Bedcage thread

Nice work but I have to ask. Why stack the tires? When you get the first flat will you take both spares out and put the flat one on the bottom? I think having them vertical seems to be more efficient. Then the place of the jack seems a little awkward to access.

 

Make sure to set yours up vertically

 

Anybody have any word on bolt in vs weld on bed cages??

I like the idea of powder coating a cage but are bolt in cages not as strong?

 

When built right, bolt in cages are more than strong enough. This is a truck that had a newer cage made by the same installer to make more room in his bed - it was on his story but it’s not there anymore. Here’s his old one.



I see you have a 2nd Gen - it’s even easier than a 1st Gen since the bed bolts can be used. DMZ, Dirt King, and Camburg all make bolt in cages for short beds - DMZ makes them specifically for long beds too. I’d stay away from the other two if you have a long bed since they take up way too much space in the bed imo.

 

I’ve seen those pre made cages, I was going to try and make one myself. I’m almost done with welding school and I’m pretty confident I can make a pretty stout cage, just wasn’t sure if bolt in ones were “weaker” as they appear much easier to make.

 

Do you plan on utilizing the bed bolts to bolt in the cage? Those locations may not be the optimal locations ( others use them as it just makes it easier) You could still do a bolt in and have the tubes land in more optimal locations. You have also not said why do you think you need to go to a bed cage. I would point you towards www.jdfabrication.com and read up on the options they have for Tacomas.

 

I was since the bed bolts go directly to the frame. I’m eventually going with JDs spring under kit w/ a custom bed cage.

 

You can use them and make stand offs that bolt to anything near the shocks that you have to take more of the load.

 

Do you plan on running something longer than 14" shock? If not a bed cage is not going to be needed with JD's set up. Even with 14" shock and JD's set up if you want to get everything out of it or if you plan on going to longer shock you will also need to notch frame. Either way JDFab can work with you on a bed cage as well. Or you could just go full cage, back half and links.