if i was just going to leave it like that with no support or cage, i'd be worred about the strength, but im going to fully exo the whole truck to support it...and i'm going to be adding gussets also. I got alot done over the weekend. So here's a few pics.
I had problems removing the old bed, so this will make it easier. It's welded to the top of the frame/bed mounts and a bolt runs thru the bottom of the frame to the support where a nut is welded on the inside.
cut off 4.5" @ a 45* angle to help my departure angle some. The bolts are for another tube that will be attached to another plate so there's an attachment point at the rear.
I still am going to tie into the shock hoops, just haven't gotten there yet. Had to put the bends around the shocks so the bed can be lifted straight up and off the truck. The fitting for the resi would've hit if the tube was left straight.