Install of All Pro Bed Stiffeners

First of all, I started out wrenching and modding trucks in the mid 90's. Back then we would have called these 'Bed Kickers' but I digress...

So I decided to add a set of Bed Stiffeners to my Taco. My truck see's monthly off-road use and down the road I'm planning-on adding a camper shell, plus I'd already noticed that my drivers-side bed side was starting to get mis-aligned so it was time.

I shopped around and decided that I wanted a set which goes to the top of the bed rail, but I also didn't want anything which extended out the side too far since I occasionally (well, once) carry a Quad in the bed which barely fits as it is. I went with All Pro's since they seemed to meet all my requirements. I got them from Summit Racing ($160) because they have free shipping.

Install took about an hour, probably could have been quicker but my left arm is in a brace right now and I was working outside of my garage so I had to make a lot of trips back and forth to get tools. Here's some pics:


Here's what one of them looks like.. Hardware is included as well.



Passenger-side installed.



You need to remove the taillights and drill three holes, two of them are easy to access, the top one is a pain to access (especially with one hand) but it's doable.



I painted the exposed bolt heads because why not. You don't need to do this.



Here are the tools I used. The ratchet is set to 30 Ft.Lbs(ish).

 

Solid. I have the Total Chaos version. Looks pretty similar. Nice insurance policy for the composite bed

 

Niceee.

 

I also have the Total Chaos version. I don't think All-pro added enough holes for tie downs... those bed stiffeners look like they are two steps away from becoming a cheese grater. Nice write up!

 

To each their own. I don’t anticipate needing the tie-down points, so that wasn’t really a concern. As I mentioned this truck will likely have a shell on it by the end of the year.

The main thing I didn’t like about the TC version is their’s (from the photos on their site) appear to only have a single gusset whereas the AP’s have two which should make them stronger (one on each side going all the way up the bedside).

In the end, use whatever fits your needs best. Thanks for the kind words on the write-up!

 

debating on this All Pro or the Total chaos stiffener.

 

My choice is pretty obvious, however I did also look at the TC units. In the end I went with the All Pro ones since I like the way they are built and find them to block less of the bed opening then some of the others.

 

Are these full bolt on? Or, drilling is required?

 

Drilling is required for any bed stiffener that’s worth purchasing, it’s not as big of a deal as it seems.

 

Ouch.