Thinking of setting up a Ford F150 truck bed replacement? It may seem like a daunting project, but you can actually do it yourself at home.
Of course, you need the proper method, the right tools, and the instructions to complete this project.
In this article, you will find all of this information to walk you through the procedure.
Plus, you’ll also find other helpful information, such as the estimated time and the average costs of pulling off this project.
So, are you ready to take matters into your own hand and make the repairs your truck needs? Then let’s start!
Contents
When You Should Replace Your Ford F150 Truck Bed
Replacing your Ford F150 truck bed isn’t something you do every day. It requires very specific circumstances to compel you to do it.
These are some of the most common reasons why and when you should start thinking about replacing the truck bed.
Rust
Even when your truck has a bed cover, chances are water still slips through the cracks.
Since most beds are metal, they will likely deal with rust problems before you notice.
Rust isn’t nice, and it affects your truck’s decor, so this would be a good time to replace the bed.
Protection
Whether you bring your cargo for outdoor adventures or work, all the items need protection on the road.
Old and worn-down truck beds can’t provide much protection, as they could have sharp edges that might rip through your cargo.
Installing a new truck bed under these circumstances would be a good idea.
Improvement
Another reason to replace your Ford F150 truck bed is that the current one doesn’t hold to the modern days.
It may look outdated, or it doesn’t have as many features as the newer truck beds.
Additionally, a newer bed could work better with covers to keep your cargo perfectly safe.
What to Consider Before Buying Ford F150 Truck Bed
Knowing how to replace the truck bed is one thing, but do you know how to pick the best one?
During this section, we’ll walk you through the different features to consider.
Keep this information in mind, and you’ll be in a better position to choose a truck bed that adapts to your needs.
1. Size
Modern Ford F-150 truck beds like the 2020 model are available in three sizes. You can find them at 5.5ft, 6.5ft, and 8ft long.
The smallest bed floor is 67.1-inches long and 50.6-inches wide. It offers a total of 52.8-cubic ft. of space for your cargo.
This is the most common and the one we recommend. You can use it for weekend getaways and off-roading adventures.
If you work on a construction site and need to move materials around, you’ll need the larger models.
For example, the medium-sized 6.5ft, which offers 62.3-cubic ft. of space.
On the other hand, the 8ft is 98.6-inches long and provides up to 77.4-cubic ft. of cargo space.
2. Cost
Whether you’re looking for a 2001 Ford F150 truck bed replacement or a newer model, the prices are still a bit high.
Here’s the average cost you may deal with.
Do it Yourself
The cost of replacing a Ford F150 truck bed by yourself starts at $800.
Used truck beds are available at around that price, but you also have to include the tools if you don’t have them.
In either case, this price alone should work as a reference if you plan to install a new truck bed.
If you need the tools, here’s what you can expect. The Ratchet Tie-Downs are around $15.
A good jack stand starts at $100 A DeWalt impact wrench is $176 Set of CRAFTMAN’s screwdrivers at $25
Professional Cost
The cost of replacing a Ford F150 truck bed professionally ranges between $1000 and $2000.
It ultimately depends on the year model, the truck bed’s current condition, and the length.
While it’s a bit expensive, you have to consider the state of the bolts, if there’s rust and the amount of effort required to remove them.
3. Types of Truck Bed
Truck beds come in three different types: standard, Flareside, and drop-side.
Whether you’re working on a 2008 Ford F150 truck bed replacement or a newer model, knowing the type of bed you need goes a long way.
Standard
This bed style is the most common one, with the wheel wells found within the bed.
It usually produces less noise when the truck is going at high speed, and you also get more interior space.
Flareside (Or Step-Style)
These beds come enclosed in three sides, with the body panels found within the wheel wells. The bed’s rear often has a hinged tailgate, too.
This bed style is narrow with a rectangular interior. Primarily, this bed works for cosmetic purposes.
Drop-Side
This bed has a flat tray and a set of hinged panels, which comprise the sides at the rear of the bed.
You can lower the panels separately, with some models allowing you to remove them entirely. As a result, the truck gets even more space for oversized cargo.
4. Time
Removing a truck bed and replacing it with a new one should take 30 and 60 minutes.
Naturally, the estimated time depends on your knowledge about the truck and how to deal with all of the components.
Most of the time goes to removing and securing the bolts back in place.
5. Necessary Tools
Here’s what you need for a Ford F150 truck bed replacement.
- Impact wrench
- Ratchet straps
- Jack stands
You also need to have a proper mechanism to lift and hold the truck bed after removing it.
Here’s what you could use for this task.
- A heavy-lifting engine hoist
- A crane
- A few sturdy lumber pieces
- Some chains
Step By Step Guide of Truck Bed Replacement Ford F150
Replacing the truck bed is a simple task, but you still need the right approach to the project.
First, we’ll take care of the preparations, and only then we will move forward.
Also, make sure to read our tips section to find helpful advice on safety and other tools that you could use.
Step 1: Preparations
Whether you’re working on a 2007 Ford F150 truck bed replacement or a newer model, you have to prepare the truck thoroughly.
While you don’t have to remove the tailgate, you can still do it if it’s in the way.
