Bed removal question

[Billyjack]

Went to remove my bed a few weeks ago, ran into some serious resistance. It's a 2001 GMC 2500 extended cab, 6.0. Not too rusty at all under there, I'm very fortunate. In any event, I went to remove the bed and could loosen all 8 bolts only so much. They would come out about 3/8", and then there was serious resistance. 1/2" corded electric impact...no good. 1/2" drive breaker bar and socket, no good. I mean, these things were stuck.

So I'm wondering if the factory added red Loctite, and heating the bolts may be required? I definitely don't want to snap the bolts, that would be a mess. If anyone has experience with this, I'd love some pointers. I basically tightened everything back down and will attempt again later.

Thanks for any help!

 

[stutaeng]

Yes, they do have loctite from the factory.

Heat would definitely help. I once helped my brother remove the bed of his 90 c1500 and he used this old Matco 1/2" air impact I have. He didn't have to use heat, just zipped them out. I remember he initially tried using my Dewalt cordless impact but that didn't work.

 

[SK101]

i have taken beds off a few times on 90's trucks, either to repair the cab or the change the fuel pump and they have always zipped out. At least 1 broke, and if any only came part way i sprayed it with lube and ran it in and out.
I also spray them a week before i plan to remove them, but to be honest you cant get to the threads so i doubt that helped much.
The bolts that broke i just left broke i believe.

 

[ORVietVet]

Are you in a salt on roads state? What does "Not too rusty" mean? Penetrating fluid and let sit overnight. Then run them out and spray the exposed threads. Then back and forth. Heat if needed.

 

[Billyjack]

Thanks all!