I'm getting ready for a wheeling trip in April and need some ideas on how to secure my spare axle and driveshafts in the bed of a full size pickup. I've got a hi-lift, front and rear driveshafts, spare d60 and 14 bolt shafts, a full size (39") spare and a toolbox. Let me know what you used to keep your stuff from rolling around in the bed. If you could post up some pics that would be awesome. Thanks.

Most of those in-bed tool boxes are just about perfect for a full size truck, assuming there's not a rollbar or cap to get in the way. Easy to find used.

With the Hi-Lift, it's easiest to slap together a way to bolt it down... this can be as easy as two long 1/2" bolts with spacers through some available sheetmetal, or a more complex sort of configuration.

For a spare that big, maybe install a 5th wheel hitch that can double as a spare mounting point, and use some hefty ratchet straps.

Otherwise, I put them (and other stuff) inside of an "Action Packer" box I got many many moons ago. Ratchet strap that, as well.

Unistrut and the right size clamps for the diameter of the axle and drive shafts. I did this and loved it. The clamps never loosened up, and they were easy enought to get to if needed.

What is a unistrut?

unistrut, one strut, many other names.
it is a three sided channel with the fourth side rolled over. it forms a locking grove on it, so special lock "nuts" can be hooked to it in the blind,
go by a commerica building while it is being built and you will see if being used, holding pipes,conduit,etc to a cement wall, etc

ive got a full factory bed, but i keep a full size spare in the bed all the time... i found a small set of d-rings (about 1-1/2" wide) put two across from each other (diagonal) just bigger then my 39.5 irok... then ratchet strap it in... no rattles, squeaks, or anything. and its easy to take out... i also like that if i want to carry anything else, say a fuel tank? propane tank? steel? anything at all, i can throw them in between the links and strap it all down. im going to add two more to make an X with the tire under it... so i can strap anything down... simple but easy...

i keep my spare in my garage

i use a Tiregate for the 35" spare and i fab'd up a hi-lift mount as well on my DD fool-size chebby.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y12/RARECJ8/DSC00493.jpg

Before my buggy, I always kept my spares in the bed's toolbox. It worked out great for everything except for fluids.

i have a similar problem but i live in downtown atlanta in georgia tech and am risking loosing my tire every day cause i cant lock it up any ideas on what would work pics please?? or sketches
you can email me if you cant post

gtg223x@mail.gatech.edu

Thanks for all the replies. I'm more interested in ideas to hold the spare axle shafts and driveshafts than the spare tire. I'll probably hold the tire down somewhere with a ratchet strap, like was already suggested. What with the spare shafts though?

I'm wondering if I can find a truck tool box for cheap would it be wide enough to fit the spare rear driveshaft in. That would be pretty simple. I'll have to measure the shaft and see. Anybody doing that?

Thanks again for all the ideas so far... Keep 'em coming!

A cross bed truck tool box will be money well spent, you can fit your tools, spare axle shafts, and miscellaneous spare parts with room to spare. Front spare d-shaft will fit, too. A few large hose clamps can secure the rear d-shaft most anywhere.

I have one of the cross bed tool boxes from Lowe's Kobalt brand (made by Better Built IIRC) much nicer than a similar Husky brand from HD I had before.

One tip on the axleshafts: put them together like cordwood, coat lightly with grease to prevent rust, and tie them all together with bungees/rope/velcro and wrap in plastic wrap. You can fasten that whole bundle a little easier to keep it from bouncing around in whatever box they live in.

a club member carries his individual spare shafts in a length of PVC- clamp a section of PVC down and slide in the shaft like a holster. Use some electrical heat shrink tubing to protect the spline ends and ur good to go. Easy for rear shafts, but not so easy for front units, especially if they are assempled to the outter stub, but creativity is the mother of invention, so good luck.

mb