Hi all,

The following refers to my 1998 Ranger that has a styleside bed with an OEM painted sure-step bumper. I replaced the previously-painted front end parts with chromed pieces, so I'd like to replace the sure-step with a chrome styleside bumper. That said...

Seems like it should be a simple matter, but I'm confused. I know several threads on a couple of different forums indicate there is NO difference in the brackets needed to install BOTH the styleside and sure-step bumpers, but then there are a couple threads in circulation wherein it's indicated there is a difference. To complicate matters, nowhere online can I find where the installation brackets for both look the same. In fact, most of the online sources for the sure-step bumpers come with CUSTOM mounting brackets, and I have no idea if they're required or simply preferred to OEM brackets.

My question is this: If I remove my sure-step bumper, and leave the mounting brackets attached to the frame, can I replace it with an OEM styleside bumper without modification?

Thanks.