Flareside to fleetside swap?

[98XLT5.0]

First and foremost, let me apologize for my phone. It is the only source I have for internet. As it is classified as a Smart Phone, it's real identity is more like a "special ed" phone. It locks up/boots me off this site after a minute or four... so, searching for topics is a bit of a strain.

I really like my truck, until I see a similar one with a regular fleetside (smooth) bed. Is switching my flareside bed out a feasable option? Thanks in advance!

 

[forzda]

yes you can swap beds . get one that is from the same generation as your truck so the body lines are the same
I replaced the bed on my 96 Mazda B3000 with one from a 99 ranger . the only thing to remember is you will have to replace the gas filler tube as the fleet side is longer than the stepside

 

[98XLT5.0]

Good to know. Will probably be a "bucket-list" type of mod (as in, maybe someday it'll happen), but it wouldn't hurt to shop around for a bed.
Thanks!

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Don't forget the bumper. they are specific to the style of bed.

 

[forzda]

Don't forget the bumper. they are specific to the style of bed.

Thanks for that , totally forgot that

 

[saskbill]

And of course the tailgate must be the same width as the box (fleetside/flairside)

$400 for the truck in the picture? Sweet!

Shouldn't be too hard to finde someone who wants the swap boxes (bumper, tailgate, fuelhose) with you, maybe even throw in a couple $ to sweeten the pot!

Just make sure if you're doing a 2 or 3 man swaparama, to have some HD sawhorses or something to set the box on while off the truck, so you don't mess up the lower boxsides/mudflaps)

 

[don4331]

Box, tailgate, and wiring (which may/may not come with box)...the fleetside wiring being just that trace longer. Difference for bumper must be subtle as I didn't change them (or previous owner swapped before he did the body lift...I thought my fuel filler issue were as a result of body lift and extended them appropriately..)

My son and I 'stood' the one box up on the front (i.e. part normally against cab) on a couple 2x4s while swapping. 2x4s did the dirty work of supporting the one box inverted on ride home.

You need a 6' box, but everything from '93 to '11 is same style as your '98.