Rumor: removing the bed on 2004 is a no no
12-08-2003, 11:13 PM
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Rumor: removing the bed on 2004 is a no no
A friend has an 03. He has a service bed and is looking for a small crane to put on it. He went to the local shop that sells and installs all kinds of custom beds. he was told that 2004 and up Dodge can not remove the bed do to it is part of the structure of the frame. Is this true or are these guys crazy? Just something to think about if anyone is wanting to remove their bed on the new trucks.
12-09-2003, 05:37 AM
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Re:Rumor: removing the bed on 2004 is a no no
[quote author=frostie link=board=17;threadid=23484;start=0#msg220602 date=1070946794]
A friend has an 03. He has a service bed and is looking for a small crane to put on it. He went to the local shop that sells and installs all kinds of custom beds. he was told that 2004 and up Dodge can not remove the bed do to it is part of the structure of the frame. Is this true or are these guys crazy? Just something to think about if anyone is wanting to remove their bed on the new trucks.
[/quote]
Sounds like those guys are crazy. There are 3 bolts on each side for the short box and 4 bolts per side for the long box. Here is the procedure from the service manual for removing the cargo box:
CARGO BOX
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect the fuel fill hose and vent hose.
(Refer to 14 - FUEL SYSTEM/FUEL DELIVERY/
FUEL TANK - REMOVAL)
(2) Disconnect the tail lamp wire harness.
(3) Remove the cargo box bolts. (Fig. 2) or (Fig. 3)
(4) Remove the cargo box.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the cargo box and install the bolts.
(2) Tighten the bolts to 108 N·m (80 ft. lbs.).
(3) Connect the fuel fill and vent hoses. (Refer to
14 - FUEL SYSTEM/FUEL DELIVERY/FUEL TANK
- INSTALLATION)
(4) Connect the tail lamp wire harness.
A friend has an 03. He has a service bed and is looking for a small crane to put on it. He went to the local shop that sells and installs all kinds of custom beds. he was told that 2004 and up Dodge can not remove the bed do to it is part of the structure of the frame. Is this true or are these guys crazy? Just something to think about if anyone is wanting to remove their bed on the new trucks.
[/quote]
Sounds like those guys are crazy. There are 3 bolts on each side for the short box and 4 bolts per side for the long box. Here is the procedure from the service manual for removing the cargo box:
CARGO BOX
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect the fuel fill hose and vent hose.
(Refer to 14 - FUEL SYSTEM/FUEL DELIVERY/
FUEL TANK - REMOVAL)
(2) Disconnect the tail lamp wire harness.
(3) Remove the cargo box bolts. (Fig. 2) or (Fig. 3)
(4) Remove the cargo box.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the cargo box and install the bolts.
(2) Tighten the bolts to 108 N·m (80 ft. lbs.).
(3) Connect the fuel fill and vent hoses. (Refer to
14 - FUEL SYSTEM/FUEL DELIVERY/FUEL TANK
- INSTALLATION)
(4) Connect the tail lamp wire harness.
12-09-2003, 06:16 AM
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Re:Rumor: removing the bed on 2004 is a no no
Removal and replacement of the box is one thing. Replacing with an aftermarket bed is another. The 03 wasn't available in a cab/chassis only last year. There were quite a few guys around here complaining about it. Could this be the reason?
12-09-2003, 06:36 AM
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Re:Rumor: removing the bed on 2004 is a no no
I'm not sure why it isn't available from DC like this, but I know it can be done. I have seen one or two 3rd gens for sale on Ebay with aftermarket beds. I have also seen owners selling the original cargo box because they replaced it. A lot of companies are probably still developing applications for our rigs.
12-09-2003, 10:17 AM
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Re:Rumor: removing the bed on 2004 is a no no
When you order an '04 one of the selections is "delete cargo box" and the amount they credit you if you do. Cab and chassis is available in 04. I wonder if the '03 is different in some way?
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12-09-2003, 10:33 AM
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Re:Rumor: removing the bed on 2004 is a no no
Very interesting, It was just a question for discusion. That is funny that there is a cargo box delete option. I will relay the info to my friend.
Thanks
Thanks
12-10-2003, 10:59 PM
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Re:Rumor: removing the bed on 2004 is a no no
You can remove the bed.
The issue with installing a service bed is the same as a hitch.
See posts and the manual about the hydroformed frame and special precautions about it.
You cant just drill mount holes in it anywhere you please. That is the issue. You just have to mount the bed in a way that won't void your frame warranty.
The issue with installing a service bed is the same as a hitch.
See posts and the manual about the hydroformed frame and special precautions about it.
You cant just drill mount holes in it anywhere you please. That is the issue. You just have to mount the bed in a way that won't void your frame warranty.
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12-12-2003, 09:16 AM
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Re:Rumor: removing the bed on 2004 is a no no
"Cab and chassis is available in 04."
Well, not exactly. We can order a "pick-up box delete" on single rear wheel trucks only. Not Dually's. Doesn't make much since. Dodge sent us a bulletin a couple a weeks ago about how they do not want us to remove dually beds and replace them with aftermarket beds. We have been doing a lot of it anyhow, because it is a huge part of our business. I am getting ready to deliver and 04' 3500 with a bessler hay bed on it today.
Well, not exactly. We can order a "pick-up box delete" on single rear wheel trucks only. Not Dually's. Doesn't make much since. Dodge sent us a bulletin a couple a weeks ago about how they do not want us to remove dually beds and replace them with aftermarket beds. We have been doing a lot of it anyhow, because it is a huge part of our business. I am getting ready to deliver and 04' 3500 with a bessler hay bed on it today.
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