New here and had a question

[wrecked-ranger]

Hi Guys,
I just wanted to introduce myself. I picked up my 01 ranger a few years back and love it. I head up into the mountains a lot and aside from insane amounts of snow my Ranger has gotten me through pretty much everything. I have never really been a truck guy but I am starting to doubt I'll ever go back to a car. My bed has taken a lot of damage over these last couple years and I have been thinking about replacing it. Does anyone know what years I can look at to find a bed that will work with my 01 XLT, 4.0L 4x4? My truck has the flares, no side steps (man those side steps look ugly). Also, is changing a bed out a pain in the ass? It seems pulling the thing off should be pretty simple but its the electrical work and moving the gas line that I'm worried about. Anyways, nice to meet you guys and hope to see ya around.

 

[84stealthranger]

welcome to trs. the tail lights and gas tank filler tube should be all that u have to unbolt, that and the bed bolts

 

[AgPete139]

Welcome, this is a great site!

I think I love my truck more than the other cars I've driven. It's just...homey & right.

Similar years, from 2001 up to 2003 you should be good for sure. I lose track after the Gen IV Rangers. As long as the color & bed is the same (short bed, long bed) you're good. Bed removal is simple, and can be done with 2 people, maybe 3. There are 3-4 bolts holding the gas tank filler tube to the bed (open the gas tank lid), and then you just unplug the rear brake lights and you'r golden. Unless you have trailer lights, those may need to be removed as well. After that, 8 bed bolts need to be torqued out. MAKE SURE YOU GET THE CORRECTLY-SIZED TORX ("star") BIT! Go slow, and remove them. Hitting up the bed bolts with liquid penetrating oil is a good idea beforehand.

Pete