Bed stiffeners?

I have rangos. My bed was starting to spread and it was getting difficult to close the tailgate. Ive seen the front of the bed split too.
I have mine flipped compared to the other guys om the first page but this was the better option for me. And it bolted in easy enough.

 

Few months too late, but if you get another 1st Gen just let me know and I'll make you some

 

Could you make me a pair for my 98?

 

Sure, just let me know how long/short you want them, and how big of a hole drilled.

 

I wondered about this Since i have never had issues my straps would pull the bed together .

A load sitting and supported by the sides of the bed would tend to push the top bed apart.

Now I understand the reason to hold the bed together at the rear.

the tail gate just allows the rear of the bed to split apart .

Makes perfect sense now!

 

Do you recall how wide the flat stock was that I used?

Looks like 2"?

 

Except yours I got powder coated if I recall? Oh how I miss getting free powder coat.

 

Speaking of, I'd like to make bed stiffeners for a 1st Gen in a similar fashion like those offered for newer Tacoma's.

Just modifying my press at the moment but once I'm bending steel, instead of using flat stock and welding it with a brace across the two parts I can just cut it all out as once piece on the CNC table.

Then proceed with bending the "gusset" portion of it and welding the ends to the "frame" part of the stiffener.

Afterall, bends are stronger than welds.

 

Any excuse to use that table!!

 

You know it

 

Works for me.

 

1/8" or 3/16" thick?

 

Not sure. I'll measure when I get home from work.

 

Thank you

 

They’re 3/16”.

 

Perfect thanks!

Looks like I should get to drawing to make my own.

 

I'd buy a set to help keep my bedside from further coming apart

 

Flat stock variants or CNC?

Just made these for kicks





I'll need to pick some flat stock up for another member here that's interested. I'll be making some similar to those I made for @Taco critter

 

Right?

I wish I had a set like this when I had my truck.

 

Got a PM a couple of weeks ago from @Rickityshaw for a set, not to mention I'm making a set for @Wulf thanks for the install pics and your toughts by the way!

Anyway, figured I'd make a few extra -



Screwed myself labor-wise, I really didn't need these relief cuts at all -



Clean up well though -





Theirs should ship out this Monday -



You'll notice I extended the bracing at the bottom much further which greatly adds rigidity.