Removing Flatbed-'96 Ranger-Suggestions?

[djo652]

Hey all,

Well, if anyone's read some of my previous posts, I was the guy about to change my leaf spring hangers & shackles since they broke on both sides of my '96 Ranger 4X4, 4.0L. I just looked at the front hangers and they probably have 6 months if that before they go too. So it looks like I'll be replacing the front and back attachments for both springs. I'm not sure I'll have access to a lift so I'm planning on removing the bed to do the job.

Is this a good idea for a job like this or overkill? How hard is it to get the bed off and back on? Is it very involved and how many people do I need to enlist? Anything I should worry about?

Thanks to all...............

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

All the spring and shackle hangers i've replaced at work I have never once removed a bid to do them.

 

[95XL]

Like sasquatch said, it isn't necessary to remove the bed, but it does make it a lot easier. Especially if your doing it on the ground. To remove the bed isn't that involved, it's 6 screws, and you unplug the tailight wires. You and one other guy can easily lift it off. One word of caution though, try not to break any of the screws holding the bed down, they're $12 a piece to replace from the dealer!

 

[fx2prerunner]

pretty easy to take it off one electrical plug and 6 of the mount bolts like 95xl said but dont forget the three screws that hold the gas filler neck to the box they have to be let go as well, I once changed a fule pump on the side of the road in about 20 minutes in a mild snow storm with the help of a friend I pulled the box off changed the pump bolted the box back on and I was on the road. I also took the box off to change my front spring hanger, didnt need to but it made it alot easier just remember when your grinding off the factory rivets that you are right next to your gas tank.

 

[djo652]

Thanks guys! I don't have access to a lift without it being a major PITA so I think it'll just be easier to do it with a friend when the weather get a bit warmer.