Has anyone pulled their bed/cargo box to get to the top of the tank to change the fuel pump? Used to do this on my Ford PU's, but they had actual bolts/nuts through the bed deck and rails. My Dakota is bolted up to the box from under the frame...what kind of air rachet/compressor is needed to break these loose? Would rather lift the box to change the pump and fuel filter rather than drop the tank...due to a hinkey back problem. Thanks in advance for any input.

 

Yes you can take off the bed. The bolts are not to tight so a simple air ratchet or impact wrench will work. If you have a bad back then don't do the bed. You still have to lie down on the ground to get to the bed bolts and you have to lift the bed. Not to heavy with a 2nd person but you don't want to put stress on the back.

 

Thanks for the input. Was just wondering how much rachet/impact umph I'd need to break them loose...they are 17 years old and look kinda rusty. I can lift the bed much easier than dropping the tank because I have an overhead hoist...also a stout nephew to apply the rachet/impact wrench. Any idea how much torque will be required with the ratchet/impact wrench?

 

I don't know what the torque specs are. But if you want to know check the FAQ for the service manual. It will have what the bolts are to be torqued to.

 

The other way is to siphon the tank and drop the tank down. I have done that 3 times now. Taking the bed off may be easier for you though.

 

A regular hand ratchet would be enough to get the bed off because it's pretty easy to unbolt. I took my bed off twice to access my fuel pump and it only took about 20 minutes.

So unbolting the bed is the easiest way in my opinion.

 

Well, I've tried a regular hand ratchet with extensions and socket and they don't budge. I can get an electric or air-powered/pneumatic impact wrench or ratchet, just wondering how much power it should have. Senate427: was it hard to get the bed off after you removed the bed bolts? Looks like there is the fuel filler hoses and that's it.
If anyone knows a link to a good powerful electric or air-powered ratchet or impact wrench, would appreciate it greatly.

 

Also don't forget tail lights when taking off the bed.

 

Yeah, the lights are a given...used to do this on our Ford PU's. Did some research on pneumatic and electric impact wrenches. Got a fuel pump on the way and a filter in hand. I'll pick up an electric impact on Monday, and report the results on the bed bolts. May also have to remove the spare tire lift, but still checking on that.

 

No you do not have to. It is bolted to the frame not the bed.