I will be taking my bed off of my truck by summers end to replace a gas tank, fuel filter, replace shocks, and other minor things that will be easier with the bed off. I currently have rust on the wheel wells and one spot in rear quarter, and the supports under the bed are rusted. So, I thought if I could find a rust-free bed, this would be a good time to switch it out, and I'm wondering what model years are compatible. I have a '96 F150 4x4 Eddie Bauer with an 8' bed. I'll be looking at salvage yards and on the internet and want to make sure that whatever I get will fit. TIA!!

 

Any bed from an '87-'97 OBS F series truck will fit and match the body lines, and earlier beds will also fit but won't match the body lines.

There are several companies that bring up clean parts from the southern states, I bought one from this place for about $1k and it was near mint condition. Clarke's Southern Truck Parts :: Our Products > Truck Boxes

A web search for "southern truck parts" will turn up other options as well.