DIY Bed rails question

[brielee3]

I got the supplies for the DIY Unistrut bed rail, but am concerned about the M8 that attaches the rail to the truck. 1 inch (25 mm) seems to long, has anyone completed this project and if so what length M8 bolt did you use?

Thanks..

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[Maverickman74]

Well if you make a insulating gasket between the rail and the bedside, then factor in the thickness of the rails, a washer and lockwasher, then the 3/8" or so of threads, then it sounds about right to me.

 

[brielee3]

Well if you make a insulating gasket between the rail and the bedside, then factor in the thickness of the rails, a washer and lockwasher, then the 3/8" or so of threads, then it sounds about right to me.

Fords instructions didn't mention "insulating gasket". I had planned to just flush mount to the truck but will look into some weather stripping.

Thanks

 

[MetalsGeek]

Why don't you just stick a toothpick in each hole and see how far it goes before bottoming out on the outer body panel. Remember that the front 2 holes are M6 and the rest are M8.

 

[brielee3]

Why don't you just stick a toothpick in each hole and see how far it goes before bottoming out on the outer body panel. Remember that the front 2 holes are M6 and the rest are M8.

Excellent idea! Thank you

 

[BlueSpec1]

The bedside threaded M6, M8 look like Ford's version of RivNuts.
Probably the backside of them visible in the holes of RedNeck Garage's pict.
Ford's kit has 3 spacer washers they put behind each rail.

 

[Maverickman74]

Fords instructions didn't mention "insulating gasket". I had planned to just flush mount to the truck but will look into some weather stripping.

Thanks

Thats the thing about modifying what the factory gives us, its always an opportunity to make it better.

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