- 1). Determine the intended use for the truck bed. If the use is straight salvage or as a container, then the rear axle and suspension will need to be removed from the bed. If the bed is to be used as a trailer, then cut the frame in front of the bed and leave the axle and suspension intact.
- 2). Remove the leaf springs and rear shock absorbers. The leaf springs attach at the front and rear with large bolts and shackles, and the top of the shock absorbers attach to the bed at the top of the shock assembly. The springs should be unloaded before removal, and unbolted from the rear forward. With the springs and shocks disconnected, the rear axle will be detached from the bed.
- 3). Unbolt the body mounts from the frame. There are six to 12 body mounts on the underside of the bed attaching it to the frame. They can be unbolted one at a time in a counterclockwise direction.
- 4). Disconnect the fuel filler neck from the inside of the bed body. There will be two bolts that hold the filler neck in place, and there could also be several screws that hold it to the bed, depending on the model. The filler neck should not be completely removed, just disconnected from the bed.
- 5). Disconnect any brake or accessory lines and all wiring from the underside of the bed. They will be held in place with small bolts or screws, and will fall away once disconnected. It may be necessary to remove the taillights to completely disconnect the wiring harness.
- 6). Lift the bed up and away from the frame, and set it aside. A pulley system, engine hoist or several friends can be used to lift the bed, which could weigh a couple of hundred pounds.
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