Removing bed

[legotech7]

Got a question for those in the know.... I will be bagging my 70 short bed and want to remove the bed to make it easier to work on. In particular putting in a C-notch... Now I'm new in the area where I live and don't know anyone I can ask for help, so I'm hoping I can get some tips on removing the bed solo... I do have a engine hoist I can probably use to left the bed, I've seen some folks do it on you tube, but they seem to have a special tool they put in the bed to lift it. Can I probably use 2x4's and clamp them down from inside the bed somewhere? If anyone has any Ideas, tips or tricks on doing such a thing by yourself, I would appreciate any help you can offer. If I figure something out I will post some pics, but if you have any to post that would be great too.

Thanks, one and all.............

[calvin78612]

I did this last week on my longbed by myself.I used a 4x4,notched it were it goes under bedrail.

[legotech7]

Can you please give me a little more details. How many 4x4's did you use, and where in the bed did you place them? Did you place the wood on the furthest end of the bed or did you place them more towards the middle of the bed?...And what sort of anchoring did you use? Sorry for all the questions, but I need to be sure and do it safely if at all possible...

Thanks...............

[davepl]

I used the cab and bed lift that I bought plans for on the board. It'll take you a day to build, and you need to know how to weld, but it uses the engine hoist. If you ever do more than one truck, it's no doubt worth it.

[SuperC10Tex]

Me and my two teenage boys removed and replaced my 70' short bed. Maybe $20 and a couple of neighborhood kids might work....

[JointTech]

i just married two 2x4s just long enough to wedge between the rails. wrapped a chain around it and hooked it to my engine hoist. just eyeballed it close to center and it hung pretty balanced.

[jondancer]

I put ratchet straps across the steak pockets to form and "x" , then I lifted with the cherry picker in the center of the "x" it worked fine

[oldschool18]

I have done the same as jondancer.......don't use old weathered straps if you have to buy new. I used the small ones you get 4 in a pack for about 15 bucks, just go back from side to side making straps tight.

[legotech7]

I did try to use 2x4's and placed them toward the outer most edge of the bed, with 4 Eye loops on each edge of the 2x4's and cris crossed 2 ratcheting straps and then try to lift it up, but the 2x4's, I thought proved to be some what weak as they started to bend a bit. It did lift the bed off the frame, but I thought those 2x4's would break. And the anchoring point looked to be spread apart to much. In the photo's I moved the eye loops closer together, but still the2x4's would bend too much to my liking. So as someone else suggested, I will use 4x4's instead and place them more towards the middle of the bed and use some chains I have in the garage. I think that will work...... I hope... Keep em coming guys, I really do appreciate the info. Thanks.......

[calvin78612]

I used a single 4x4 and placed it at the middle stake pocket( fwd side)used a short length of chain to form a loop and secured it with nut & bolt.Take your rear bumper off and put a blanket between cab and bed.Lift slowly and adjust 4x4 and chain if needed.if possible have someone to guide it while you lift.I will be taking the cab off also but i will be building the cab/bed lift,I got the plans from board member rockcrln.

[legotech7]

Thanks Calvin, I'm trying to place an image of what your saying, so you only used a single piece of 4x4, but when you say " the middle stake pocket" I'm not really sure what that means....... Did you secure the 4x4 with something, say c clamps, something or other? Wouldn't just using a single piece of wood just make it teeter to one side or the other? I was thinking of using 2 pieces......

[BigMike]

He had a long bed, they have a third set of stake pockets in the middle of the bed rails. Just use your best judgement as to where center is, or use a tape measure to be certain, wrap a chain around it and pull. You don't really need anything to clamp it to the bed, the weight of the bed will keep them secure as long as it is centered. Hope that helps.

BTW, the tie down strap method works just as good if not a little more secure.

Mike

[legotech7]

Ok, will give it a shot this week end. To be continued.

Thanks Big Mike.........

[BigMike]

Any time buddy, we're all here to help one another. Good luck. And let us know how it worked out.

Mike

[CC69Rat]

Probably want to take the tailgate off so the cartridge from the cherry picker doesnt get into it when the weight of the bed goes from the truck to the cherry picker. ..

Also put the arm out as far as it will go because the bed will want to twist and swing when it's on the lift.

If it's a wood bed you could pop a few boards out and lift from the bottom.. just a thought. (Not you specifically but anyone else who might read the thread. I do see yours is metal. )

Also, the 2x4 will be stronger turned up on end than not. You could always screw a couple together too I guess.

[Palf70Step]

I used a couple 2x4's to make a 4x4, then I used some old queen bed rails. Hooked it to my Cherry picker and up she came.

I have done it many times now on few trucks. Like was said above, removed your rear bumper and pad the front.

I had to remove the rear tire when I pulled from the side, but you can do it from the rear also

[ole dollor]

sounds like some good info . let us know how it turns out.

[legotech7]

Wow, thank you so much guys. I feel more confidant now. Palf70Step that's exactly what I was looking for, thanks so much for the pics., I'll let you all know how it comes out... or up I should say and start to get this project underway......

[calvin78612]

I jack it slightly to be sure i am centered & balanced,also come in from the side as in palf70step's pic.I had to remove my wheel in order for the cherry picker to be in the center plus i was removig my rearend.Just take your time andyou'll be fine.