Tool Box & bed cracking

**turbojck** · 01-25-2002, 07:52

Since my truck is about to go out of warranty I took it in to try & get all the little problems fixed. One of the problems is the bed rail is cracking in front of tool box I have. Tool box on truck is same one that had been on my 96 z71 for 5 years. Tool box did not crack bed on that truck. I found out there was a TBS on the bed cracking & there is some part they need to add to bed to fix that problem. The dealer told me he was going to charge me for removing & replacing the tool box. Before I took in shop I had removed everything out of box so box was empty. I feel that since bed cracked & it should not have that I should not have to pay to have tool box removed. (I did not, I just went back to dealer & removed myself) Should have dealer removed tool box & replaced for not cost to me or should they have charged me?

**mps007** · 01-25-2002, 19:11

It's not thier responsibility unless they installed the tool box.
No doubt that it is annoying to have a problem like that on a new Truck. Any thing aftermarket install that intereferes with the mechanics work must be removed - or prepare to pay for the Labor..

**Big O** · 01-26-2002, 13:50

turbojck--
1st concern--are they going to repair/replace the bed under warranty?
2nd concern--I just had the "commercial upfit" (FREE) Adrian toolbox installed. They wanted to put some type of "L" shaped reinforcement on the bed to keep it from cracking because of the toolbox. I signed a refusal to keep it from being done. NOW I AM CONCERNED!
3rd concern--how much weight did you have in the toolbox?? More than 200-250#??

------------------
Otis Alford
'02 3500 LS 6 spd, LWB, CC, 4X4, Dark Carmine, tan interior; with Una-Goose Hitch, Jordan 2020 Ultima brake controller, (FREE) Commercial H/D Adrian Aluminum tool box,
Husky contoured floor liners, Bed X-tender, Ultrasteps,

**turbojck** · 01-26-2002, 14:30

All I think they are going to do is put brackets or braces on & then fix the crack under warranty. I took pictures of the crack if anyone wants to see I can post on my web site. I am not sure of the weight of toolbox. Maybe 200lbs. As I said before this is same tool box with same stuff that was on my 96 z71 for 5 years & no problem on that truck. The toolbox is no different than the ones they give us when we buy our commercial trucks.

The reason I am upset about them wanting to charge me is when we go out to someone

**APR2000** · 01-26-2002, 16:44

Please post pictures of crack in bed. I thought I would skip the reinforcing brackets but will now add them. Thanks.

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2001 Chevy 2500HD 4x4 D/A LS Regular Cab Una-Goose Hitch, Line-X, Westin CP/SS Nerf Bars, Lucerix Mirrors. Took delivery 12/8/00. Virginia DURAMAX plates.

**SDWA** · 01-26-2002, 17:51

I asked this once before and haven't seen an answer: Will GM -give- you the brackets if you ask, or do you have to wait for your bed to crack or -buy- them before that happens???

Anyone with the brackets, what is the thickness of plate that lays on the side rail & box front rail, for the brackets that mount in the front corners of the bed?

Thanks!

Scott

[This message has been edited by SDWA (edited 01-26-2002).]

**letsgo** · 01-26-2002, 17:54

Another body area to be concerned about for those that live in the snow belt and salters, is the 3 cross rails 1"X3" that run under the box by the rear wheels. According to Rustcheck (undercoaters that I have delt with for 25 years) the rails are filling up with road crud and salt forming a perfect rust haven, they suggest hosing rails every few months (I can get a free spray job)

Good Luck

GMC 2002 DURAMAX SLT 2500HD 4X4 AUTO

**sonofagun** · 01-27-2002, 18:24

BigO,

And anyone else adding a tool box or bed cover. If the manufacturer offers a reinforcing system...go for it. These beds are very thin metal and WILL Crack under a tool box or cover load. GM doesn't throw money away on fixes and the bed fix has been out for a while. It is a brace system (front) very similiar to the system that came with my Snugtop.