Then, go to the gas cap and remove the three screws found there.
Check under the truck, and locate the filler neck.
You should find a screw clamp hooked up to the filler neck to keep it from vibrating and moving around.
Remove the screw clamp because the other end, the small steel piece, goes attached to the bed.
Using a jack, raise the truck’s rear and put a jack stand below the sides of the bed.
This way, the frame will rest on the stands, holding the truck up without interfering with the bed.
Also, put two large saw horses near the truck’s bed. They will help you by holding the bed after removing it.
Step 2: Remove The Bed Bolts
This is easily one of the trickiest parts of the project, so be patient and take your time.
If the bolts are too tight, there are a few tricks to get them to come loose.
Go under the bed, and locate the bolts. Once you find them, spray them with lubricant thoroughly.
After you do it, the bolts should come off with more ease.
Step 3: Working The Wiring
If you have a heavy-duty hitch, removing the wiring comes next.
Remove the bumper cover off and lower the spare tire if there’s any.
Then, detach the electrical components.
Unplug the taillights, fuel tank fill-neck, hitches, and any other component found there.
Step 4: Lifting The Bed
Lower the truck to the ground, and have one person on each bed’s corner.
Proceed to lift it straight up and then off the truck.
Place the bed on the sawhorses, and replace the gas cap.
If you have doubts, here’s a good video for visual guidance.
Step 5: Installing The New Truck Bed
With the help of an engine hoist and a team of at least four people, guide the new truck bed onto the truck.
Do it carefully to prevent chipping the cab area or even the truck bed itself.
Then, all you have to do is put the bolts in place.
Secure the gas cap, plug the wiring connectors under the bed, and install the bumper and tailgate if you took them off during the removal.
Watch this video to get a better idea.
Tips To Remove Ford F150 Truck Bed
Safety First
The truck bed is heavy, and you must be extra careful while handling it.
- Ideally, you should have at least three other people helping you lift, but even two should suffice
- Doing it alone is also possible, but you could put yourself in danger
- Wear gloves, eye protection, and other safety gear according to the situation
- Lastly, if you have doubts or problems with the wiring, consider hiring a professional. It’s the more expensive method but the job will be spotless
Securing The Truck Bed
The biggest concern you should have is where to put the truck bed after lifting it.
People have different approaches to this issue, so choose the one that feels better for you.
As suggested here, sawhorses are a good option.
However, you can use a four-pillar scaffold, but this option requires more work.
Another choice would be to use an engine hoist or crane.
It will take care of the heavy work for you, and you don’t need to build a scaffold of your own.
These two methods save time, energy, and some money as well.
Stick To The Guidelines
Though we can provide some general guidelines to install the truck bed, it’s better to stick to the guidelines as much as possible.
When you buy a new one, the instructions included providing insightful details to proceed during each step.
Plus, you will also find the ideal tools that you must use.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s The Length of A Ford F150 Short Bed?
The short bed is the smallest type, and it measures 67.1-inches long and 50.6-inches wide.
It’s a 5.5 ft. bed that provides up to 52.8 cubic feet to store different-sized cargo loads.
Other beds come in larger sizes when compared to this one.
How Can I Know The Truck Bed Size?
You can determine the truck bed’s size by measuring the distance from the bulkhead’s interior to the inside of the tailgate.
Use a tape measure and set the tailgate up.
Afterward, put the tape measure in a way that fits between the bulkhead’s interior and the tailgate’s interior.
Can An F150 Truck Bed Fit on An F350?
At the time, the F150 and F350 trucks shared the same body-style frame, which was pre-Super Duty.
Therefore, an F150 truck bed should fit on an F350.
Still, if you need a 2003 Ford F150 truck bed replacement, we recommend looking for a bed with similar specifications to prevent issues.
How Much Weight Can An F150 Truck Bed Hold?
An F150 truck bed can hold between 1410 and 3250 pounds.
However, the total weight the bed can carry depends on other factors.
You have to consider the trim level, the size of the engine, the drive train, and the length of the bed itself.
Ford also updates the payload capacity of the F150 line every year, so keep that in mind as well.
Why Are Small Truck Beds The Most Popular?
Short truck beds are the most popular because, over the years, cabin compartments have gotten larger.
As a result, truck beds must be smaller in size to compensate for the space required by the cabins.
Why Should You Get A Short Truck Bed?
Short truck beds are usually cheaper, but just slightly.
Plus, beds this size offer pretty much the same advantages as the larger beds.
Of course, the space to load cargo isn’t as wide as the others.
Therefore, you must consider what type of materials you’ll be moving around before getting a truck bed.
Final Say
While pulling off a Ford F150 truck bed replacement requires a lot of effort, the result is highly rewarding.
Whether you replace the bed for more protection, safety, or decoration, it will improve the truck’s overall performance significantly.
We strongly recommend that you consider all the bed sizes available before choosing.
Since you’ll be paying a lot of money, you want a truck bed that adapts to your lifestyle.
Once you find the right truck bed, then it’s time to get to work.
Follow the instructions shared here, and don’t forget to ask for assistance if necessary.