Wood sides are working good so far. The headache rack part needs improvement tho but it was made out of scraps.... AND my long term plan is to make it out of metal and the wood sides bolt to it. That way the headache part stays on always and sides go on/off as needed. Just no time to mess with my welder atm.
I debated on making it solid or having spaces/gaps, to use less wood(lighter[max load] and cheaper). Then I ended up using the cut-offs from making the 2x4's fit the stake holes. For spacing out the 1x4's and that worked well(later they became the headache rack). As my strap hooks fit thru the 3/4ish gaps AND bonus they hook onto the thin 1x4's(unplanned). So even tho i have a few D-rings, i can just place the straps about anywhere for straight across over top strapping. Still need to add a few low mount D-rings tho.
Had the idea to use a net type air-gate for the rear part. For when my load is higher. Again lightweight and also would still work with stuff that sticks out a bit. But for now i just use w/e metal I have that fits(i wedge below the tailgate), to keep stuff from sliding out. Or my step-stool.
Still ideally I'll be using the 96 2500 in spring, so don't want to go overkill on setting this truck up.
I'll get things prepped this weekend for last load of alum and some steel. Then i got other stuff to get prepped, that was meant to be done before this job came up. And I'll still have all the good wire to strip this winter