Good Luck,

Bob

------------------
2001 GMC 2500HD D/A, CCSB,Olympic White, Manik SS brush guard and nerfs, Hella driving lamps, Velvet rides, HD Air Lifts and Compressor,
Snugtop cover, Linex, Yakima rails on cover (mt. bikes), Amsoil 2 stage airfilter. XM Radio. ECM upgrades. One piece driveshaft.Mag-Hytec diff. cover,
43 gal across the bed aux. tank, Lucerix pwr/heated mirrors, Street Pilot III GPS.
--------
1966 Chevelle convertible 396 4SPD (restored)
--------------
Working on EGT/Boost guage,4" exhaust, steering wheel audio controls, Homelink transmitter.
Wish list: Whatever MDRAG does!
GOD BLESS AMERICA and those who walk in harms
way to protect us all!!
http://www.PictureTrail.com/gallery/...name=sonofagun

**Big O** · 01-28-2002, 23:05

son of a gun--do you have any idea if the warranty would still cover my bed if it cracks, since I refused the reinforcement brackets for the tool box?

------------------
Otis Alford
'02 3500 LS 6 spd, LWB, CC, 4X4, Dark Carmine, tan interior; with Una-Goose Hitch, Jordan 2020 Ultima brake controller, (FREE) Commercial H/D Adrian Aluminum tool box,
Husky contoured floor liners, Bed X-tender, Ultrasteps,

**sonofagun** · 01-29-2002, 09:19

BigO,

Since there is a TSB on the beds you should be able to get it fixed under warranty. Truck beds should be able to hold a tool box and other truck stuff without coming apart. I would, however, go back to the tool box manufacturer and have them install the brace. I'd rather go on the assumption that I have the best prevention in place than fighting off a warranty issue later ... given I know that this is a problem area already.

Good Luck,
Bob

------------------
2001 GMC 2500HD D/A, CC/SB,Olympic White, Manik SS brush guard and nerfs, Hella driving lamps, Velvet rides, HD Air Lifts and Compressor,
Snugtop cover, Linex, Yakima rails on cover (mt. bikes), Amsoil 2 stage airfilter. Pioneer XM Radio. ECM upgrades. One piece driveshaft.Mag-Hytec diff. cover,
43 gal across the bed aux.tank (American Tank), Lucerix pwr/heated mirrors, Street Pilot III GPS.
--------
1966 Chevelle convertible 396 4SPD (restored)
--------------
Working on EGT/Boost guage,4" exhaust, Jason's steering wheel audio controls and Homelink transmitter.
Wish list: Whatever MDRAG does!
GOD BLESS AMERICA and those who walk in harms
way to protect us all!!
http://www.PictureTrail.com/gallery/...name=sonofagun

**quadrunner500** · 01-30-2002, 01:55

I have a tool chest, the kind that bolts to the bed floor, below the rails. Not the kind that is supported by the side rails. Do I need support brackets? Does the TSB apply to me?

- Tom

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'01 2500HD Dmax/ZF 6-spd LS 4x4 Reg Cab

**turbojck** · 01-30-2002, 06:24

quad
I have not read the TSB. My problem is the tool box is supported on the side rails & that is what has given away. Hopefully today I can get the pictures posted of my crack. I would still get the brackets (I have not seen what they are doing since truck is still in shop since last Wednesday) if any of your tool box is sitting on the rails. Better to prevent top rail from cracking then get it fixed.

**quadrunner500** · 01-30-2002, 12:19

Agreed. I would like to have the brackets now. An ounce of prevention worth a pound of cure. Still, I wonder if the brackets interfere with my drop-in, under the rails bedliner?

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'01 2500HD Dmax/ZF 6-spd LS 4x4 Reg Cab

**turbojck** · 01-30-2002, 18:04

I just picked truck up after they had for week. I was suprised when I looked at what they put on. The brackets are big black things that go on top of the bed rail & connect the back of the bed to the side. I was thinking they were something that would go on under the rails. I am now going to have to put the tool box back on to cover up these big brackets. I do not have time today or tonight but I will take pictures tommorrow & post so all can see what the brackets look like.

