Should I keep the bed?

Four linking my truck starting Tuesday. Welding the bed cage in & boxing the frame, and I'm unsure if I should leave the composite bed in place and cut what I need, or just pull it and build light storage and a platform in case I need to strap something down. The loss of bed space doesn't matter to me. I'll be leaving the All Pro high clearance hitch/bumper on for now, so I can always use my trailer for hauling.

The main concern is if I just cut holes in the bed then weld the cage, if I need to pull it again it'll be a major headache.

Here's a high speed CAD drawing of the layout I'm thinking of. Any insight on problems I might encounter with leaving it off, or additional items I might want back there?

Eager to see what the safety police have for me.

 

Too soon for a bump? Don't be shy. Tell me why it's dumb and I should keep the bed!

 

If I was doing a project like that, I would lose the bed and build a flat platform. And lol at the safety police

 

I considered a flat bed, but I already purchased the bedsides. Don't care for the look either, but it would definitely be more practical.

 

Ah I see. Maybe cut the bed in a way that it can slide on and off, like with slits instead of holes. I’d imagine you’ll need to take it off more than planned with what you’re building.

 

I would put more distance between the battery and fuel cell and to one side or the other of the fuel cell. Wiring will be neater if you mount the battery on the side of the bed.

 

Yeah based on what I've seen in some of these threads I would be worried if some one started to get concerned about safety.

 

In the LT bed cage thread folks have some that are welded to the frame and bolted together with composite in between so they can remove the cage. Might look into how much a bed and bedsides sells for to recoup some money. I'd prefer to have it all welded since it's going to tie into a full cage eventually.

 

I was considering putting it on the passenger side and mounted to the storage reinforcement. After looking at the taco lean for so long I hate the idea of mounting stuff on the sides now lol. Might end up doing that, didn't think about the wiring. Thanks

EDIT: Also the idea of keeping everything unexposed and tucked under my spare sounded nice. May have to decide on the battery last after I see how it looks.

 

Post pics, this is interesting.

 

I would keep the composite and lay a sheet of Aluminum over it and then do the cut outs and secure everything.The Aluminum will help with weight distribution. Just my .02

 

After chatting with Pete & Greg at Tanner 4x4 about some plans I had, I'm just going to have them do it. I already purchased a tubing notcher and mandrel bender though, so now I'll have to find another project to learn what's what.

They're going to start the tear down and build on the 28th. I'll post up the progress pics as I get them.

The bed is going for sure. Keeping the rear frame rails and All Pro high clearance bumper, but it'll be fully caged with provisions for the spare & fuel cell.


If anyone wants the bed, stock bedsides, Dakar leafs, bumps, Toytec Boss rear shocks and can pick up in Colorado Springs let me know. Bedsides are free. The flares are gone and the mounting holes are slightly chewed up, with a minor dent on the driver side. Everything else will be priced very cheap.

 

The tear down has started. I'll be updating my build thread with pics as it continues.