I put a T-square on it. 8 & 1/4" (2x8+3/4 plywood) would make you have to move back about 1 & 1/2". Sitting on stock tires, the top of the rack is 38 & 1/2" from the ground. Depending on what you are going to carry, that would be a pretty good lift. You would want a tailgate. I went 48" because I used a piece of 1/2" plywood for a top and back. The piece left over was just the right size for a bed bottom. I'm making the sides from 1" square steel tubing. I will fit it to the back to allow for the angle. I'll post some pics when I get it back together. I have it all off coating the wood with bedliner. There is a post I've seen with a very nice wood bed someone made. I would advise waiting until you get the machine to build your bed. That way you can be sure it fits like you want. You could easily strap a plastic bread tray or something like that on for immediate use for your wife to move flowerpots and stuff. If you use Google images and search for Pioneer 500 bed, you can see all kinds of things folks have done to get ideas. I'm having way more fun customizing mine than I would if I just bought the factory accessories. Saving some $$$ too.
