So I'm in the process of taking of the bed to replace the fuel filler hose but am having some problems, want to see if anyone else has done this and any tips. we've managed to get 4 bolts somewhat loose, however its taking a semi breaker bar to get them loose (my electric impact tool cant even break them). We are trying to soak what part we can get to from the bottom with liquid wrench/pb blaster, loosen up spray it in then tighten down to get it down into the threads then loosen and repeat until we can use the impact tool to get out fully.

First issue we ran into was one of the bolts snapping off ( best guess would be 1.5 inches is still in). I'm assuming best thing will be do drill it out/re-tap or just but the new bolt short and use as much as the thread as possible.

Second issue was one of the clips coming loose and just spinning. My dad (who is helping until I can get a hernia addressed) is thinking that he can get a Dremel in and cut the clip since its clearly cracked?

If anyone else knows any tricks to this let me know.

Also since this is such a pita anything else I should do while the bed is off maintenance wise?

 

Not uncommon for these bolts to be rusted out

You can get a new set with clips and isolators, seen here: https://www.lmctruck.com/1983-11-for...nting-hardware
One set fits all Rangers, 1983 to 2011

The 2 front bolts are longer than the 4 rear

No re-tapping just replace the clips
Cut the heads off as needed, then with bed off cut the clips off

With bed off check the rear leaf spring hangers, front as well, the REAR get very rusty and are much easier to replace with the bed off