Advice on removing / tipping the truck bed

[ctd4stan]

I am preparing to do some tank mods (aftermarket fuel/lift pump, tank vent), but how to access the tank is the question. The options are to remove the truck bed or drop the tank. Dropping the tank when it’s empty or near empty will make dropping the tank straight forward. However, I am exploring the option of removing the truck bed – by ONE person, no lift.



I understand that there are some risks involved, but I’m sure someone has done this. After disconnecting the driver side tail light, removing the 3 driver side truck bed bolts, and loosening the 3 passenger side cargo box bolts, from the driver’s side can I tip the bed up about 2 feet? (which should be enough room to do the mods)



I can use 2x4’s to hold the driver-side of the bed up while I work on the tank. Or is there another way to prop up the bed?



Aside from the possibility of the bed falling, will the passenger side of the bed bolts hold the weight of the bed?

 

[AMcCormick]

I just had the bed off to add a new lift pump pick up line. Two guys are able to lift it and move it back a couple feet then rest on the tires. We did try propping just the driver side up. I was not really stoked about working with my head in couple hundred pound guilitene. The whole thing did not seem very stable, all the bolts need to come out to lift it any workable distance. Do evrything else then get a buddy to help move the bed.

 

[ctd4stan]

When you rest the bed on the tires (the tire's rubber somewhat grips the bed), but did it seem like the bed was stable vs. sliding off the back?

Did the sides of the bed get slightly bent / crushed while resting on the tires? Or were the tires soft enough / gave-in enough so that the bed side would not be damaged?

 

[AMcCormick]

was just fine sitting on the tires and the bumper, I put a piece of wood under the aft corners of the bed so it would slide ontop of the bumper. The bed sits right on its body support beam that is just forward inside the wheel weel. Stable and safe, just a bit heavy. Two strong guys no problem. I did take the tailgate off for a few less pounds, but my shell and rack for windsurfing boards stayed put.

 

[BHatton]

Without MORE help I would not try to pull the bed. After removing the bed on my 04. 5 with a frame lift and a person on each corner, I still had a scratch where it contacted the cab. These beds are shaped funny, the lower front corners angle towards the cab so you can't just lift straight up. Maybe you could find a place to hook four "cycle ratchet straps" overhead and then into the tie downs of the bed. It gives you much more control and time to see the trouble spots before you nick some paint. They are not that heavy just extremely awkward to handle. Also remove the rear bumper to gain some wiggle room.



B

 

[DCreed]

I just undid all but the last bolt on each side and loosened the rearmost one 1/2 way out then used a jack and some wood blocks to lift the bed like a dump body. just be careful and "chock" it every few inches.

 

[ctd4stan]

DCreed, so you were able to lift the front about 16 inches or so? I'm guessing that amount because the fuel canister is about 14" tall (on the 3rd gens).

 

[DCreed]

prolly more than 20". just be careful and take your time.

 

[JWadford]

Took mine off with an atlas copco service truck crane, but reinstalled by myself with a 2. 5 ton cherry picker

 

[ctd4stan]

When the bed was in the process of being lifted or dropped back down (either by a couple of folks or hoist of some sort), how did you prevent scratches:
(1) on the cab (maybe bumping into / denting the cab, or scratches)?
(2) the tail end of the bed that sits below the rear bumper?

 

[DCreed]

try blue painters tape for added safety.

 

[ctd4stan]

Thank you all for your input. For a 1 person job and for the first time, doing this outside with no tree branch to use, I ended up using an engine hoist. I put / taped card board around the rear bumper edges (on each side) and between the cab and bed. It worked out well.

 

[SRadke]

For the record, there should be 4 bed bolts on each side. Two in each corner.

 

[JLandry]

Thank you all for your input. For a 1 person job and for the first time, doing this outside with no tree branch to use, I ended up using an engine hoist. I put / taped card board around the rear bumper edges (on each side) and between the cab and bed. It worked out well.

I'm in the same situation as you... working alone with no overhead crane available.



Questions:



I assume you tilted the bed dump-truck style?



Where / how did you hook up the engine hoist?



Did the bed have a canopy on it (mine does)?



Did the lower front edges of the bed contact the cardboard taped to the cab?



Any more helpful tips you could share?



Thanks in advance,



John L.

 

[ctd4stan]

1. I used 4 straps, one attached to each inside bed cleat. And each strap length was the same. Then the bed came relatively straight up, fairly level (not dump truck style).

2. I have a SB. So, I put it at the end of the bed (tailgate removed) and extended the boom towards the "middle" for all the straps to hook onto.

3. I do NOT have a canopy; open bed.

4. I had large pieces of cardboard, so I was able to stick an edge in the rear door (opened the rear doors, folded the cardboard slightly in - enough to grab, and shut the door). Fortunately, the bed did not dent the cab. I think the bed "brushed up against the cardboard".

When I was lifting and dropping the bed, I was in no rush. I took my time. So, lift a little bit, take a look to make sure you're not caught on or rubbing something. When the bed started to move, I used one hand to help keep it stable. (repeat)

Also, put cardboard over the corners (top and side edges) of the rear bumper. I'm glad I did because the bed did bump into this area and I was glad that I had the cardboard there.

Lift a little, check, and stablize. (repeat, until its off). Do the reverse to put it back on.

Take your time.

Then I put the bed on a pair of saw horses, just to take the pressure off the hoist (just in case).

If it looks like the bed is lifting in a way that you are uncomfortable with it, put the bed back down, adjust the straps, then lift again. Or if you become uncomfortable with the whole deal, don't do it. Get someone to help you or bring it to a shop.

Be safe. Use / practice extreme caution while working alone. Be responsible for yourself / your actions. Don't work with the bed hanging over you. This is not a race.

I hope this info helps.

 

[JLandry]

Thanks for the detailed info Stan!



Best regards,



John L.