What Have You Done To Your 2nd Gen Tacoma Today?

What is the general consensus on bed stiffeners? I understand what they do, but is it "mandatory" for just a shell? Or is it for guys running RTTs and a bunch of weight stacked on top? I want to do my truck right, but dont want to waste money either. This is my first camper shell ever. Leer 180 midrise, I dont have a weight but it was easily installed with just 2 people.

 

I did add a carrier bearing drop kit with the lift but didn't need shims when I put the kit in. I replaced it with a Spicer carrier bearing from Drivetrain America. I didn't have any vibs before or after I replaced my carrier bearing, I just noticed it had a lot of play so I swapped it.

 

I would get them in your situation. I got my truck with the topper on it and I installed bed stiffeners after a year of owning it and I had to pull the sides in about a quarter inch to get the stiffeners in there. That made me know FOR SURE I needed them. They are great to have on a truck without any weight on top but if you have a shell/topper or any weight above the bed rails I would say they are a necessity.

 

Oh deer!

 

I’m running stiffeners with my shell, on top of keeping the bed nice and square it also gives you a few extra tie down locations (depending on which stiffeners you get) also considering you have a 6’ bed that means a slightly larger/heavier shell. I’d do it just to be safe

 

I agree those locking harrop switches are pretty nice..

 

Thanks guys. Had a feeling this was the answer. Is there a forum favorite? Sounds like it is dealers choice as there are lots of vendors out there

 

These are on my list. I like that the floor mounting is flat and still have plenty of tie downs.

 

These are the ones I got.
https://www.chaosfab.com/product/2005-2015-Toyota-Tacoma-Rear-Channel-Bed-Stiffeners-48675

 

I was just about to mention TC as well. My reasoning for the APs are the flat mounts for antenna/ lights.

 

I second the Total Chaos but they really are a toss up. the TC come up the bed sides more then most and have a bunch of tie down.

 

Yea, here in TN you just have to let them know. Road kill Café!

Also, things are looking up. Insurance decided to give me a shitload of money, so I’m going to fix it myself, paint my wife’s car, and have a blowout dinner.

 

After trying them out over the weekend, I don't have any complaints. They're easy to get used to.

 

Hitting a deer can be a hairy situation. Sorry it happened.

 

No. No. No. No. No....... upgrade truck, steak dinner. Your wife didn't hit the deer, you did....

 

Let’s just say that I believe my research will prove it cheaper to put on a steel bumper than put it back to factory spec.

 

It looks like the top of your door frame area is faded a bit, so that's probably why it's a little off. With the new paint being on the roof, no one else is going to notice that. I had a black vinyl wrap up on my blue tacoma and no one even noticed that.

 

I think I end up making better use of the stiffeners as additional tie down points than anything. That said, my bed sides were starting to splay out with the bed racks and load I carry off road. The stiffeners really helped with that and just knowing I'm preventing an issue.
Lots of brands out there to choose and hard to go wrong. I chose Total Chaos' one and they've been great.

 

Ya I wanted to go with full synthetic but this one claims to promote longevity and guarantees stronger lumens.