Truck bed — removal and installation
1. Place the truck on a flat surface with the parking brake applied.
2. Disconnect the cable from the negative battery terminal (see Engine electrical systems).
3. Remove the screws securing the fuel tank filler neck to the truck bed (see illustration).
15.3 Filler neck screws
4. Disconnect the rear section electrical connector running from the frame to the rear lighting (see illustration).
15.4 Disconnect the electrical connector (s) for the rear lights
5. Disconnect any non-factory wiring such as an additional trailer wiring, tag light wiring, or accessory leads.
6. Disconnect the braided ground strap located near the fuel tank filler neck from the truck bed.
7. Remove the bolts that secure the truck bed to the frame (eight bolts for the long bed, six bolts on short beds) (see illustrations). Note: The truck bed bolts can be fairly stubborn to remove. Dirt and debris as well as rust can make them even harder to remove. An impact gun with an impact socket works the best rather than trying to remove them by hand. Tip: If the bolts are stuck use some rust penetrating spray on them. Leave the penetrating spray soak in for a few minutes before trying them again. If a penetrating spray isn’t available a spray of plain water actually will loosen them up as well.
15.7a You’ll find some of the bolts are easy to reach while others may be covered by part of a trailer hitch bracket.
If so, remove the trailer hitch brackets to gain access to the bolts
15.7b Follow along the frame to find the rest of the bolts (not all the bolts are shown)
8. With the aid of a few helpers (one on each corner) lift the bed off of the frame.
Tip: If you have access to a car hoist you can strap the truck bed to the hoist arms and use the hoist to lift the truck bed up. Then, push
the truck out from under it.
9. Installation is the reverse of removal.