Installed D-Rings in the Bed (Pics)

So is it a bad idea to put the d ring under the washer instead?

 

I have toyota OEM D-rings and the way they are angled, the only way to install them without removing that big washer, was to put 2 small washers underneath. Take a look at the pic in my thread. That is NOT the correct way. It took me 5min each to sand that small ridge by hand without using any power tools and then I was able to install them correctly.

EDIT: On the pic it looks like there is only one washer underneath, there are actually two, anyway that is NOT the correct way to install it.

 

got ya.

 

Knocked out this mod today, but I used a couple different parts/methods. The first time I laid eyes on the OEM rings in the back they immediately reminded me of something Dodge uses. I used to be a fleet manager and we had a bunch of Dodge Sprinter cargo vans for deliveries. In the back of the vans, they had a handful of D-rings as well. Here's the Taco stock ring on the left and the Dodge ring on the right-



You can order them directly from Mopar here for $3.48/ea + shipping. Just search for '2005' 'Sprinter Wagon' and use part # 05104500AA. Make sure to use the 'Wagon' addition as searching 'Sprinter' alone doesn't find the part. If you have trouble with their site (it often blows dog) you can also call them directly. I know I saw a number on their site before, but can't find it now. Their official name for the part is: 'Ring, Ring-Retainer'. What you see above is all you will get with no bolt, backing plate, etc. If you can find them via the site search they will list at $27.84, but that's for a quantity of 8 as that was the standard complement for each van. If you add it to your cart, it will only add one and you can adjust quantity from there. You can also order them through your local crappy Dodge dealer rather than pay s/h. After fighting with the site, I went this route and paid $5.34/ea + tax ($22.96 for four).

On the sanding/grinding down the bolt retention ridges, I used a hammer instead. I recall reading either in this thread or somewhere about another Tacoer using a press. I figured if that would work then so would a BFH. 1-1/16" socket (this is a 12-pt socket and I've been informed that it needs to be 1-1/8" if it's a 6-pt) on top and scrap 4x4 block underneath. 2lb sledge whacks the washer past the ridges and after the first one's done, there's a nice hole in the block so no more holding the damn thing while you hit it-



The washer does end up slightly cupped so I reversed it so the cup faced the bolthead for re-install. I figure this helped center the washer in the bed hole plus it allowed the bolt ridges to press back through the washer upon torquing. These rings also come with the right size hole so no reaming required-



Aligning ring where I want it while torquing (used 55lbs)-



Side complete-



Front complete-



Since I didn't have to do any grinding on the bolts or reaming the retainers it literally took 5 minutes per ring start to finish (5 mo old truck so no rust/frozen bolts). These rings can be pulled up by fingers once mounted, but they are very snug so no rattling issues whatsoever.

Anyhoo, I like these rings a lot because they're very similar to the OEM's, they're beefy as hell and even cheap to buy. Entire job took less than 40 minutes and that includes laying out tools, running over to Never Any Parts Available for a T-55 after I couldn't find mine ($3.33 + tax for impact) and cleanup. Thanks to all of the above posters who made this thing a walk in the park as I was able to set everything up in my head before ever grabbing a wrench!

 

Nice^^^ I bet the finish holds up better on those than the 'army surplus' ones.

 

I'm hoping so! Won't know until I get a little weather on them, but then again, I live in the desert and have a cap on so it might be a while before I'll know. Might have to go spill my beer on them to see. Wait, no that would be wasting! I'll have to come up with something else...

 

Hey, so has anyone attempted to mount additional D-rings down the center line of the bed? Obviously couldn't use the bed/frame bolts for this, but maybe one of the OEM rings with the backer plate? Thanks..

 

Drink your beer, wait 15 min. crawl in the back of your truck and piss on em Bad idea?? just sayin. Damn nice job, I'm gonna have to do this mod

 

sub'd

 

I wouldn't. Center of the bed isn't designed to have holes drilled in it, much less the stress of being pulled when being used.

But, it's your truck...

 

Great thread, and good info on the beefy Dodge rings! Marked for future reference...

 

yeah, he wasn't joking about that site being dog doo though. I tried to go there and got this message:

"Site Registration has expired for this site.
You may contact us at 888-349-2298 or email us at estore@mopar.com"

I was able to google around for that part number though, but ultimately it just directed me to order from a local dealer. I may try that email address and see what happens.

 

Interesting. serious question- you think the center of the bed (which presumably was designed to accommodate a heavy load) would be weaker than the side wall of the bed (where the factory recommends adding the loops)?

 

When I told the parts guy at the Dodge dealer that I'd found these rings on their website, but that it was a pain in the ass to deal with, he let off with a string of colorful language about that site that was loud enough for the folks out in the service lounge to enjoy. I don't know what the hell happened to it now because I can't find my way back there either. I did find them via another Mopar site, but it just told me to try a dealer also.

You might try local junkyards to see if there's a wrecked Sprinter laying out back that you can pull these out of too. BTW, these vans aren't actually Dodge. They're a Mercedes make and can be found as either Mercedes, Dodge or Freightliner so any of those dealers and/or parts sources might work too. They're looking for part #13 from the interior trim in this pic-

 

The middle of the bed wasn't designed for drilling holes or installing extra d rings. That part of the bed wasn't designed for upward stress. The toyota d rings come with a backing plate and specific locations to install them.

 

sub'd

 

I'd say it would be fine. There's nothing special about the side of the bed where toyota shows them to be placed. In fact the bed floor may even be stronger with the ribbing in it. Although the only issue I'd see is there isn't a large enough recessed area to fit the d-ring. It would be sticking up above the floor line and you'd likely get stuff caught on it.

 

very well done

 

Just bought 15, 4 for the truck, rest for the trailer!

Thanks posters!

 

Thanks for everyone that previously completed this MOD. I just installed 4 more in my bed this morning. I got the these from Army surplus.