Long bed weight

[joedella]

As the title says, how much does a long bed box weigh?
I want to replace the fuel sender and am looking for the easiest way. It seems like removing the bed may be the way to go.

Or, can I just poke a strategically located hole in the bed above the sender/pump unit? Anyone have the coordinates for doing this?

I haven't looked under the truck in 6 months but when I change the BW1354 will it be easier with the bed off?

Thanks,

Joe

 

[hank857]

You can do by yourself IF you have something to lift it with. I used a hoist on a joist in my shed, 2 wratchet tiedowns run diagonally and connected to the hoist at the middle. Unplug the wires at the left rear part of fender, remove the bed bolts and with a little wiggling it will come loose. Probably 2 guys could lift off if really wanted to 3 would be better.

 

[RonD]

175-200lbs maybe.

Well those are the 3 ways.
Removing the bed isn't all that hard, but not easy, yes it would be nice to have 3 friends there to lift it off.
You need to disconnect the taillight wiring and the fuel filler, then unbolt the bed.
Slide it back or lift it off.
Some say you can tilt it up on one side and hold it up with 2x4 and it won't slide off, but never tried that.

Dropping tank is not easy either, getting it back in even harder.
Good read here: http://www.justanswer.com/ford/2re3z-remove-fuel-tank-1997-ford-ranger-4x4.html

Access panel would be a bit of overkill for a part that might need to be replaced after 20 years.
But you can do it if you want, you would just have to eyeball where to drill and cut.
Or drill up from underneath as a reference point for cutting from above.
I would first estimate how big a hole you would want and then hit wrecking yard to find similar color bed with wrecked sides or bent bed(so no resale value), then cut out a larger section than your hole, so you have a patch you can screw down after cutting the hole.
Do not cut wires or fuel lines