Bed interchangeability

[Black2000Ranger]

Hey guys, long time no post.

The bed on my truck is well, shot. I originally considered buying fiberglass panels and just fixing the outer shells, then I realized that the first 8 inches or so coming from the cab is completely gone. So gone that one mount isn't there anymore, so the bed literally jumps up and down when I am cruising on the highway, unless I put sandbags on the front corner, which slows the jumping down a little.
Anyway I found a guy who has a stepside bed from a 97 that is in perfect condition. My question is does anyone know if this will just drop and mount to my year truck? Also my truck bed is either a 6 or a 7 foot bed, so does that mean that the chassis is too long for the smaller stepside bed? (if my current one is a 7 foot)
Whats a fair price to ask for this? I've seen it on craigslist for about 6 months, every week now, asking $550. I was thinking considering the amount of time its been for sale that $350, and I pick up is a fair deal; seems how I have to paint, drive 90 miles, etc.

Thanks guys
Scott

My truck is a 2000 ford ranger 4x4.

 

[Snal]

Most rangers are short beds but yours just might be a long bed but from my personal experiences the long bed seems to be pretty rare. Assuming that you have the standard 6ft bed then yes the bed will fit. you will need a new rear bumper because the step sides have a skinnier bumper and you may need a different fuel hose but your current set up might work as well. I'm sure someone will answer what I couldn't

 

[Black2000Ranger]

I will measure it today to be sure. Thanks for your reply man!

 

[metman4ever]

you will need the flareside bumper for sure. i wasnt able to find one in decent shape while i was hitting the salvage yards so i picked up a new one. be warned they are over $400 for a chrome bumper. I picked my box up for $350 so it sounds good to me.

 

[mp3deviant721]

Your generation Ranger didn't come with too many long beds. If it is a short bed and you want a stepside, you will need a bumper and I'd get the filler neck just to be safe, some people have needed them, some haven't.

 

[exbass94]

Is your truck an extended cab or regular cab? Extended cab automatically means you have a short bed. Regular cab can be either short or long bed. Be sure to get the tailgate for the step side bed as well, they're different.

 

[Black2000Ranger]

Alright. My tailgate is pretty much shot too. I took my measurements and it measures like 6'2 so I'm assuming is a 6foot.
Exbass- Its a regular cab.