How many bolts hold these beds on?

[JScott23]

Okay so i'm about to replace the fuel pump in my 97 ECLB 454... never taken one of these beds off, how many bolts hold them on.. i saw 4 main ones but are they bolted at each cross member deals of the bed or do they just get held in place by studs?

I just really don't want to drop the tank, or have to cut a hole in the bed floor.

 

[96k1500]

4 per side

 

[twomanymontes]

Yes, there are 8 total. Each corner has 2 bolts about 8" from each other. Don't forget to disconnect the tail light harness and the ground strap. They don't give you much room to move.

 

[Mschaffer92]

Also dont forget to disconnect the tube from the fuel door as well.

 

[thz71]

You'll also have to pull the hitch to get to the rear most bolts

 

[JScott23]

The hitch is attached to the bumper since it's one of those DMI rear bumpers...

Any chance i can just sawzall some of them off? I'd prefer to replace them anyhow, and i'll be painting the frame and underbody

 

[JScott23]

Wait nevermind i saw them, they are like bumper bolts.. i think i should be able to get them... if not i guess i'll have to drop the tank

 

[thz71]

Your going to destroy alot of sawzall blades cutting stuff that hard those are grade 8

 

[JScott23]

Yeah and then the threads would still be in there... i thought they were nuts and bolts but they are more like bumper bolts, hopefully i'll be able to get them off with the impact. I've got a ceiling hoist at the shop to pull the bed, i'll just have to get out there.

 

[thz71]

I have to go at my bed bolts with a breaker bar