How hard to remove a wood bed and put on a regular short bed?

[OhioGuy36]

I got a good deal on an 04 ram 1500 crewcab 4wd hemi 5.7 for 2000$ it runs great. The only thing is-the guy said the bed was shot so he built a real nice flatbed-like wood bed from pressure treated 2×4's with just 2x6's as side walls. It shockingly looks good and this setup does have some advantages over a typical bed. But for appearance- how hard is it to remove something like this and add a regular 6'3" bed? I was pricing and can get one somewhere between 400-700$ it has 176k miles but runs like a champ. It has a dreaded manifold leak(aka broken stud lol) i havent checked to see if its above the surface or not yet-I hope so! I can live with it for 2000 tho!
Would you all keep the wood bed or switch it out?
Edit: the clearance on rear wheels isnt as close as it looks, its just the picture.


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[BWL]

I'd build some taller sides to add some capacity and cover the back of the cab better up to the bottom of the window. I'd also put in some stake pockets so I could switch to flat deck for the sides and add stake pockets and a panel to the back to close it in. I'd also install some d-rings on the bed for tie downs.

 

[BWL]

Installing a regular bed back on isn't too hard, but you may find yourself missing parts like mounts, filler neck etc so have a good look at one with a bed to determine what's missing and you'll have to rewire the tail lights of course.

 

[OhioGuy36]

Thanks!

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[OhioGuy36]

I was thinking that too if I keep it. Its super well built and good lumber. Should I remove the board by the cab and add another or add on to the one there?

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[crash68]

I'd be half inclined to just pull the sides off and figure out how to lock/bolt down a truck tool box near the cab. Also add some D-ring tie downs for securing items in the bed.
Putting a bed on has its advantages too, you can just throw stuff back there without really having to tie anything down.