I keep changing my mind each week, what do you suggest, flatbed or bobbed bed? Anyone have a pic of flatbed on an extended cab third gen. truck? I see the benefit of both, I just need a little peer pressure.:p

take a look at booger weldz latest project. search....:D

Depends on what you wheel if its all rock and you are driving tight lines then dont bother with bobbing it will only get damaged anyway.

Do both.

http://128.83.80.200/taco/rich3.jpg

John Vargas' pimp ride. This is what your truck would look like with a flatbed. Like RUFF said, the flatbed is better in the rocks because it won't get dented up. I like the "makes you look twice" look of bobbed beds though.

It don't matter which one you do ,
get the saw out and do it.

If body damage isn't any concern then bob it. Other wise go with a flat bed it won't get dented up.

Here are some pics of mine I dont have much room with it being a Dual Cab though.
Its Aluminium and has just been made from a full size aluminium flat bed like what every second pick up over here in aus has.

http://pics.montypics.com/Ruff_HILUX/2002-08-02/ruff_flat_bed__001.jpg

Here is an arial shot

http://pics.montypics.com/Ruff_HILUX/2002-08-02/ruff_flat_bed__002.jpg

Without a doubt - flatbed.

It is a wonderful feeling knowing that as long as you can get the cab past the obstacle, you could care less what the bed runs into on the way through :D:D

Originally posted by DRM
It is a wonderful feeling knowing that as long as you can get the cab past the obstacle, you could care less what the bed runs into on the way through :D:D

Aint that the truth thats why i have just bought a 4runner frame with a chevy V6 and am fitting an '86 extra cab to it cause 4 doors is 2 too many to look after:D

Originally posted by DRM
Without a doubt - flatbed.

:D:D

DITTO

FLAT


BED!

Bobbed.
Keeps the
groceries in the back.
Dog in the back.
You can still use it as a TRUCK!
Put a canvas top on it and keep your camping supplies dry.


:cool:

Your not alone, I've got the flat bed frame built but can't bring myself to remove the bed. Maybe this winter I'll decide:confused:

This is Why you need a Flat Bed This tore up my bed
rock (www.geocities.com/toyotasjc/tryrock.jpg)

FLAT BED, i got rails on mine so erery thing stays in. and a spare tire to throw shit in. i'll post pics tomarrow.
PAt
oh, mines a DD

I have had both and it depends on what your needs/wants are....
most (regular) people I talked to didn't like it as per looks, to which my reply was it's all about function....less sheet metal to bend up and make the truck look ugly....
but bobbing the bed did help in preventing almost all normal tailend dents and was an advantage..... and after doing both I am building another p/u I am going to bob the the for the look (which besides function I like better)

The one question is : how hardcore are you gonna wheel?I did hammers, sluice etc with the bobbed bed but I could take harder lines with a flatbed with less reprocussion. The tubing will do a whole lot better against a rock than sheet metal....

I like the looks and functionality of a bed but it would nice to rub up against a rock or tree (lots of trees in Washington) and not worry about body damage. My truck is so long anyway with the extended cab I'm not sure if bobbing it will even help anything. Damn decisions.

check out ian30's project stubby, he did a flatbed and shortened the wheelbase on a truck like yours so did stubby up in canada...

this is mine but it is a runner http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/attachment.php?s=&postid=726026

this is actually what ive been debating too but i think i found the solution

http://www.wildyoats.com/paul_chowanec.htm

dont have to worry about draggin/thrashing the bed but have the storage of a bed. Im planning on trying to put a shortened shells that is built for the new taco dual cabs on my homebuilt bed. :D