OEM Bed Extender Install Write-Up

I had the same thought regarding the latches. It'd be so much easier to just lift/tilt the extender and pull it out of the bracket rather than tripping both latches simultaneously.

 

Anyone have a pic of how the black strap is rigged into the steel pin thing that latches into the tailgate?

I bought my extender used and I think the straps might not be set up correctly.

This is a pic I grabbed of the www. It looks like the strap is somehow rigged through the bottom portion as well as the top. I'm assuming there's a reason this "buckle" was designed as it is.

 

Happened to be out at the truck today and took a couple pics. "Buckle" is a standard 'over, under, over' strap routing. The offset is to allow clearance for the pin to lock into the tailgate latches. Hope this helps.

 

Thanks much! Mine look like yours so it looks like they're done correctly.

 

I dont like the idea of installing with just bolts or screws so picked up some m5 Button head screws washers and nuts

 

I bought a bed extender that didn't come with instructions/template. Is the center/bottom bolt of the bracket 7 1/8" up from the bed "floor," and 1 1/2" towards the cab from the back edge/lip of the bedside? Hope that questions makes sense. Thanks!

 

Yep I think that's correct. I'd recommend attaching the brackets to the bed extender and then hold it in place on the truck. Helps to have two people. Move it around until you have it level and positioned in a good spot where you will mount the brackets (use the measurements as a rough guide).

When you have it where you want it, mark the top and one side with a piece of masking tape. Then remove the brackets from the extender and tape them back in place. Use a center punch through the holes to mark your drill holes. I highly recommend using a punch.

 

Thanks man! Going to try it this weekend.

 

The not sure what the dumbass at the dealer that installed it mine did, however, all the torx screws are loose and free spinning and one or two are missing. After 17 months of little use. Now what?

 

Maybe he used a powered driver and stripped all the holes?

 

The one hole I see is perfect smooth. Will have to figure it out tomorrow, of course, it’s a friggin 110 out tomorrow. Are these simply sheet metal, self tapping type screws that are used???

 

Probably didnt install nuts on the backside. I dont think the original kit even comes with them. I recommend picking wome up from lowes. You can get the cap head bolts there as well. I believe I used M5 bolts washers and nuts on all of my holes. I also used permatex gasket maker on both sides of the holes on install.

 

I only took a quick glance at it before heading to work. Looks like the taillights have to come off to get access to the backside of the bed?

 

Affirm. Look at the beginning of this thread for the instructions. Super easy. Two bolts each then pop off.

 

Are you talking about the brackets or the screws they actually hold the extender together?

 

Thanks for the tips and write up.
I scored a NIB one this week on CL. A local guy bought new OR and the dealer threw one in for free, it was in the box in back seat.
He got home, then called to see if they'd install it free, they said "yes", so he dropped it off.
When he picked it up, he noticed they overlooked the box in the back seat, and actually put in a separate one, so he had a spare he let go cheap since he got 2 for $0.
The tips here were quite helpful, so thanks again!

 

I am glad that this thread surfaced again.

 

I just got mine now. These instructions suck.

 

http://d12lrhf1a6n0y2.cloudfront.ne.../isheetAssets/AMP RESEARCH/IS-HD_BedX_Max.pdf

 

$193 shipped here. I’m so tempted!!

https://toyotaonlineparts.mcgeorgetoyota.com/p/toyota__tacoma/Bed-Extender/69524314/PT39235000.html