MrKen

The bolt on each side of the bed where the tailgate latches on to keep the tail gate closed, question, if I remove the bolt it sounds as if the nut/backing plate on the inside of the farme will fall. Does anyone know if I remove the bolt does this nut or backing plate fall down? or will it stay in place so re-installation of the bolt is easy? Thanks

jfpointer

I don't know this for sure, but just looking at where it's located, you might be able to reach it through the tail light opening, or possibly even just by reaching up from the bottom. I've never tried taking one off, so I'm not even sure that it isn't attached somehow.

99 cummins

I have removed the bolts from mine and they just went back in, so I know it's safe to do and I didn't have to mess with any nut to do it. I have spread my bed apart hauling round bales in it so I had to take mine out to put washers in there so the gate would latch.

MrKen

Thanks, I figured someone here would know. Ken

Stamey

Yeah, it's a captive nut in there. I had to replace one on my 96.

Chris