How to Remove Bed Rails From a 1997 Dodge Dakota

Bed rails on the 1997 Dodge Dakota truck bed provide an area to tie down cargo and protect the vehicle's bed from damage, such as scratches and dings that may occur from cargo sliding around in the truck bed. Aftermarket bed rails can be installed that are not only sturdier and stronger than the original equipment, but also add style to the overall aesthetics of the vehicle. Replacing your vehicle's current bed rails to upgrade them can be easily done in little time.

• 1

  Locate the black body bolts on the underside of the bed rails on the inside of the Dodge Dakota's truck bed--the cargo area behind the cab of the truck.

• 2

  Remove the black body bolts that hold the cargo rail system on the driver's side to the pickup bed with the correct-sized socket wrench. Remove the cargo rail system.

• 3

  Pull on the rails to release the body fasteners then remove the cargo rail and bed caps all together.

• 4

  Repeat the above steps for the passenger's side of the pickup bed.