Expert: William Forster - 8/16/2007

Question
Hello. I have a 95 Chevy K1500, 305 TBI, 5 spd. man. trans., extended cab, 6' bed, 248K miles. I need to replace the fuel pump and read where it could be easier to take the bed off than try to drop the tank, especially since I don't have a lift. Could you tell me what is involved in taking the bed off? Thank you.


Answer
Remove the 3 screws holding the fuel filler nozzle to the plastic bezel in the gas door area. Remove the gas cap, and stuff a damp rag in the hole. Remove the front 6 bed bolts, (there may only be 4 front bolts on a short bed) they are located under the vehicle. The rear 4 bolts are accessed through holes in the frame. Now, only loosen the rear 2 about half way. CAREFULLY place a floor jack under the bed, with a piece of 4x4 that's just long enough to reach the bottom of the bed, preferably on a cross member. Now, jack the front of the bed up. Watch your progress, the rear of the bed will eventually come into contact with the top corners of the bumper. See if you can gain enough clearance to access the fuel pump send unit. If not, remove the rear 2 bolts, then the tail gate. Removing the gate wil make taking the bed off easier by reducing weight. To remove the gate, take the straps loose from the body. Then, open the gate to about a 45 degree angle, and lift up the right corner. It will slide out of a slot in the gate pivot. Then, once loose, simply slide out of the left pivot. Bed is now ready for removal. Bill