Bed Swap

[BeefStew42791]

Has anyone ever put a 7' bed on a frame that originally had a 6'? Actually even if you haven't and you just know the answer I'd like to know. Albeit tho I'm just curious so any answer (preferrably without the bs) will suffice.

 

[lil red]

well, they have the same bolt pattern i belive, so it could be done, but why?

 

[BeefStew42791]

well for the simple fact that a 7ft has more room. but also I'm looking to replace my 6ft and I'm finding out that for some reason 7' is a hell of a lot easier to find then a 6'. Its frustrating beyond belief.

 

[srteach]

I believe you will find a different wheel length on the 7 foot bed. This means a different placement of the wheel well, and possible interference in suspension travel.
Measure ALL the dimensions before buying a different size bed.

 

[kunar]

I believe you will find a different wheel length on the 7 foot bed. This means a different placement of the wheel well, and possible interference in suspension travel.
Measure ALL the dimensions before buying a different size bed.

+1, the wheel well wont be in the right spot.

 

[metalmacguyver]

And you wont have enough room between the cab and the rear bumper.

 

[BeefStew42791]

yea, I went out and did some measuring after dinner and if I did that all these things you've said are true. totally not worth it lol

 

[BeefStew42791]

ok..well here's another question (this can't really count as thread jacking cuz it still has to do with the original title lol..plus its my thread so I can jack it when I want)

would a 4th gen bed work with a 3rd gen truck? this includes like tailight sizing and all, like would the 3rd gen tailights work, plus the tailgate? or would I have to get a 4th gen tailgate to do this? my main question though is would all the body lines match up and all? or would people be able to tell how rednecky it is lol. (this of course would be done fenderless) anybody know?

and btw I have tried to do research annnnd I haven't been able to come to a conclusion yet. I wish I could get my hands on diagrams or blue-prints or something..but alas

 

[koda6966]

Tail lights would be different. Not sure about the tailgate or body lines.

 

[exbass94]

The beds from 1993 all the way to 2008 are exactly the same. Even if taillights are different, they are all the same size/shape so just bolt in whichever taillights you want. Tailgates are also the same.

 

[BeefStew42791]

awesome! that is so great, this will be MUCH easier now I'm sure lol. Thanks to both you guys.

 

[metalmacguyver]

2000 or 2001 and up tail lights are different from 99 and down tails in that they use only 2 bulbs instead of 3. Look in the tech library for more info on it. Compleckz did the write up on it.

 

[poplbyit]

92 ranger bed

What do you have to do to replace the bed it's a 6'?

 

[thoughtcriminal]

it would require some fabbing, you would want to extend the frame, otherwise the last foot of the bed would be hanging without support, and there would be nowhere to mount the rear bumper. you would have to have another bed as a donor too. You are going to have to cut new wheel wells. It will look like crap unless you fill the old holes in.

can it be done? yes. but like you said, probably not worth it

 

[BeefStew42791]

yes thanks, its pretty much clear that I'm stuck with a 6ft. I'm more interested now though in finding out if I can sayyyy..use a bed from a 2001 or something and put it on my 94. Buuuut thats already been answered too lol.