Hi all,
I have a 2005 F250 crew cab short bed and I'm looking for a used cap. Currently looking at one for sale on CL from a 2012 short bed crew. Can anyone tell me if it will fit my 2005? Google tells me the inner dimensions are the same for 2007 & older vs. 2008 & newer, but overall length is about 3/4" shorter for the newer bed. Will that prevent me from using a 2012 cap on my 2005? Thanks!

Ben

 

The difference is the shape of the top of the tailgate. '08 and up was available with the step mounted inside the tailgate so the top of the tailgate is wider. If you see it then it will make sense to you. The answer to whether or not it will fit is - not exactly. Whether or not it is something you can live with is up to you, test fit it and check it out if you find a really good deal on one. You will either have a hatch door the doesn't shut all the way or possibly a gap at the front of the bed if you scoot it back enough to get the door shut.
If it was mine, I would test fit it and check to see how I liked it before I passed on a good deal especially if it is the right color and style I like.

 

I have a 2005 cap on my 2012. I had to trim about 3/4" from the bottom of the liftglass frame so it would not hit the tailgate.
The cap itself fit the bed perfect.

 

Thanks for the advice. This cap is a good deal but my truck is dark stone and the cap is grey. If I need to mess around with paint (or live with the wrong color) I'd rather not have to live with it not fitting perfectly too. I think I'll keep looking for an exact fit. Thanks!!!

 

You could upgrade your tailgate to the newer style. That cap would fit perfectly then.

 

But then I'd have to find a cap AND a tailgate of the same color. My wife wouldn't appreciate this idea!

 

But she would like the torsion lift assist spring on the later model tailgate that makes it effortless to close the tailgate.

It's all in how you frame it, you're doing it for her.

 

Eh, she hates driving it, it's too big, and I'm sure she's never dropped the tailgate and doesn't plan to. That's my job I guess