Service VME - Pickup Box Sheet Metal Fracture/Damage with Aftermarket Accessories Installed - keywords 01-08-66-014A bed bend body box break broken endgate panels

The following diagnosis might be helpful if the vehicle exhibits the symptom(s) described in this PI.

We have recently received inquiries regarding the continued use of cargo box reinforcement brackets for top rail mounted add-on accessories on 2004-2006 model year GMC Sierra and Chevrolet Silverado Pickups. Please refer to Bulletin # 01-08-66-014A of August 2002, which specifies vehicle identification number breakpoints. Accordingly, bracket usage on pickups built after August, 2002 is not recommended with one exception: the 1500 Crew Cab models with 5 ft 8 inch box length. Related details for this model, including rail mounted accessory weight capacities, will be in a revised version of the above listed bulletin in the near future, and are already in section 4 of the Owners Manual.

Note: The cargo box reinforcement brackets can be added to vehicle built after August 2002 for vehicles with extraordinary or severe duty use. The reinforcement kit would be installed at the discretion of the owner and also at the owner's expense.

Please follow this diagnostic or repair process thoroughly and complete each step. If the condition exhibited is resolved without completing every step, the remaining steps do not need to be performed.