Replace Spare Tire Carrier

Well, my wife sprung on me at the last minute that she wants to take my truck on vacation this Saturday.
I never got around to replacing the spare tire carrier and I just have the spare in the bed, but now I want the space.

Is it possible to replace the spare tire carrier without removing the bed?
Anything I should watch out for (besides rust, HA!)?

Thanks,
R

 

The hoist unbolts from the top of the frame. You have just enough room to fit a ratchet with 11mm or 12mm extended socket between the carrier crossmember and the underside of the bed. The square nuts are tack welded to the carrier. I'd spray the entire area with lots of penetrant.

 

https://www.tundras.com/threads/wha...t-gen-tundra-today.2558/page-457#post-1557222