replacing spare tire hoist?

Long story short I was forced to cut down my spare tire and now need to replace the oem hoist so that I can clear up bed space. I have already ordered the oem part as I prefer its location over all the aftermarket ones I have seen. The question I have is how difficult it would be to lift the bed so that I can replace the part as the genius Toyota engineers made it so that the bolts are wedged between the frame and bed. Should I just take it to a shop where I can have it raised with a hoist? Is there a safe and relatively easy way to use a jack to lift the bed ( I have seen it done with a hi-lift jack however I do not have one)? Could a few regular gym going people lift the bed up by hand? I have a 96 with a short bed.

 

I've taken off the beds of older model Toyota trucks, the early 1980's Hiluxes and the bed was easily handled by two guys. I can't see that a first gen truck is much different. Its pretty easy - 6 bolts and some snap together electrical connections for the lights. It might take an hour. Good chance to clean up the frame and get rid of some rust too.

 

^ Thanks a ton that makes me feel much better. I hadn't even thought about rust clean up. Ill pick up some sand paper

 

I heard there was a recall for the spare tire hoist from toyota.

 

there sure is, but im not sure for what years. had my 2003 one replaced under recall

 

I searched and found a tsb but couldn't get the actual information on it other than it involving the "spare tire procedure". does anybody have more info?

 

Easiest way is to call a dealer and give your VIN. they will let you know if its covered or not.

 

I actually finally found a website that would give info without me paying. It is only for 2001-2004 thank you guys for giving me info though