This is related to a prior post by me. I am getting ready to replace the filler hose assembly on my 96 Ranger XLT. As I am going to have to do the job myself I want to just raise the front of the bed enough to gain access to the fuel tank. My plan is to use a 3 ton floor jack and a piece of 2x4 long enough to place between the bed bottom and jack cup. After removing the 4 bed bolts closest to the cab, loosen the two rear bed bolts enough to allow the bed to swing up but keep the bed in place. Once bed is raised enough I will use two jack stands, one on each side, to keep bed in place.

Can I do the job this way without damaging the bumper or rear part of the bed or tailgate? I might add that there is a fiberglass shell on the bed which will add some weight to the job.

Hopefully, someone who has done this job before can answer my concerns.

 

dont drop the tail gate... do as you suggest, then stuff a 2x between the rail and the bed and lower it to rest on the wood while you work.

theres no risk to the bumper, but possibly the tailgate, but stuff a bath towel between the bumper and the tail gate... on one hand leave the tailgate as that adds rigidity, on the other... could be a pinch point... the towel will protect the paint on the gate if you get carried away lol

 

FMD---Thank you for the response. I will be raising the bed in about an hour and see what the issue is going to be. It could be a rotted filler tube, a rotted or broken vapor line from the tank or a bad seal at the pump mount. Won't know until I get there. The new filler tube (most likely problem) is on the UPS truck for delivery today. I will take photos as I go along and post later.