Tacoma Bed removal

Hi, I’m new to this forum, I’m just trying to find out if anyone has any info as far as removing the bed off of a 2002 Tacoma ?Also I’m intreasted in raplacing the hardware after removal due to the very rusted condition of underneath the vehicle, which I can see I may have to cut out some of the nuts and bolts ...

 

Its pretty simple, 6 bolts if I remember correctly and the gas filler spout. If its rusty then the some of the bolts are likely seized in place and the nuts can be impossible to access so be prepared. Besides that its a surprisingly simple job with a buddy to help lift it off

Also, welcome to TW!

 

Rust?

Let's see pictures of the frame, especially near the leaf spring hangars. Frame rust is a big issue on these trucks.

 

Check for frame rust. Use a hammer all along the frame. if it is rusted you will hear a sound difference. Unfortunately many people paint under coat over the frame to hide problems.
My body was in great shape, hardly any rust anywhere but the frame was rusted from the inside out and hidden with the undercoat spray. Its not the end of the world, there are solutions. I almost have my frame complete.

As for rusted bolts I have tried several things, sprays and solutions but heating it with a torch had so far been the best for me. Not for the ones around the gas tank thou haha

I am taking my bed off this weekend. (after disconnecting all bolts lights wiring and any other connections) I plan on running 2x4 under the wheel well one front of wheel well and one in the back. then I will screw a short 2x4 between them so they dont slide. Im going to lift one side of the 2x4 on something, (Barrels, spools, tires, or even saw horses) Then I will go to the other side and do the same. once I get it height enough I will put the wheels back on and drive out form under it. (unless I get osme friends to come help.)

I am going to also flip the bed so I can strengthen it and undercoat it. I have a plan for that I will let you know how it works.

 

Don't forget to disconnect the taillights before lifting the bed.

 

Thanks everyone for the bed removal help, I started the removal and the four bolts toward the cab were fairly easy, but the two in the rear were nut and bolts which I had to cut with a grainder ,due to the notorious RUST. With that said I purchased all new hardware from Toyota to replace all nuts ,bolts and washers ... Thanks again everyone..

 

Do you have by chance the part numbers for the bolts. I will probably need to put new ones in myself.
Or any chance of finding them at a hardware store?

 

Be sure and take any mudflaps off first. They get in the way getting the bed over the bumper and when you go to set the bed down. On a somewhat related note, where might one find some factory mudflaps at a decent price?

 

how about the wiring harness to the tail lights and license plate lamps
nevermind, question answerered in several posts down

how are the plastic clips the harness goes along the back near the bumper to come off?
needle nose pliers to squeeze the clips perhaps and pop off no breaking

 

tacoma bed weighs how much approximately?

 

About 250 pounds Id guess

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBubnYKS8y4

 

its too bad he did not complete the removal!
mine is not that weathered underneath so at least the bolts possibly will come out a bit easier
might have to rent some sort of cherry picker like he said that can just lift it up easily

 

Here is how I did it.
I used ladders on the front side with a board across the.. then I used ratchet straps from the boards to the anchor footman loops in the bed to lift it.
I had a table lift for the back but it was not heavy. Dont forget to disconnect the filler neck!
I drove out from under it.

I the placed cardboard down and flipped it upside down by myself to coat the underside.

 

Great idea buddyl I have an engine hoist that will work for the rear part with the ladder and ratchet strap idea.

 

looks like a good idea, i don't have those ladders, i just have extension ladders that were my dad's outside painting ladders
the limited model must have the nice bucket seats like i have

 

I hung mine from the joists in the garage. Garage is still standing.

 

Following..need to pull my bed off to access my leaky tank

 

this looks like a good and relatively simple idea too, i will have to check the garage to see the setup

did you use some sort of ratchet straps?
is it still hanging in there for pics

 

Engine hoist from Harbor Freight is less than $200 and comes in handy for a ton (or 2 tons for $240) of things.