What do you think about this - bed swap

[Wageslave]

When the day comes that my rig gets retired from daily driver status, I have always wanted to pull the factory bed off and convert to a drop-side bed from a Kei truck. It has all the advantages of a flat bed with the ability to have bed sides when you need to stack stuff.

The bed widths are actually quite close and you could possibly upgrade to a 6' or 6.5' bed if you were so inclined.

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[Bandit’s Lair]

It would take some work due to mounting stuff but it’s a viable option. I’ve abused the crap out of all the systems on a Kei truck from standard transmission to the bed and they held up pretty good.

 

[JLPeekaboo]

I think the blacked out photo looks better than the all white IMO

 

[berb]

If you decide to go with this, measure the width of your gladiator at the tires. Anyone with aftermarket wheels or bigger tires stick out beyond our fenders. That would eliminate the function of using that as a flat bed with the sides down because they would rub against your tires while moving.

 

[Wageslave]

If you decide to go with this, measure the width of your gladiator at the tires. Anyone with aftermarket wheels or bigger tires stick out beyond our fenders. That would eliminate the function of using that as a flat bed with the sides down because they would rub against your tires while moving.

To make everything line up correctly, I figured that the bed would have to be cut lengthwise and about 4-5 inches would have to be added to get the width even with the cab. I think this would get me to barely clear the stock wheels and tires. If I couldn't make that work, the bed sides will disengage from the bed with a couple of bolts.

 

[Wageslave]

I think the blacked out photo looks better than the all white IMO

I agree as my truck is black, but the white rendering shows details and body lines a lot better.

 

[MaximusTX]

Not sure what the price would be for a KEI truck bed but Rebel Off-Road makes a flat bed with removable sides.

Jeep Gladiator JT Flatbed Tray

 

[Bandit’s Lair]

To make everything line up correctly, I figured that the bed would have to be cut lengthwise and about 4-5 inches would have to be added to get the width even with the cab. I think this would get me to barely clear the stock wheels and tires. If I couldn't make that work, the bed sides will disengage from the bed with a couple of bolts.

They have a “plus” sized version of the Kei truck as well with a bigger bed. I have no idea what they are called but I think that bed would be a better fit.

For a trail vehicle I’d just go with the original Kei bed and delete the sides. Figure out a bolt on option for fenders to keep it legal on road and remove when you air down. The slimmer that rear end is while being able to carry what you need the better.

 

[Wageslave]

They have a “plus” sized version of the Kei truck as well with a bigger bed. I have no idea what they are called but I think that bed would be a better fit.

For a trail vehicle I’d just go with the original Kei bed and delete the sides. Figure out a bolt on option for fenders to keep it legal on road and remove when you air down. The slimmer that rear end is while being able to carry what you need the better.

The factory fenders are little more than trailer fenders that are bolted to the underside of the bed. I have some concerns about having to relieve the bed floor to allow for articulation but that could be done in a weekend if it had to be done.

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