Race / Aircraft Style L-Track Install

[AZ Ranger Raptor]

Your welcome. Plus nuts are the way to go and there are some parts you could use a screw / nut but there are some areas where a plus nut is really the only practical solution.

Just try not to hit the U channel towards the cab side of the bed, but its not the end of the world if you do. Assuming the u channel is located in same position for each production year, if you follow my measurement adjustments that should do the trick.

I had to slot 1 hole on each L-track due to that but isnt a big deal as functionally it works same and visually you cant tell unless you go look at each screw. Im satisfied and it works well for securing smaller cargo like boxes, piles of 2x4s and other items you dont want sliding around.

For offroad use, I secured a wood block as a jacking platform in the sand if I had needed it. Could also secure spare tire during offroading then move it back under neath the truck once done. Ive used it for securing plastic totes and also fire arms carry bags etc. Love it!

I installed 4 L-track rails using your template to install. The two rails in the middle, were positioned 6 inches from tail gate. I had to slot the fourth bolt from tail gate for the two middle rails. The rail on the right side, was positioned 7 inches from tail gate, i still had to slot the 3rd hole near cab. The rail on the left I positioned 6.75 inches from tail gate. I think this is the sweet spot, no hole slotting. It is very secure, thanks for your write up. I even used the cavity wax, which is a new thing for me. I live in AZ, rust is normally not an issue, but it was cheap insurance for 40 holes drilled in bed floor. The small difference in visual layout does not bother me. When items are secured, tonneau cover is closed and tail gate is up. I am happy as a clam with the way it turned out.

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[Lion77]

Glad it worked out! I like mine and wish the truck came that way. Its tedious, but its a do it once and be done kinda thing and adds a lot of bed versatility with no meaning weight gain or loss of full bed function.

For me and offroading, I take the performance mindset of minimizing weigh and unnecessary gear. Some things have a high value and make sense, but theres a lot of stuff that honest is so nuanced its not really needed and only takes away from the offroad capability.

More weight compresses the suspension more = less ground clearance and less damping. Any offroad performance vehicles dampers are tuned around a narrow payload range for optimal damping, the further you go outside that the less critical damping you have for those big impacts!

Maxing out payload is fine for utility uses and ive done that, but when offroading, I try to keep it minimal. The L-track system works well for both utility and performance. Thats what I like about it!