DIY: Mount high-lift jack in bed

Here is a easy way to mount a high-lift jack in your bed.

First you'll need the bolts, nuts, washers, wing nuts and lock washers.

I went with 3/8" bolts because I wanted something strong but not overly big. So with whatever size you decide on, make sure you have a drill bit big enough to match the bolts.

I'd wear a mask when drilling through the bed, the fiberglass got into my lungs and on my arms -not good.

So once you've got everything you need for this project drill with same size bit as your choice size of bolt, two bolts, two nuts (i used a third nut as a spacer), six large flat washers, two lock washers, and two wing nuts.

Start by picking the spot on your bed (try to keep your holes in an easy to reach distance from the bed pocket) Mark where you want the holes. Try to have the bolts on opposite sides of the jack so the weight is distributed evenly.

Once the holes are drilled you're ready to put the bolts in. Slide a washer onto each of the bolts before you put them through the holes (reaching in where the bed pocket was and push the bolt in towards the inside of the bed). Put on another washer at this point, along with a lock washer and a nut in that order.

Here's where I screwed on another nut as a spacer.

Now when you've got the bolt and washer pushed through the hole, you put on another flat washer, lock washer, and the nut then tighten.

now you're ready to slap on the jack, another washer on each bolt, another lock washer, and the wing nuts.

This took me about 10 minutes to do, more time finding the items than assembling.

Hope this helps someone!!!

 

I actually changed one thing on here, before putting the wing nuts on, I put a lock nut on each side. This is so it's a little safer in the streets and someone just walking by couldent steal it, they'd need a socket.
I did put my wing nuts on over the locknuts so out in the woods it's secure but can be accessed easily by hand not socket.

Thanks!

 

To mount mine I used some replacement wheel studs (from O-Reilly's) - that match the truck - and then clamped it with some "Gorilla" anti-theft lock nuts (cheap from epay). They have a built-in protective sleeve to keep vise grips off the spline. Made a little "tool" I carry in the truck to release them.

 

Daaaang! That looks cool! Great idea! What is it attached with if you don't mind me asking?

 

The wheel stud idea wasn't mine - I saw it on a roof rack jack mount here on TW. They are "Dorman" brand and if you scout them on the web, there are about a zillion sizes and lengths. O-Reilly's just happens to sell them as singles and less than a mile away. I put one through a reinforcement "washer" - a length of 1-1/2 x 1/4 flat bar - so it couldn't be easily pulled through the aluminum toolbox wall. On the base end of the jack, the "spacer" to hold the clamp base out a bit is a piece of 2 x 2 x 1/4 thk tubing. Cut at 45º on the ends to allow for two bolts to the wall- then fitted with the wheel stud at the center. Had to open the "back" of the tube with a hole saw to get the stud in there - PITA.