Headache rack cab spacing

So I'm planning on fabbing a headache rack this winter, and I want to mount it as close to the cab as possible, but from what I understand, the frame flexes a certain amount which could cause the rack to hit the cab if it's mounted too close. If I ever get a 4x4 tacoma in the future, I'm planning on transferring the rack to that truck and I'll be doing some moderate off-roading in it, so I want to design it to accommodate a decent amount of frame flex even if my current truck will probably never experience it. So my question is this: how big of a spacing between the cab and the rack do you all recommend?

 

bump

 

I would think if you keep it 1-2" away you would be fine. Closer to 1" maybe. I have not looked into so I'm not sure. I couldn't imagine it moving very much.

 

If it flexes it should flex mostly side to side. I would say 2" would do

 

I made a light bar for my taco. But i fabbed it at a 90

 

I *just* installed my rack, and it sits about 1" away from the cab when measured from the top of the bed.

Agreed that flex will happed side to side. If your cab is trying to kiss your bed, you're going to have frame issues.

 

It will flex front to back if you actually use it as a headache rack

 

This, yes. This'll have to be addressed primarily by your brackets and design, I believe. I have yet to body-slam mine as a test, but I don't think it'll move with me, or 200-300lbs resting against it.

 

If the rack is braced and solid enough so that it does not flex above the bed rails, then like a cap, 1" would be fine to allow for frame flex.

 

Yah, its gunna be pretty well braced, so hopefully 1" will be fine. Thanks guys

 

headache racks were origonally designed for logging. so if you braked you wouldnt end up with a log in the cab. besides what would you actually put in your bed besides rock and wood that would put the rack to test?

 

Hold on and ill get pic of mine

 

Long lumber or pipe up over the cab

 

This^^

I use the crap out of mine,don't have a trade yet.

 

ok. touche. i feel where your coming from now

 

I meant trailer.not trade.

 

I amend my previous statement. After washing my truck last night, any spacing that allows for an arm and a rag to fit between the rack and the window

I also checked my rack again. The rack is about 3/8" away from the rubber window moulding, so if you made that spacing an inch, you should do fine.

 

I have a custom built head rack, and it is about 1.5 inches from the rubber..