Pre 80s bed on an 85?

[Mattman2010]

I bought a nice pre 80s long bed (non dually) for $50 and I need to get a rust free dually bed for my 85 (I have a rusted out one with good fenders). I was wondering how you install a pre 80s bed onto a 85. I know that 6 of the 8 holes line up for the bed mount bolts, but I was wondering if you just drill a new hole in the frame, or drill a hole in the bed to get the last 2 bolts to hold the bed on?

Matt

[ray_mcavoy]

Hi Matt,

Is it the second set of holes back from the front? I know those varied in location on the longbeds. I always thought it was a 2wd vs. 4wd difference but it might be year related too.

Some of them use 2 long bolts at that location to go all the way down through to the bottom of the frame. I think that's done for easier access to the nuts due to the frame crossmember in that location. But some trucks also have spring hanger reinforcements riveted to the bottom of the frame in that location too. I believe it's those trucks that have that set of bed mounting bolts moved forward to the next cross sill on the bed (and use all 8 bolts the same length).

So if your truck has those reinforcements on the spring hangers, you'll probably want to use the bolt location that's farther ahead. Otherwise, it's your choice.