Removing pickup boxes in 2004

CHASSIS manufacturers have announced guidelines and restrictions regarding removal of pickup boxes for the 2004 model year, according to a technical bulletin published by the National Truck Equipment Association.

By complying with the truck manufacturer's guidelines, distributors can remove the pickup box and install a commercial truck body without having to accept additional certification responsibilities for federal motor vehicle safety standards.

The following are the domestic pickups to which pickup-box removal programs apply.

Dodge will allow pickup-box removal, under prescribed conditions on these 2004 model vehicles:

Model GVWR Engine Max unloaded vehicle weight 2500 HD (regular and Quad Cab) 8,650 lb 5.7-liter V-8 7,500 lb 8,800 lb 5.7-liter V-8 7,500 lb 9,000 lb 5.9-L 24-V diesel 7,650 lb 9,000 lb 5.9-L High Output 7,650 lb 3500 Quad Cab 9,900 lb 5.9-L 24-V diesel 8,000 lb 9,900 lb 5.9-L High Output 8,000 lb

Dodge will allow pickup boxes to be removed on 4×2 and 4×4 models. However, the manufacturer does not recommend removal of pickup boxes from models with dual rear wheels.

Qualifying vehicles cannot be converted for use with dump bodies, aerial devices, cranes, wreckers, ambulance bodies, motor homes, or recovery vehicles.

Ford is allowing pickup box removal on selected Ranger and F-Series trucks. Eligible Rangers are SuperCab models with GVW ratings of 4,600-5,260 pounds. The second-unit body must weigh at least 230 pounds, but it cannot exceed a maximum weight that varies by model.

The model line-up for Super Duty F-Series is as follows:

Cab Model Drive Wheelbase Regular F-250 4×2 137.0 F-250 4×4 137.0 F-350 4×2 137.0 F-350 4×4 137.0 F-350 DRW 4×2 137.0 F-350 DRW 4×4 137.0 Super Cab F-250 4×2 141.8 F-250 4×4 141.8 F-250 4×2 158.0 F-250 4×4 158.0 F-350 4×2 141.8 F-350 4×4 141.8 F-350 4×2 158.0 F-350 4×4 158.0 F-350 DRW 4×2 158.0 F-350 DRW 4×4 158.0 Cab Model Drive Wheelbase Crew Cab F-250 4×2 156.2 F-250 4×4 156.2 F-250 4×2 172.4 F-250 4×4 172.4 F-350 4×2 156.2 F-350 4×4 156.2 F-350 4×2 172.4 F-350 4×4 172.4 F-350 DRW 4×2 172.4 F-350 DRW 4×4 172.4

Chevrolet and GM will allow the pickup boxes to be removed on these trucks in 2004:

Model CAB GVWR WB Max Body Weight C15903 Regular 6,400 lb 133 1,100 lb K15903 Regular 6,400 lb 133 1,100 lb C15753 Extended 6,200 lb 143.5 1,100 lb K15753 Extended 6,400 lb 143.5 1,100 lb C15743HD Crew 8,600 lb 153 1,800 lb K15743HD Crew 8,600 lb 153 1,300 lb C25903 Regular 8,600 lb 133 2,600 lb C25903HD Regular 9,200 lb 133 2,600 lb K25903HD Regular 9,200 lb 133 1,700 lb C25753HD Extended 9,200 lb 143.5 1,800 lb K25753 Extended 8,600 lb 143.5 1,300 lb K25753HD Extended 9,200 lb 143.5 1,300 lb C25743HD Crew 9,200 lb 153 1,800 lb K25743HD Crew 9,200 lb 153 1,300 lb C25953HD Extended 9,200 lb 157.5 2,600 lb K25953HD Extended 9,200 lb 157.5 1,700 lb C25943HD Crew 9,200 lb 167 2,600 lb K25943HD Crew 9,200 lb 167 1,700 lb K35903HD Regular 9,900 lb 133 1,700 lb K35953HD Extended 9,900 lb 157.5 1,700 lb K35943HD Crew 9,900 lb 167.0 1,700 lb

GM has specific limits for the heights of the bodies that will replace the pickup boxes. For most models, only bodies that are less than 62 inches are allowed. They must have a center of gravity that is no more than 14 inches above the frame.

Some models can accommodate bodies that are more than 62 inches in overall height, but the CG cannot exceed 20.3 inches above the frame.

For complete details, including additional guidelines for each model, consult the documents published by the specific truck manufacturer.