Like other pickup trucks, the 1997 GMC pickup came with a bed you can use to move large objects. The truck's bed covers components such as the fuel tank and the rear suspension. If you need to work on these parts, you may need to remove the bed from the truck --- a job you can complete in about 30 minutes with a minimum number of tools and a few assistants to help lift the bed from the truck.
Park the GMC truck on a level surface, and put on the parking brake. Open the tailgate. Unscrew the taillights from the walls of the bed with a Phillips screwdriver.
Pull the taillights out of the walls of the bed, and turn them around so you can see the backside. Unplug the wiring leading to the taillight bulbs, and put the taillights in a safe area. Push the wiring for the taillights down through the bed.
Unplug the wiring to the license plate lights on the rear bumper. Locate the plastic clamps holding the rear taillight wiring in place. Remove the clamps, and disconnect the wires.
Unbolt the bed from the frame using a 3/8-inch ratchet, extension and sockets. The bolts are located just behind the cab, next to the rear axle and above the rear bumper of the truck.
Remove the bolts holding the fuel tank door to the side of the bed using a ratchet and star sockets.
Align sawhorses behind the bed in such a way that you can set the bed on top of them. Pick up the bed with the assistance of three helpers, checking to ensure the gas filler neck doesn't become caught on the side of the bed. Carry the bed to the saw horses, and set it down. Look under the bed to ensure the sawhorses are supporting it properly.
