ok so I was wondering if in a 1986 Ranger you can pull the bed to access the fuel pump? I don't feel like dropping the tank because I filled up recently and I'd have to drain it and I thought pulling the bed would just be easier

 

IMO removing the bed is much easier than dropping the tank.

 

I think the way to go is to remove the bed.

 

if you can get the bed bolts out, then by all means pull the bed. i just did mine, 6 bolts, the fuel filler connection, and pull the plug on the wiring for the lights on the box. i didnt even take the cap off. had access to a tractor with a loader and forks on the bucket, couple of boards under the rails and up and off. i didnt want to pull my tank either. this project actually started with replacing the front spring hangers. i had all the bedd bolts out but the rear and had tilted the box back like a dump truck and worked underneath. i must have disturbed the rusty fuel fittings on the sender/pump/pickup assy. had a major fuel leak afterwards.