tips for removing bed?

Just wondering if anyone has recommendations, and maybe some pics, regarding how to safely lift and remove the bed. I prefer not to try to lift it myself (my back won't tolerate that), so I'm looking for ideas with lifts or jacks of some sort in my driveway.

Thanks

 

In process of planning to do same. Plenty of videos….google “remove tundra truck bed”

This is the one I started with viewing and viewed others since I will be doing it by myself. Have scaffolding, so that’s where my plan is so far. Spray the 6 bed bolts good and careful with fuel filler removal and especially when raising bed watch fuel tube.

 

I’ve seen it done with an engine hoist, straps and chains. They even make a generic kit to safely and quickly lift it with the engine hoist. I’d have to go and look for it though.

 

Built a 2x4 frame to lift from under the bed rails using an engine hoist. also a smaller frame for the garden cart to move it around while fixing it.

 

The bed is pretty light, probably less than 250 pounds for a short bed. When I replaced my 8' bed I used the engine hoist on one end and overhead door tracks for the other. Then drive the cab and chassis. When you put the bed back on, hang a heavy blanket across the back of the cab to prevent dents because you're sure to bump it. If there is any rust at all, the torx bolts are going to be trouble. Some will be damaged when removing. I got the heads red hot with a torch and sprayed P Blaster on them after they cooled. On some I had to cut the heads off and used a pipe wrench after the bed was off. Remember where the gas tank is when torching. Fortunately the junkyard provided the bolts from the bed they removed.

 

I’ve had the bed in and off of my access cab multiple times. The bed itself isn’t too heavy, but it is incredibly awkward to lift. It was kind of a pain with 3 guys lifting, but a 4th person made it a cakewalk.

The six large torx head bolts were super easy to unscrew on my bed.

-unscrew the little screws that attach the filler neck to the bed.

-unscrew the bolts that attach the filler neck support to the bed.

-remove the spare tire.

-unplug the taillight wires that connect to the main wire harness.

-unclip the main wire harness from the bottom of the bed, and just let it dangle down out of the way.

-if you want to leave the rear bumper installed while removing the bed, then stuff a few thick towels between the bumper and the the lower rear corners of the bed (so that the paint doesn’t get all scratched up).

-if you have four dudes, three of them can lift the bed around. The fourth person can set a pair of sawhorses where they need to be under the bed.

I have removed and installed my bed before by myself, and i don’t recommend it.

 

While you have it off, Clean and drown the frame with fluid film. Also is a good time to do rear shocks.

 

Do any of you have pictures using the engine hoist or the 2x4 frame?

Thanks.

 

I didn't take pics, but it's pretty simple, Use the 4 tiedowns inside the bed as lifting points. I did it by myself. If you use ratchet straps you can keep things level easily. Take the tailgate off to make it lighter.

 

The old bed and frame are under a tarp waiting for spring, so no pics. Standard engine hoist, 2x4s (on edge!) in the shape of an 'H'. I tried on the flat side, but they deflect too much. I added pieces on each end to distribute the weight under the bed rails. connected hook directly in center (no chain) and had plenty of lift.

This method does require removing the tailgate as the beam is not long enough to balance the bed.

 

$125 JEGS 81244 One Person Truck Bed Lift 800 lb. Capacity Works On Beds Up to 6 ft.

https://www.amazon.com/JEGS-81244-P...=&hvlocphy=9030104&hvtargid=pla-2281435177578

Spend a lil money and make it easy

 

Yep. That's the kit I saw before that you can assemble and use.

 

For $135 I might scoop 1 up just to have on hand. Cost me more than that to buy beers and pizza for 3 guys.

 

I've seen folks use two HD ratchet straps (don't tension them too much) using the factory tie down anchors in each corner of bed if you didn't want to use 2x4's

1) run each strap diagonally across bed and cross then in center
2) place carabiner or other clip to connect at center and use as lifting point

This'll allow you to use your better half to "control the stick" on the hoist while you guide up/away from cab.

 

Price of lumber might break ya but might have to consider this one man way myself when it's time....

 

Anchor it, roof it, and use it as a carport when you're done. Then you can tell your better half that it was the plan all along.

 

After 25 yrs my lovely wife has my BS figured out

 

No hate to fluid film, but Wool Wax will stick around a lot longer and keep water out just as well

 

I'll try it next time.

 

If you know anybody with a two-post lift in their shop (it's pretty common these days) it's a one-man job.

 

Had left over 2x4s and screws. I built it after using straps connected to the hold-downs as the bed swayed too much on the straps.

BTW - unless you're using a pro hoist, that pic is wrong and you'll never be able to balance the bed with the tailgate on.

 

Thanks for the ideas and pictures. This is helpful.