Amazon Bed Stiffeners

You seen what Lowes charges for 1/8" flat stock?? Lol

 

Who buys metal from a big box store?

 

Little update for those who are interested... Brackets came in today.

Notes on Fitment:

On the vertical strut that goes up the side of the bed, there are three holes that, unfortunately will not suffice for first gens (they partially go over where the metal curves). However, I believe I can redrill new holes holes closer to the inside corner of the bracket which should go right over the flush, flat part of the metal. As far as the holes on the bottom side of the bracket go, they will totally work (read hardware notes for more info on those).

Notes on Hardware:

The kit comes with bolts and nuts for the vertical part of the bracket, but it does not include hardware for the bottom side. This is because, unfortunately, the kit is meant to go with the bolts already included on Second/Third Gen trucks. That being said, I'll have to go to the hardware store and buy decent enough bolts/washers to make that work (you can see the holes are much bigger on the bottom to accommodate the stock bolts for the tailgate on newer trucks.

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As you can see in the photos below, I had to remove my old OEM plastic tailgate cover, otherwise the tailgate wouldn't close where the brackets were. Keep that in mind. Also, that little bracket that wraps around the top side - the one people thought they'd have to bend - it actually doesn't look like it'll get in the way at all

All that said, with a bit of modification. I am thinking these will work. Kinda nervous to drill into my truck, lol.


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I'll take better photos when I install. Please ignore my rusted bed and dent-to-hell tailgate... previous owner wasn't kind to Bupkis

 

You might see how those fit up by swapping left/right. On my Rago's, the fitment was better installing opposite their instructions. (Remember, these are designed for multiple generation Tacos).

 

He'd have to cut the ear off to bring the holes about 3/16" closer to center

But "multiple" gens is a stretch; 2nd and 3rd are the same

 

I stand corrected for over generalization.

 

It's alright, just sucks I couldn't offer more for 1st Genners myself!

 

hmmmm
i was worried thinking the bed sill panel is 'encapsulated' but i just looked at mine and access NP from bottom
pretty sure if the tail lamp removed, you will have access to vertical inner bed panel too

think your fine!
measure twice!!!!

 

Yup. Plenty of room underneath. Just bought some hardware to make up for the missing stuff they don’t send you. I’ll prob install by the end of the week.

 

I'm surprised nobody just runs/makes a removable steel tube with simple flanges at the top of the bed. Would be stronger at preventing flex than any bracket since it's where the torque (moment of inertia?) starts. It'd "box" the bed..

 

Some people would want a "set it and forget" it type deal maybe?

Also something less intrusive than suggested?

 

I guess a tailgate is intrusive too then

 

Tailgate can be flipped down, and the top is level with the bedsides for say, the installation of a camper shell.

Anything across the top of the bed would be "fixed" and could get in the way of a few things.

But sure, a square tube with angle iron attached to each end and bolted to the top of the bed could work but then you'd have to unbolt it every time you need it off for anything.

Bed stiffeners are out of the way and some even provide a tie down or two.

 

Almost forgot, you get overlander points with bed stiffeners. Can't get that with a bar "attached to the top of the bed"

 

I'm picturing more like on a pivot or just slide in/out, and on the inside not the top. Gravity & friction keeps it in

 

Just laser cut a logo into it and market it with a guy slapping it with a callout of him saying "that aint going nowhere", problem solved lol

edit: oh, and make sure to powder coat it black with that wrinkle effect

 

I got you my dude

 

UPDATE !

Alright, so, I got the stiffeners installed! Like I mentioned before, I had to drill new holes for the upright portion; other than that, nothing had to be adjusted.

Therefore, I hereby conclude that these stiffeners totally work for First Gens if you’re willing to put in a bit more effort into measuring and drilling



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Of course they do

 

@Kwikvette do you still make these bed stiffeners ?