgot I had applied Marine Grease to the 2 forward most bolts and Aluminum Anti-Seize to the back 4. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the marine grease did an outstanding job! Much better than the anti seize and these 2 were, arguably, in the toughest location when it comes to developing corrosion. The middle two were starting to show signs of rust and the back two were discolored and presumably on their way to corroding.
Next time I pull them again, they'll all get marine grease. Pic of the two for reference.

 

I know, you're all jealous. These are what I pulled out of mine a few months back. Greased them up and reinstalled.

 

Could a small hole be drilled at the bottom side of the tube to serve as a drain?

 

I assume you could, but I also assume that small hole would get clogged in a matter of time. Mainly depends what you put in the bed of course lol. I used to do quite a bit of yard work and when I went to remove my bed bolts about a couple years ago, the wells had a lot of mud

 

The "plastic" is a thermoset polymer resin, it will burn before it melts.

 

I drilled my frame nuts out and tapped them to 1/2 13 and used stainless bolts.

 

Too bad they had to use a form of proprietary bolt. It would have been nice to be able to find a SS replacement.

Well, at least for those of us that are planning on being long term owners.

The 'my lease is up' or the 'oh, a new color/more cupholder' 3 year trade in crowd might not be interested in that.

 

And they fit in the spacer tubes? Just use a hex head?

 

Yup the spacer tube (actually the crush tube to keep over torqued bolts from cracking the FRC) is a little over the 1" in diameter to accommodate manufacturer tolerances so there's plenty of space, topped it with big thick structural stainless washers and I basically flooded the tubes with spray paint and coated them with thick wash resistant grease to stop them from rusting.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/bed-bolt-size.18528/page-2

Post 21 ish has some of my pictures.

 

Had thought about applying RTV around the bolt/washer before tightening them to keep water from dripping down from the bolt hole.

 

Anyone know what size bolts these are? I stripped my nuts out I think. Anyone know how to fix? I’m thinking just adding another nut underneath if I can even access it without dropping the fuel tank. Probably have to drop the fuel tank.

 

M12 x 1.25 120mm long. I ordered these from Home Depot but haven't had time to check fitment yet, I can possibly look at it tomorrow afternoon.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbil...ass-8-8-Zinc-Plated-Hex-Bolt-856838/205022074

 

I ended up ordering these online. I plan on drilling out the welded on nut and just putting a new nut underneath. These bolts are longer and should work

 

Hi, where did you purchase the bolts? Mind pointing me in the direction? I just picked up a 2009 Tacoma and would like to do the same to my bed bolts.

 

What brand / model of marine grease?

 

my bed bolt after cutting the head off to get the bed off to get the bolt out ... '05 -- original owner. the frame is in good shape. 2 of the bolts were a mess. This was the worst.

 

Lucas, All Purpose Marine Grease.

 

Another year and a half since I cleaned them. Quoting me and bringing me back to this thread made me realize I need to do it. So, during the oil change today, I took a few extra minutes to pull them, clean and regrease. 18 mos and going strong! I'm going on record and saying this is the way go vs the anti-seize method.

 

This is your reminder to check and change your bed bolts. Here's my 15 year old bed bolts only had to change 4 as the rear most looked practically new.