Hello all,

I recently completed this conversion so let's get right to it. You will need,
-stepside bed
-stepside bumper
-various tools (wrenches, grinder, etc)
*six replacement bed bolts

The swap itself is pretty simple but I will go into detail because I have yet to see one go into great detail on how this is done.

To start, the bed is held down by six torx bolts you will find under the bedliner if you have one. I believe they are T47 or T55, however, I am from Michigan and all of our trucks are full of rust, so I chose to use a grinder and remove these six bolts the forceful way. There are also 3 8mm bolts holding the filler neck to the bed in the gas cap area. Remove these and the gas cap.
Next, it is easiest to remove the entire bumper. Before going further, disconnect the lights from the bumper and undo the two connectors underneath. It is advisable to remove the tailgate if needed to access these connectors. Don't mess with the plastic tabs and try to remove the sheet metal! Instead, look underneath where the bumper bracket meets the frame. You will find two bolts on either side. These will be 13/16" or 3/4" bolts. They may be very tight. Remove and remove bumper. Easy peasy.
Furthermore, before you remove your bed, there is a house clamp on your filler neck connected to the bed. Make SURE you remove this or you break the neck! (Happened to me ). Once you are certain you have everything disconnected, carry on with carefully lifting either side and removing the bed. This can be accomplished with two people, but I recommend using four. If the bed in question is in decent shape, set it down on itself gently, it will not crumble.
While everything is off, now is a good time to inspect your fuel system!!!!! Take note of the filler neck condition as well as the tank itself and the fuel pump. Look for loose wires etc. You are now ready to reinstall your new bed.
The process is the same backwards. It's easier to put the bumper on after the bed as I mentioned. Stepside beds made after 2001(?) should wire right up. Otherwise you will need to locate a newer pair of lights. Should bolt right up!

Additional information:
The replacement bed bolts my father actually made for me. 7/8" head with a 7/8" nut on bottom with lock washers. Work great! Approx 6" long will do.
Take extreme caution with the filler neck during removal and installation. You do NOT want to replace it. Trust me. I've done it.
I recommend putting the tailgate on during removal and installing for rigidity sake.


Pictures coming soon, hope this helps!