I want to build a headache rack to put on my truck and I was wondering if anybody had any suggestions on how to make it or mount it on to the bed. I have a welder and was thinking of making it out of aluminum. Any input is appreciated!

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2001 XLT Ext. Cab 4.0l V6 Auto.
2'' lift, HID headlights, Mustang Rims, Tinted Windows. Work in progress.

What is a "headache rack?" - if it is a ladder rack, or a canoe rack - I have detailed plans, that takes a couple of hours to build, and under $100 of material - and is ideal as it is removable, leaves your bed free for access, and is very strong.. take a peek.... http://darryls-soapbox.blogspot.ca/2...-for-ford.html

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Well - with a quick google, I discover I am the only guy in the world that did not know what a headache rack was - I guess my carrier I sent the link to is not what you are looking for.. good news is I now know what a headache rack is LOL

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2001 4X4 Ext Cab 4.0L

Usually just mount it to the bed rails going down the rail a foot or two. Best to put some type of bracing underneath to rail to give it more strength. Best bet is to just google headache rack and find a design you like then get to building.

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Lifted and junk

Double Lifted Rangers

The headache rack from ''back rack'' have the simplest and easiest way to bolt-it on the side of your bed rails in my opinion. Just weld two bolt together and done!! Google-it.

Thanks guys! I'll probably be postponing the build for a bit until I get a new shotgun and back to the farm after school bull I'll let ya'll know how it turns out!

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2001 XLT Ext. Cab 4.0l V6 Auto.
2'' lift, HID headlights, Mustang Rims, Tinted Windows. Work in progress.

Aluminum may not be the best being a welder myself aluminum can crack (around the welds) under a lot of vibration I'm not here to say steel is better than aluminum but if it were me putting a back rack in my truck I would use steel

Aluminum pros: lightweight
Durable
Clean finish
Good conductor (for putting lights on)
Cons
Soft
Not as easy to repair if bent cracked or broken
Difficult to weld ( without ample experience )


Steel pros
Strong
Extremely durable
Many types to meet your liking
Easy to repair
Easy to weld
Can be welded with arc (stick) welding a stronger bond
Cheaper
Quicker weld fab time

Cons
Rust over time ( compared to aluminum )
Heavy
May cause vehicle stress over time if not put-on properly

There are many more pros and cons to both do some research on what would be best to your liking hope I helped

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2000 3.0 v6 2wd

Thank you 2wdboggin, I will definitely look into that when I get around to building it, I was just going to do aluminum because my old man said it would be cheaper and he had the welder for it.

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2001 XLT Ext. Cab 4.0l V6 Auto.
2'' lift, HID headlights, Mustang Rims, Tinted Windows. Work in progress.