How do I remove the bed?

[HorseHauler]

Hi all,
In the vegoil conversion on the truck I've had a tank built that takes the place of both the rear tank and spare tire. Holds 60 gallons too. I didn't think about my fill port (which will go through the stock fill place) sticking out, so it will not fit between the frame rails . There is physically space when the tank is in place, above the frame rails. The tank is TIG welded with very expensive .090 aluminum, cost over $400 already. I'd prefer not to have it modified. I am convinced if I take the bed off I can get the tank in as is, and it will also be cake to install the rest of my vegistroke vegoil system. I'll be driving it for a while without the bed on so I think I'll just get one of those trailer light kits, mount it on a 2X4 strapped to the hitch, and plug it into the trailer lights plug.

So are there any tips you have? Or even a tutorial with instructions and pics for removing the bed? I may buy one of those hand crank winches from TSC for $50, and use it along with a heavy duty pulley under my deck to lift the bed off. I just don't want to drop it because it has no damage- to the outside of course. Any tips, suggestions, etc would be very appreciated!

 

[Tbar]

Don't know about how our trucks differ but this is how I did my 99.

Bed Removal

Tbar

 

[happeetxn]

Hey Horsehauler,
I saw a guy use an engine lift to take the bed off. He made a device (2 2x6's and connected them together to make a modified "H") that slid underneath the rails of the bed. Once everything was disconnected he lifted the bed enough to drive out from under it and then sat it on jacks.
As far as what all to disconnect, other tips and tricks I have no idea but I would greatly appreciate it if you made notes when you do this as I want to pull mine and do some things under it. Also where are you located (State)?
See ya',
Craig

 

[HorseHauler]

Thanks for the info Tbar, really appreciate it.

It is actually my Dads truck. I was all for taking the bed off, but he wanted to do it other ways. Such as removing the bumper hitch (which broke an air wrench- and now I'm driving a neutered truck), and cutting the tank up. But looks like its going to fit. If I manage to convince him that we still need to take the bed off I'll document everything.

I'm located near Lexington, KY. Guess I need to fill my profile out a bit.

 

[BJS]

bed removal is easy the bolts in the bed are t-55's if memory serves me right there are 4 fender support brackets that need to be removed (I think so can't remember right now some years/vehicles they went to the body others to the frame. and the filler necks & caps will need to come off. Disconnect the electrical connector where the trailer harness attaches near the driver's rear corner.

to physically remove two healthy guys can pickup the bed without too much problem just pick up walk back & set down on the ground (not concrete). It is helpful to have a 3rd person to move filler necks & make sure everything clears.

Problems arrise in alligning the cab & bed body lines so that everything looks right when you reinstall it.