**Big O** · 01-30-2002, 23:49

_____________________________________________
Except Dual Rear Wheel (RPO R05), Stepside (RPO E62) and Inner Composite (RPO E37)
Pickup Boxes
_____________________________________________
Mic--does the above mean that probably the dually will NOT have the cracking problem?

turbojck--those ugly braces that you described is what they wanted to put on my truck when I had the toolbox installed. You see now why I refused them. I think that they could come up with something a little more "factory" looking and not quite so "crude and homemade" If the front fenders keep cracking, would they put some big ugly 'scab' on the outside of it, or would you accept it? I DON'T THINK SO!

------------------
Otis Alford
'02 3500 LS 6 spd, LWB, CC, 4X4, Dark Carmine, tan interior; with Una-Goose Hitch, Jordan 2020 Ultima brake controller, (FREE) Commercial H/D Adrian Aluminum tool box,
Husky contoured floor liners, Bed X-tender, Ultrasteps,

**Mic** · 01-31-2002, 09:17

Mic--does the above mean that probably the dually will NOT have the cracking problem?

Correct...Dually has one piece composite sides.

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**3-Fan** · 01-31-2002, 10:27

I am getting ready to have a spray in bed liner put in. I also have a rail mounted tool box that I use. My concern is that once I get the bedliner sprayed in and when/if my bed cracks, I will not be able to see them under the liner. Should I have the brackets installed then get the liner sprayed in? I've also read that the spray in liners stiffen up the bed so it wouldn't crack. Any help/comments?

------------------
2002 2500HD D/A Ext. Cab, Long Bed, 2wd, K & N Filter, Lund Stainless Cold Front, Black like the #3
1953 Farmal SMV
27' Fleetwood Prowler 5th wheel

**BradL** · 01-31-2002, 12:58

3-Fan,

I thought about doing the same thing - just spraying in a liner, but as I already had some minor cracking on my top rail, I didn't want it to worsen. I plan to have mine sprayed now that I have the brackets installed and the rail repaired.

IMO the brackets are fine, and the fact that you have brackets is of no consequence if you spray an above rail liner and if you put the toolbox on top of the brackets.

**sonofagun** · 01-31-2002, 13:12

3-fan,

If the weak structure will allow metal to crack it will also crack (tear?) the spray on liner. Mic posted the TSB. When you look at the picutes that are referenced (in the actual TBS) you can see the BIG brackets that they use to effect the repair. If you use a on-rail tool box, bed cover, headache rack, ladder rack, etc. I would see if the company you are buying the product from offers a brace. IF the do, use it. If not consider another supplier. It appears that GM has acknowledged the problem, has oked the use of such aftermarket items and is prepared to fix it if it happens to your truck.

Goood Luck,
Bob

------------------
2001 GMC 2500HD D/A, CC/SB,Olympic White, Manik SS brush guard and nerfs, Hella driving lamps, Velvet rides, HD Air Lifts and Compressor,
Snugtop cover, Linex, Yakima rails on cover (mt. bikes), Amsoil 2 stage airfilter. Pioneer XM Radio. ECM upgrades. One piece driveshaft.Mag-Hytec diff. cover,
43 gal across the bed aux.tank (American Tank), Lucerix pwr/heated mirrors, Street Pilot III GPS.
--------
1966 Chevelle convertible 396 4SPD (restored)
--------------
Working on EGT/Boost guage,4" exhaust, Jason's steering wheel audio controls and Homelink transmitter.
Wish list: Whatever MDRAG does!
GOD BLESS AMERICA and those who walk in harms
way to protect us all!!

SON OF A GUN'S VEHICLES

**3-Fan** · 01-31-2002, 14:23

So what you guys are saying is check with my tool box manufacturer to see about any reinforcing, if none, put GM's on, then get the liner sprayed in? Is GM supposed to supply us and install these brackets free of charge?

------------------
2002 2500HD D/A Ext. Cab, Long Bed, 2wd, K & N Filter, Lund Stainless Cold Front, Black like the #3
1953 Farmal SMV
27' Fleetwood Prowler 5th wheel

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