Bed Rattle- help

[McDermott34683]

I have a 2000 4.0 L 4x4 Ranger - Step side body style

I have a really annoying rattle coming from the bed under the drivers side step - a bracket must have rusted out or something so I look under the step and there is a metal support under there that is in the way (visibly and physically) of whatever bracket or support has failed. so I popped off the plastic step cover (on the body) to see if there was anything that could help me there. there I found two starbits. I don't have the right size for them right now so I can't take them off and look at anything but in the mean time I figured I'd ask you guys and see if anyone has dealt with this before and has a simple answer (hopefully) lol.

Thank you

 

[97RangerXLT]

without seeing your truck I can only guess, but I would imagine that one of your spring hangers rusted through. the other three are probably not in much better condition. Common problem on all the rangers, and fairly straightforward to fix. (happened last year to my 97)

The easiest route would be to remove the entire bed from the truck. Just six bolts and three screws around the filler neck plus the tailight harness hold it on the truck. two guys can easily lift the bed off. takes about 15 to 20 minutes to do. Then everything can be accessed from above. you will have to grind the old rivets down and punch them through to remove the old hangers.

go to Rockauto andorder two front, two rear, and two shackles, two front spring eye bushings and two spring bolts. the shackles will come with all of the other hardware that you will need (bushings and bolts) it will cost you about 150 bucks and take you an afernoon to remove the old hardware.

you might think about replacing the filler neck while you have the bed off.

AJ

 

[97RangerXLT]

And welcome to TRS!

AJ

 

[McDermott34683]

Yeah I figured i'd have to take the bed off

Thank you

 

[Frank The Tank]

Invest in an impact if you don't have one. I caught my 18v Dewalt 1/2 in drive with two batteries on sale for 90 bucks. I wouldn't take 9000 for it. Well I would but I'd buy another.