Fixing missing bushing on front bed bolt

This is for a friend......seriously.
He had a 2018 Tacoma (not sure what model) and was hearing a loud bang noise from behind the cab. After inspecting everything he said the bushing on the front bed bolt was gone. I would assume it would be an easy fix...no?

 

Easy is relative.

You know what happens when you assume, don’t you?

 

If the bed plastic (where the bed interfaces with the frame) has been worn down enough, no matter how tight u get the bolt, the bed will be loose to flop, a spacer would have to be made up.

 

I just asked him what is missing. I haven't looked on my Tacoma, does the composite bed sit right on the frame or is there a spacer between?

 

TT25 YES I know what happens when you ASS ume!

 

So what happens on these? He said warranty won't cover it.

 

Sorry for so many posts but what does one do to prevent this from happening??

 

If it's what I think you're talking about, the bed bolts get loose, then the bed vibrates / abraids the frame. Then no matter how much u tighten the bolt, the bed will have a gap against the frame. Could be wrong though

 

Yes. The bed sits on the frame. I believe there are sleeves that the bed bolts tighten against. If the bed is worn and making a noise, I believe the info previously posted, mainly for the similar 2nd Gens, is to not cut down the sleeves but rather slip in some heavy rubber material between the bed and frame, like a piece of old conveyor belt. That will make up the gap and prevent future wear.

 

There are a couple of thing here to consider.

1. It happens, but not often

2. Keep the bolts easy to remove, especially in salt country. Take them out one at a time annually and lube.

3. Get under the truck and look over the mounting. You'll understand how a correction can be made should you ever have a problem.

 

If he got the fuel pump replaced via the recall and they lifted the bed off to replace it (some people on here said their dealers mentioned doing it this way instead of dropping the tank??) and didn't bolt it down properly, could be covered. If he just wheeled the shit out of his truck and it came loose to vibration/bouncing around, it won't be covered. I agree with Bill ^. Crawl under and take a look. Or post pictures.

 

I just looked under my Tacoma. There are gussets that reinforce where the bed bolt goes through. This sits on a elevated bracket that comes off the frame. So what happens, is a case of a loose bolt???

 

Wow, he’s outsourcing hard to his fifth circle of friends; you don’t even know what kind of truck he drives and here you are. You’re too good for him.

 

T55 (or is it T60?) and 60ft-lbs of torque. Piece of cake.

 

HEY! A friend in need is a friend indeed!

 

Dude we can’t diagnose it without pictures. This kid has a Tacoma but no fucking phone? Tell him to send pics. Not of HIS, but of the TRUCKS undercarriage.

 

If he hauls heavy weight in the bed all the time it could cause this problem.

 

Do a google search--this is not something new to Tacomas.

 

Then why are you asking us?

 

Here ya go...good luck with the rest of your Friday...

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/tacoma-loose-bed-design-flaw-explanation.388873/