Hey guys, new to the forums and Rangers, I’m taking on my project with this truck.

i haven’t done a truck before, only cars. So I’ve acquired A sidestep ford ranger truck bed that I plan on putting on my truck. Will it line up and just pluck on? Do I need to modify my bumper to make it fit? I’ve got measurements and now I have doubts. What kind of steps am I looking at it? Lots of questions, and I hope someone can answer them all.

 

I put a '97 Stepside Bed (Steppie), on a 2003 Standard Cab, Short Bed Chassis.
The only problem I ran into is the Spare Tire Lift on my '03 needs a hole in the Bed Frame just under the Tail Gate, which the '97 Bed doesn't have.
So Far my Spare has been in the Bed.
You will need a new filler neck and it would be bad to replace the Bed Bolts, looks for some in the aftermarket, Ford did want a bundle for them !

The rear Bumper on a Styleside is different than the Steppie, the Steppie is narrower, there is an OEM Bumper out there for a Steppie but not sure of availability.
I had a Bumper made for me at an aftermarket Fab House in OK City, OK; heavy steel plate type of bumper.

Also, a note... when you start a posting about part fitment, it is best if you mention what your truck is, and what the replacement part is and where it came from, i.e. what year truck, model, engine where applicable !
Makes the information Highway run a little smoother !

Have a good one, Ltr

 

Awesome! Thanks for helping me out. On a side note also thank you for giving me the scoop on the details I forgot to mention. Does it make a difference if my truck is a 2000 ranger xlt with the 3.0 v6? And do you know of a way I can still use the spare tire holder? I travel with tools a lot and I need the box space

 

The Note was in general, if you are talking about an engine parts then state the obvious, OR add a signature and put your truck info in that.
I think the year is good only to determine if you need the Hole IF you can't use your own eyes, the engine as we said maybe the size of the engine will determine the size of bolts used... WHO KNOWS ! All I was saying IS, the more info about your truck and the truck the other part is coming from... will help these guys make a good decision about any questions you may have.

Spare Tire Holder - Check yours out see if the bed, under the Tailgate, has a hole, then buy accordingly !
If you have a hole look for a hole in the replacement part; if no hole, then you can use either... OR if you need a hole, drill one with a hole saw.

Simple... RIGHT !

Should be a straight forward swap, just get a new filler and hardware for that area AND do some clean up on the frame while the bed id off, check out the rear springs rear Mounts, they rust out first !

Ltr