D-ring install help? Can't remove bed bolts.

I had a lot of trouble loosening the bolts to add the d rings. I used a lot of pb blaster and a harbor freight impact wrench. One bolt wasn't too bad but the driver side one was really stubborn. I was pretty excited once it broke free until I realized the welded nut underneath had actually broke free from the frame. At that point I pulled out the cutting wheel and resigned myself to buying a new bolt from dealer. I ended up just tightening the nut and new bolt, as well as using some threadlocker. I never did get it tightened enough, as the bed would rattle a bit but the truck is at the dealer getting a new frame, so we'll see if they reweld the nut or not. In hindsight I should have cleaned out the threads of the bolt from under the frame and it may not have broke the nut free so easily. Might not be a bad idea for anyone doing this modification to wire brush the threads as much as you can if they're as rusted up as mine were. Hope this helps out someone in the future.
Cheers,
Brent

 

Sorry op, been at work all day but the d-rings I bought did come with a back plate. Got my local yota dealer to order them in for me.

As for the d-ring mod, hands down recommend just drilling new holes so they're in where you want them. I installed mine for dirtbike so I can really compress the forks and fit it in the box without leaving the tailgate down. I race motocross so I feel better when the tailgate is closed and all my gear isn't strapped in with tie downs so they don't fly out the back haha.

 

My D-rings arrived last week. I want to put them where you have them, did you just drill though and that's it? I wasn't sure if it the bed is a double wall there or something like that or if it is just a single layer there? 2 things I wish Toyota did are lower tie down points up front and a bed light in the 3rd brake light. Also, do you know if you could have mounted them a little lower? Thanks!

 

You probably could mount them lower. I just did it where the instructions said to. I didn't have to take my fender liner off. I just peeled it back a bit.

The bed is made of composite single wall and all I did was used a punch to put a divot in it and then drilled from there.

 

Thanks. I installed them per the instructions when I got home from work. The fender liner is pretty thin and I didn't need to remove it like you said. Thanks for the help.

 

We pulled the bed off work trucks, the bolts were so tight. We ended up having to weld a nut onto the bolt than pull it with an impact. The torx bit and bolt were stripped. That's last resort if you have new bolts and don't need to reuse though haha

 

If I ever decide to pull em out I'll probably have to do that. There's just not enough down force to keep the torx from slipping and stripping the head.

 

I added D-rings to the front bolts on my 2015 and was able to pull the bolts with a normal 3/8 ratchet. Those bolts must rust in there pretty bad to make it that hard to get out.

 

Yeah 8 years of road driving without them being removed would make them hard to come out I suppose.

 

That's exactly where I put mine. I got them from the dealership and they came with a backing plate.

 

Got a link to the instructions you're referring to? I am looking to add some D-rings myself.

 

http://www.toyotapart.com/PT278-35054.pdf

70mm up 72mm back. allows the d-rings to rotate.

 

There is a formula for "homemade" penetrating fluid - that uses 50% Acetone and 50% ATF. It works - but you have to mix it up and keep it in a container that won't let the Acetone flash off. I've seen a couple of "tests" that have been invented to prove the effectiveness of the mixture and it always beats the next best which is "Kroil". The fluid won't stay mixed up - the Acetone and ATF will separate at their first opportunity - so you have to keep it shook up.

My own test has been to use it to break the bolts loose on my old T-bird - some have been in there for 50+ years - and it seems to work pretty well. For the way rusted, worst of the lot, I also use a hammer type of "impact driver" - and the big breaker bar mentioned by others.

Goes without saying - the Acetone may not belong on the plastic bed............but on the iron parts beneath it, may work OK.

 

OP. I've done this mod on a '07.
The trick is to use a penetrating oil(PB blaster,kroil,etc.),& let it soak for a day. Re-apply. Let it soak for a week.
Do this from underneath the truck.
Use a breaker bar to free the bolt.
FYI, the bolts are a great attachment point.
I used the Dodge tie downs. They are great.
When re-installing coat bolt and threads with anti- seize.
There is a mod thread on these.
Look it up & good luck.
Contact me if u need any help.

 

Anyone have the D-rings installed in the front/side of her bed like this? Can you comment on how sturdy they feel?