Might not be the place to post (I’m new to this) but just recently acquired a ‘97 ranger 4x4 5 speed regular cab long bed planning to be a daily/ runaround truck. and was told it had a crate 4.0 with less than 20k on it, changed the oil today and the filter was for a 3.0 not a 4.0 not sure how to tell the difference. Anyway my main concern is the truck runs and drives great but I did notice a couple small rust holes in the bed before I bought it. (It was pouring rain and that was the only rusty spot on the truck and didn’t want to crawl around in the mud which I should have) anyway upon further inspection after getting the truck home the bed is shot frame looks decent but does have some surface rust.

My main question is I have looked and cannot find a 7ft bed anywhere near me that isn’t in any better shape, the 6 foot beds are a dime a dozen. Would it be a terrible idea to chop the frame behind the cab and find a short bed donor truck (even if 2wd) to also chop the frame behind the cab and weld onto my cab half to keep my drivetrain and 4x4 or would I be better off going the flatbed route or any other ideas on repairing the bed would be appreciated.

The factory bed has the cross braces disintegrating. I do have access and experience with welding and fabrication I have chopped and extended the frames on semis but never shortened.