Attention: TDR Forum Junkies 
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TDR MEMBER
---Truck is a 2014 2500 crew cab, short bed, w/ G56---
This is a story with an unhappy ending (for now).
In order to fit an aftermarket rear bumper and hitch (Reunel) I need to remove the OE trailer hitch. I'd read a few sources (including here) that said to remove the OE hitch, the bed needs to be lifted a bit because the mounting plates sit atop the frame. That’s what it looks like too, simple enough.
Even without first using the information in this TDR tread [https://www.turbodieselregister.com/threads/247401-Bed-removal] it seemed pretty simple and obvious to me where the bolts run up through the bottom of the frame and into the bed. All went well removing the four rearward bolts, two on each side...
The two forward bolts, one on each side, were not budging even with an impact gun (what I used on the rear four). I used my breaker bar, which did indeed snap the bolt, flush with the body.
I have a heavy slide-in camper that mounts to the bed, so this not something I can jury-rig. My truck is sitting with the rear bumper off, the four rear bolts out, one front bolt that made a bad noise and I stopped (not snapped yet), and one broken-off and stuck in the captive/OE threads.
Partially because I'm supposed to be installing several other parts and then driving this truck (with the slide-in camper) on a long, rugged trip in 2.5 weeks, I'm thinking of seeking professional help. There is a local diesel shop I used once years ago for an engine repair job I didn't want to tackle, I’ll call them tomorrow. My only other idea is the dealer, but I'm reluctant to go there. Before or after I hear what these ‘pros’ have to say, I’d love to hear what the enthusiasts and pros here in TDR-land think is the best fix.
My thinking and fear is that this is now a much bigger project and problem. The bolt that is snapped is the left/front, and access from underneath is poor. I'm guessing to get the partial bolt out that the bed might now need to be completely removed, the bolt drilled out from the top of the frame, then re-tapped. If the threads are ruined and beyond repair I guess a new bolt can be run through the top of the bed with appropriate washers? Not exactly what I want to do on my '14 with only 7,000 miles, but it needs to be rock solid to hold the camper in the bed, etc.
Thanks for input guys.
James
This is a story with an unhappy ending (for now).
In order to fit an aftermarket rear bumper and hitch (Reunel) I need to remove the OE trailer hitch. I'd read a few sources (including here) that said to remove the OE hitch, the bed needs to be lifted a bit because the mounting plates sit atop the frame. That’s what it looks like too, simple enough.
Even without first using the information in this TDR tread [https://www.turbodieselregister.com/threads/247401-Bed-removal] it seemed pretty simple and obvious to me where the bolts run up through the bottom of the frame and into the bed. All went well removing the four rearward bolts, two on each side...
The two forward bolts, one on each side, were not budging even with an impact gun (what I used on the rear four). I used my breaker bar, which did indeed snap the bolt, flush with the body.
I have a heavy slide-in camper that mounts to the bed, so this not something I can jury-rig. My truck is sitting with the rear bumper off, the four rear bolts out, one front bolt that made a bad noise and I stopped (not snapped yet), and one broken-off and stuck in the captive/OE threads.
Partially because I'm supposed to be installing several other parts and then driving this truck (with the slide-in camper) on a long, rugged trip in 2.5 weeks, I'm thinking of seeking professional help. There is a local diesel shop I used once years ago for an engine repair job I didn't want to tackle, I’ll call them tomorrow. My only other idea is the dealer, but I'm reluctant to go there. Before or after I hear what these ‘pros’ have to say, I’d love to hear what the enthusiasts and pros here in TDR-land think is the best fix.
My thinking and fear is that this is now a much bigger project and problem. The bolt that is snapped is the left/front, and access from underneath is poor. I'm guessing to get the partial bolt out that the bed might now need to be completely removed, the bolt drilled out from the top of the frame, then re-tapped. If the threads are ruined and beyond repair I guess a new bolt can be run through the top of the bed with appropriate washers? Not exactly what I want to do on my '14 with only 7,000 miles, but it needs to be rock solid to hold the camper in the bed, etc.
Thanks for input guys.
James
