2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission anyone replace their bed?

[Warhorse]

My bed is pretty beat up, and I think it might be better to replace it rather than have a body shop try and straighten it before painting. Does anyone have any experience with replacing a bed (1997 4x4 long bed)?

Thanks!

Paul

 

[telliott]

i replaced mine on my 2001. Luckly i knew i guy who had put a flat bed on his pickup so he gave me his original bed. just so happened to be the same color and everything. so as far as cost, i can't really help you.



If your wondering about removal/install, it is a fairly easy task. 6 or 8 bolts if i remember right. Remove the rear bumper and disconnect the wires for the tail lights. Also have to disconnect the fuel filler neck, but thats about it. Make sure you have a couple people to help you lift it off. Not that heavy but awkward and too much for one guy. I used a tractor with a loader and just chained it up to lift it off, only because i did the project on my own. If i remember right, it only took a couple of hours or less.

 

[SSolderitch]

Just had my bed lifted 12" in front for a fuel sender change yesterday. 3 torx screws for filler, 8 15mm bolts for bed & 1 ground strap. You will need a can or liquid wrench, pb blaster, etc get one with a straw. Bolts were tight & I used a 1/2" impact. Also some of the bolts were rusted to about 1/2 diameter just above the head, so I broke one. I replaced 2 bolts because of the 1/2 size thing was present.