Hello,

I just bought my first Ranger to start working on my own vehicle as I've never done it and I've replaced the wheel hub assembly, calipers, brake pads, fuel filter, and fuel pump. I've also paid a lot of money to have the transmission and engine serviced/fixed(4 ball joints)

The truck is almost where I want it, but the truck is pretty rusty overall. My plan was to sand it down and use a bed liner, but there's a decent size hole under the driver side which I can't seem to find a replacement for online. Are there any DIY options that people use? I've searched the forums for truck bed and didn't see much options besides a couple posts which I wanted clarification on. The bed has a bunch of rust holes and I was going to replace it. So far people have been telling me $900-1000 to replace it and do it myself. My truck is a flareside but does that mean I need a flareside? I've read that I do not and can go with a regular 6ft bed but will that look weird?

And will I need to change the gas connection from the side of the bed to the tank or will it be long enough? Can't find many shops around me that will work on the rust and replace holes, so what do most guys do? I'd like to spray bed liner on as much as I can, but I'm a little hesitant. Couple of guys have said to just drive it the way it is, but it only has 144k miles and I'd like to get as much life as I can out of it before the rust takes over.

Thank you,
Ben

 

Welcome to the forum

Ranger only ever had 2 size beds, 6ft found on regular or extended cabs, or 7ft, only found on regular cab "Long Bed Rangers", and 7ft bed required different frame

Flare side was only offered in 6ft beds, so you for sure have 6ft bed
Yes, the mounting to the frame is the same for flareside or styleside so they are interchageable in that regard, the rear bumper is different, narrower on the flareside, and yes the filler hose is shorter on the flare side

1983 to 1992 Ranger bodies were 2" narrower over all
1993 thru 2011 were the same width, so a bed from these years will fit your 2001, flareside or styleside

However the 1993 thru 1999 use different tail light wiring, so I would stick to 2000 and up if possible

The rusting won't stop unless you cut it out, you can slow it down by sealing it but it will continue to rust, and if the cross braces are also rusting out you can't easily replace just the bed section

I would try: https://www.car-part.com/

Use your Zip code
Look for a flareside first, see what's available in your area
Then look for 6ft styleside, you will also need the bumper so factor that in for cost

 

So, it has a lot of rust especially underneath and the general consensus is that I should just leave it. I was reluctant to accept that answer as I wanted to make the truck last as long as possible. I'm not sure how long it will last with the rust but what do I do when it's time to scrap it or part it out or something like that? I think it's just time for me to accept that I won't be able to fix all the rust, but thank you. It doesn't look bad from the outside at all.

 

Hello from Tim on the coast in NJ. I have a Black 2006 Ranger Extended Cab XLT. Got her off the lot. It has a standard 6 foot bed. I would like to replace it with a step-side bed. I"m thinking of using a local body shot. Too much...too old. What do I need to know? What can help me? For iinstance, what years of Ranger (that offered a step-side version) would correctly fit my truck? Can anyone advise me?

 

All years will fit, you'll need the fill pipe for the fuel tank, and the rear bumper, and of course the tailgate..

Your current tail lights and wiring will work on the step-side.

 

Good luck finding a rust free bed in NJ....

 

FB marketplace had a 93 listed with “bad frame, no engine, good body” in Pottstown, PA. It is a step side. The pics he posted look pretty clean. If you’re on the Jersey Shore it may be worth your couple hour drive to check it out.