Bed removal
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 56
Likes: 0
From: Texas
Bed removal
I have never removed the bed of a truck before so I have a couple of questions. I picked up an 84 F150 XLT one owner truck that has ZERO body rust or door dings. However it was a red with silver sides from the factory. I like the looks of the solid red but in order to give it a good paint job I have to get between the cab and bed. I figured I'd take off the top rails and tail gate to relieve weight but have no clue what I'm looking at as far as weight and how many guys to get this off. How many bolts hold this box on? Any tips from anyone who has done this?
Dave
Dave
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,781
Likes: 1
There should be a total of 8 bolts I believe. If you look in the bed you can count them. Its really not to bad, just take the tailgait off and crawl underneath. You have to disconnect the fuel entry lines from the fuel doors on the side of the bed. There maybe a ground strap or two under there but other than that and those few bolts its really not that hard to do. I have pulled a couple of beds before and it took me and two to three friends to get it off when it was all unbolted. The worst part is just if the bed is a little rusted to the frame. Just one person in each corner and you should be good to go.
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,995
Likes: 2,741
From: Virginia
Just remember to disconnect the wiring at the rear, and take off the gas filler hoses and such on the side. I find it easier sometimes to take the rear lenses out, undo the bulb sockets out of the lenses, and snake the whole socket and bulb out the bottom of the lense cavity.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 335
Likes: 1
From: Spokane washington
what also works awesome is to use the old school camper jacks, put a towel or two on them and stick em up under the wheel wells.. you only need one guy to do that easy!.. just lift it up and drive off slow!
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,429
Likes: 4
From: patricia ab canada
Trending Topics
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 250
Likes: 0
From: South Western Ontario
How do you get the seized nuts and bolts off cause no dought there gonna be on there good and rusted. Dont tell me you just put a socket wrench on and start turning.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,512
Likes: 8
From: Cook Forest and Irwin PA
cutoff tools are your friend
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,429
Likes: 4
From: patricia ab canada
they are a carriage bolt.i only had one spin on me,and since my bed was scrap,i just mig welded the bolt to the bed.i have heard some guys grinding flat side on the head to fit a wrench and get some sucker to hold it,while your underneath.
Moderator
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 22,415
Likes: 92
From: Denver Metro Area, CO
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 250
Likes: 0
From: South Western Ontario
Up here in Ontario they put salt down before, during, and after it snows, They even started putting it down before it snows in liquid form so it really sticks to your vehicle. you just bang sh@t with a hammer and everything except the part you want falls off.
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 5,491
Likes: 16
From: Kuna ID
If you weren't worried about protecting the bed, one person can just flip it off to one side. I did use the engine hoist and straps to install my new bed though. The beds aren't terribly heavy. Two average men could easily lift it, but it is nice to have extra help to guide it into position.
