I want to remove my tailgate to save weight and build a brace to support the bed walls. Is there a thread with tips on what works etc.?

 

its fine without a tailgate. the tailgate adds no lateral support.

 

Not true. Members have posted that the bedsides will cave with out that support.

Beard or Ty made one once. It just went from the latch on both sides and then two angled bars from the center down to a point under the latches.

 

thats what I noticed today, by the looks of it. I figure it couldn't hurt having something there. Hopefully someone will have a pic or some more details.

 

Over time it will. Might look fine sitting there but once you factor bumps and sway it'll happen.

 

prerunners jump all day no tailgate. unless you cut the bed apart like that one white one.

 

What do you expect to gain by saving 30lbs of weight on a ranger?

 

A mighty fine question. I hope to break the world mileage record for 2.3L rangers one day. After crawling under my truck today, I thinking of selling my entire bed & gate since I rarely need my bed. So if anyone needs a 6ft. bed & gate Im posting it for sale in the classys. Im Wondering how much the bed weights and how difficult it is to remove. Look for my record mileage attempt blog in the future in "general discussion" and feel free to make suggestions.

 

I smell spam.

Want good mileage outta a 2.3? Buy a focus.

 

Double post.

 

most prerunners are also running a bed cage and skinned bedsides....

 

And the ones that dont are probably all bent to sh*t lol

 

I usually don't have my tailgate on all summer...No issues yet, generally put on 7k miles a year with it off and driving on rough ground too.

 

Also, it's been proven that it off for better mileage is a myth. Your causing too much turbulence and getting worse. Closed or a cover is best as it creates an air pocket to deflect airflow.

 

maybe on the highway there might be something to that but when you are in the city (which Im always in) starting from a dead stop all the time. I doesn't take a genius to know accelerating an additional 30lbs. is not helping mileage or your brakes pads. Anyway I think Im getting a scan gauge so maybe Ill run that test.

 

I seem to get the same mileage with or with the tailgate. All highway, no city.

 

That's what I did!

 

so your going to sell your bed, save 250lbs, and how are you covering your tires to keep the truck legal? where are you putting your tail lights?

While your at it you should strip the AC out, the Heater out, The power steering, the clutch fan, go to a smaller gas tank, remove the passenger seat and maybe even the hood/doors?

top gear Botswana edition!






i went into the future and found your truck 2 years from now.