Changing a Bed
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From: Delta Jct Alaska
Changing a Bed
I am getting ready to change the bed on my truck. I have to go into town (28 miles) and take my new bed off of another truck, and then put it on mine.
Now my question is, what kind of tools am I gonna need? I know I should go through both trucks first and use penetrating oil on all the bolts and everything, but after that I am kind of stumped.
Any help will be appreciated.
Now my question is, what kind of tools am I gonna need? I know I should go through both trucks first and use penetrating oil on all the bolts and everything, but after that I am kind of stumped.
Any help will be appreciated.
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From: Omaha/Elkhorn, NE
If you can get access to a compressor, take some air tools, it will speed the removal. Other wise, sockets (deep and regular) a few extensions and maybe a swivel. Maybe a pair of vice grips, or large pliers, in case the bolts start turning in their holes.
Cranky Old Guy
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From: Raphine, Virginia
Go on and make sure all your bolts are able to removed. That way you know you only have one to give you any trouble. I actually like to use new bolts for reassembly. A sawsall may come in handy.
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From: Easter Island
if the gas tanks are already out your best bet is a torch, or you are gonna be busy trying to get rusted bolts outa that bed, Definately bring good Vicegrips!! and grinding the heads off the bolts wont help you at all as the bolts have a shank on them that will still hold you up when trying to get the bed off...
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From: Delta Jct Alaska
What about cutting a slot in the top on the bolt with a dremel tool? On the truck that I am getting the new bed off of, there is not a problem with rust. The bed on my truck on the other hand is gonna be a problem.
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From: Easter Island
unfortunately I have found no easy way to get those damn Tapered bolts out , I usually heat them or torch them if the bed is junk , I guess you could try the dremel.. the problem is that the shank on the bolt taper is still larger than the bottom hole in the Bed crossmember , I guess you could dremel out the floor of the bed around the head of the carriage bolt and get a good grip with some sharp toothed visegrips...
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From: Delta Jct Alaska
if the gas tanks are already out your best bet is a torch, or you are gonna be busy trying to get rusted bolts outa that bed, Definately bring good Vicegrips!! and grinding the heads off the bolts wont help you at all as the bolts have a shank on them that will still hold you up when trying to get the bed off...
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From: Easter Island
No I am saying I wouldnt go in there to trim the bolt heads off with a torch unless the gastanks are out or at least your sure they dont leak or have a fireblanket and extinguisher handy.....
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From: Delta Jct Alaska
Ok. I was looking at my truck a little while ago, and it looks like I might have to drop the tanks to get the bed off anyway.
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From: Easter Island
no the bed comes off without tank removal you just need a swivel , but it is much easier if the tanks are out.....
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From: Delta Jct Alaska
Ok, I was gonna use a 3/4" drive ratchet, but I will use a 1/2" drive so I can use a swivel.
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From: Delta Jct Alaska
One other thing.
About how long do you think it will take? I know I am gonna have to fight rusty bolts and gas tanks, and I have to take the bed off of two trucks, and mount the good one, so I am expecting to have to spend at least one full day..
About how long do you think it will take? I know I am gonna have to fight rusty bolts and gas tanks, and I have to take the bed off of two trucks, and mount the good one, so I am expecting to have to spend at least one full day..