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I am looking to remove my box off my Ranger to clean up the underside of the floor, and to also clean and paint the frame. This past winter was brutal, and I can see a lot more rust spots starting than were previously on and under my truck. I want to know from someone that has done this, how big a project? And can this be done in a week? Can someone give me a timeline, and what to look for, and what not to do. I will probably not drop the fuel tank, as to save time and also the effort involved, unless I really need to. I will look at the straps and make a decision at that time. Paint on the frame is mainly for the outside of the rail, but I will be considering the inside as I go. Don't want to tie up truck for a month. Any feedback is greatly appreciated..
You are more ambitious than most in caring for their truck... The bed is not difficult to remove, as the involved things are 1)tail/brake lights, 2)license plate light, 3)fuel filler and 4) the torkx bolts holding the bed to the frame.
Once the above are disconnected, the bed can be 'walked' off the rear of the frame and set on the ground or saw horses. Reverse to install. Many don't remove it completely when servicing the fuel pump or tank, but will tilt the bed to one side or the other using wooden props to hold it in place. You could do that if you don't want to do a total removal, doing your renovation to one side, then the other.
tom
The box comes off fairly easy. Unfasten the fuel filler hose from the box, disconnect the tail light wiring from the lights and remove the torx bolts from the floor of the box. Then have a friend lift on one side while you lift the other side to remove the box and set it aside. If you have mud flaps, set the box on saw horses or something. I would not attempt to remove the fuel tank, but spray can paint the inside of the rails it you need around the tank. I recommend an Eastwood product called Coraless (sp?). It brushes on and converts rust into non-rust. It is somewhat red in color but can be painted over it you want a black finish.
Alright-that sounds liks a game plan! That fuel filler hose is dry rotting, but its SOOOO expensive. I going to have to bite the bullet on that one. I apppreciate the input, and when I tackle this job, I do an update. Gotta figure out how to do the pics, so I can show you. I've got to drive this truck for at least another 3 years-who knows, maybe more. Can't afford another at this time-even a good used one. BIG THANK YOU for the info..
The wiring harness disconnects near the drivers side rear. The Torkx bolts will likely break when you try to remove them, but are available from RockAuto. Seems like they were sort of spendy, but worth it in the extent the box ever has to come off again.
Replace the fuel lines and check the pump outlet elbows. It may pay to include a new pump in your task list.
Check the tank straps and brake lines too. I've had my bed off a couple of times in the last few years because I was too cheap to doo all of these things the first time.
I've used an engine hoist and 2 ratchet straps diagonal across the bed, corner to corner, but 2 people could probably lift it.
Don't forget to remove the fuel filler hardware (3screws).