Removing pickup boxes in 2004
Nov 1, 2003 12:00 PM
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.
