[mh808]

Hey,

I designed and made some cool tie downs for the front bottom of the bed. I used the existing bolts that hold the bed on the frame. I slotted the mounting brackets so all I had to do was loosen the bolts, slide the tie down bracket under the big washer, and retighten the bolt back down. Looks awesome - looks better than the stock D-rings that comes with the Tacomas and work like a charm. If anyone want to see what it looks like, holler and I'll take a pic and post it. Yep, no more wondering how to secure the load in the bed anymore.

 

[vendeta2k]

Sounds good...could you please take some pics for the rest of us! I'm considering doing something similar and would like to see how you did it!

Thanks!

 

[mh808]

Okay. I'll take some pics this weekend and post it. Wonder why Toyota never made tie downs for the front anyway?

 

[ponq]

Woo Hoo.
I'll get to put some d rings in BEFORE my cleats break.

Pics would be great.

 

[rpmspeedyBlue]

Count me in. I want to see them also!

 

[BrandonM7]

Wonder why Toyota never made tie downs for the front anyway?

They did, they're available at your dealer. It's just lame that they're an accessory instead of standard equipment.

 

[ponq]

They did, they're available at your dealer. It's just lame that they're an accessory instead of standard equipment.

Does anyone have a part # for the front d rings?

Or was a write up for this post ever created?

 

[57HotrodVW]

Does anyone have a part # for the front d rings?

Or was a write up for this post ever created?

I just put a set of the factory D-rings in my truck.

You can get the D-ring "kit" from http://www.trdparts4u.com/ for $18.40 (part# PT785-35054)

This "kit" includes the D-rings, bolts, and backing plates. It is meant to bolt into the front corner of the bed, on the side wall, after you drill in it. The rear D-rings are available outside of a "kit", but the dealer quoted me ~$30 each for them.

I didn't like the idea of mounting the rings in the wall of the composite bed, so I put them under the front bed bolts, in a manner that is similar to the rear.

Here's how:
1. Use a #55 Torx bit ($5 at your local auto parts store) and large ratchet or breaker bar to remove the front bed bolts (they seem to unscrew forever, because they are very long).
2. Carefully cut or grind the large washer off of the bed bolts.
3. Pop the plastic bushing out of the center of the D-ring plate.
4. Use a file, drill, or die grinder to slightly enlarge the holes in the washers that come w/the D-ring kit, so that they slide over the factory bed bolts.
5. Put the modified washer on the bed bolt, followed by the new D-ring.
6. Put some threadlocker (like Loctite) on the threads of the bed bolt, put the bolt back into the bed, and tighten it up.
7. I mounted my D-rings so that they were on the cab side of the bed, as they won't swivel like the rears when tightened down.
Tip: Using a rubber mallet to tap the D-rings down to the bed, lifting them, and tapping down again frees them up so that they move nicely.

Technically, you don't have to remove the large washers from the bed bolts, but I did not like the way that they rode on the D-ring plate when tight and still on the bed bolts.

--Eric

 

[TacoSport05]

The front holes were left open to allow water to drain I guess...

Okay. I'll take some pics this weekend and post it. Wonder why Toyota never made tie downs for the front anyway?

 

[57HotrodVW]

The front holes were left open to allow water to drain I guess...

If you follow my instructions above, the drain holes are still open. The front D-rings go under the large, Torx head bolts near the cab, just like they do in the rear.

--Eric

 

[jabrown213]

That is a great idea. I need to do this to my truck, do you have any pics of the finished product?

 

[ponq]

pics would be great

 

[rpmspeedyBlue]

pics would be great

Check out bed cleats thread by locust. There is a picture showing the D rings. I don't know how to put a thread into another thread.

 

[57HotrodVW]

pics would be great

Here ya' go. This is the front left corner of the bed (driver's side).

 

[novataco]

How did you grind the large washer off the bed bolt?

 

[Angus_NB]

I didn't grind mine. Just turn the bolt upside down in a vise or something. Put it so the washer is supported but the bolt head is not. Just pound the bolt down through the washer. There are ridges on the bolt that will shear off. This allows the washer from the D-ring kit to just drop on without modification. The end of the bolt is tapered so beating on it does not mess up the threads.

 

[novataco]

^tnx, bro...

 

[57HotrodVW]

How did you grind the large washer off the bed bolt?

I used a metal blade and an electric reciprocating saw (aka "Sawzall").

You could also use an angle grinder, cut off wheel, or hacksaw.

--Eric

 

[ninja727]

Does anyone know the proper torque requirement for the bed bolts??? I just did the D-ring add-on today, came out great. I just don't want to over-tighten or under-tighten the bolts.........I know I needed a breaker bar just to get the suckers off, so I assume they were put on at the factory with some serious torque. What did everyone else do???

 

[Angus_NB]

Does anyone know the proper torque requirement for the bed bolts??? I just did the D-ring add-on today, came out great. I just don't want to over-tighten or under-tighten the bolts.........I know I needed a breaker bar just to get the suckers off, so I assume they were put on at the factory with some serious torque. What did everyone else do???

I had read about people saying they were real tight so I used a 24" breaker bar, braced my feet and gave a yank. I almost flew out the end of the box, they weren't as tight as I had been led to believe. 80 lbs. should be plenty tight. Put some loctite on the threads if you're worried.