I've decided to replace the rusty bed instead of patching it. There's too much material missing where the bed floor meets the front bulkhead and I doubt there's any good metal for welding. In looking at beds, is there an easy way to identify the year of of a Ranger bed if it's just sitting by itself? Is there a reliable place to locate a date stamp? Thanks!

 

No data plate on any beds as far as I know.
But any Ranger bed from 1998 thru 2011 as long as it's the same bed length should be a straight bolt on. Sides as far as matching up with cab lines should be the same.
I think the 1993 thru 1997 also have the same lines.
Since yours is a 2007 I would simply look for as late a model as I could find.

 

+1 ^^^^

Ford Rangers used the same size beds on Regular cab and extended cab, 6ft, 1983 to 2011, so any of those years are interchangeable
Only other bed used that will not interchange is the Long Bed Ranger, 7ft, rear axle on these was 6" farther back so wheel wells won't line up

But yes, as far as width and body lines you want to stay in your generation, 1983-1992, 1993-1999, 1998-2011
1993 to 2011 have the same lines but 1993-1999 have different tail light wiring than 2000 and up, but lens's are interchangeable, so you can swap wiring over

All beds used 6 bolts to hold them to the frame, until 2009 and 4 more bolts were added at the rear, the previous 6 bolt holes still line up, there were just 4 more added between them, so doesn't matter when swapping 6ft beds, just plug extra holes

Step-side beds are narrower so have different tail gates, filler hose length and rear bumper width, but other than that they fit just fine, same tail lights as regular beds

Also the Mazda B-series beds fit, they all have fender flares you may or may not like

 

Thanks for all the useful info! I found a replacement bed in great condition with zero rust (advertised as a 1998-2011 bed). In preparing to replace my rusted bed and clean up the frame, I lowered the spare tire (wheel is also incredibly rusty!). However, I noticed the replacement bed does not have a hole for the spare tire iron - should there be? Did I buy the wrong bed, or is the hole that appears on my original bed actually part of the bumper/frame assembly? Thanks for your patience with a Ranger newbie.

 

Answering my own question here so it can help others. The replacement bed I bought has the same lines as my truck, but has no hole in the back to insert the jack handle for the spare tire hoist. After reviewing Ranger owners manuals on-line, it appears Ford changed spare tire storage (and access) between the 1997 and 1998 model years. So 1997 and earlier beds won't have the access hole. I may have to drill a hole in the replacement bed to create access to the spare tire hoist for my 2007. Thanks for the tip above regarding the differences in tail light wiring harnesses.