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2003 pickup box spreading apart?

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Old Oct 14, 2010 | 08:38 PM
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Default 2003 pickup box spreading apart?

I have a 2003 2500 4x4 long box. The box is spreading apart at the back where the tailgate closes. The gap is about 1/2" to 3/4" wider at the top then the bottom. Its to the point my caopy door will unlatch and open,unless I put a rachet strap from side to side?
Is this a common problem?and is there a fix??
Any help would be great? Thanks Kerry
 
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Old Oct 14, 2010 | 09:12 PM
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I have seen some guys put bed supports in the back of the bed to prevent their tailgate from falling off when they offroad (also used to prevent flex in the box). It's just a steel bar with steel plates welded at 45 degree angles screwed into the bottom and side of the bed. They say it does a good job for their purposes, but it makes it a pain if you need to put anything in the bed.
 
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Old Oct 14, 2010 | 10:28 PM
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if i were you, i would get some of the 3in ratchet straps and suck it in, just leave it like that a few days and maybe itll bend back...never heard of that though
 
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Old Oct 15, 2010 | 02:16 AM
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This will happen if you fill the bed full of water, never heard of it happening otherwise. Maybe a off road thing??
 
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Old Oct 15, 2010 | 07:47 AM
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Yeah, weird. I have a 2003 and don't even have a hint of that problem. Interesting ....
 
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Old Oct 15, 2010 | 11:00 AM
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If I put a straight edge from side to side on the back edge of the floor. It shows the floor is crowning up in the middle and making the sides bend outwards ?
 
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Old Oct 15, 2010 | 11:19 AM
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Have only heard of that problem with the Toyota Tundra which is known to have BAD vibration issues at highway speeds, and at that, it's not a widespread issue.

Been around Dodge trucks all my life (grandfather & uncle were lifetime Mopar mechanics & old man worked a 2nd job as one for a few years). Never seen it in one that wasn't a wreck or had the bed beaten & abused...
 
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Old Oct 15, 2010 | 09:17 PM
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Originally Posted by HammerZ71
Have only heard of that problem with the Toyota Tundra which is known to have BAD vibration issues at highway speeds, and at that, it's not a widespread issue.

Was that a PUN?
 
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Old Oct 15, 2010 | 09:28 PM
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Originally Posted by RedTruck-VA
Was that a PUN?
Ha ha, nope, not intended anyway...
 
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Old Oct 15, 2010 | 11:49 PM
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The truck is in good shape. I do travel on the gravel roads a lot, but not rough pounding?
 
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