The truck I bought as said in my last post has a rough bed, stress crack in one rail, boweevil rust and a dent. I'm wondering if a bed from an 87 to 91 or even 91 to 96 will fit my truck and have a matching bodyline. It appears the bodylines are the same but I could be wrong. I know the taillights are different.

Also I plan on going camping and 4wheeling a lot. I know that I want to use a truck tent because I'm not much for ground camping due to bugs and snakes. Not a ninny by any means but still don't like either. Will a queen size air mattress fit between the wheelwheels?

 

The beds are innerchangeable but the wheel lips are different. Its hard to tell unless you really look.

 

As for the air mattress fitting in the bed, it will fit but the sdes of the air mattress will sit on top of the wheel wells.

 

I'm speaking of the topline the one under the bedrail. The different lip really isn't noticeable I wouldn't think.

 

The top line is the same from what I can remember. Also the newer style beds 87-96 use different tailgate latches. Just use a newer style tailgate or switch latches

 

On the 86 older trucks, the fender flare is flush to a little recessed, whereas the 87 newer have the side flared out . I'm sure it would look fine, just a minor detail, but the body lines look basically the same. I had never noticed the difference until some of the posts here made me look. The tail lights are a bit different too, so make sure you get them with the bed.

 

Here's my buddy's 84 with a 90 bed:


Behind it is my beater F250...

 

Cool, only notice if you're looking for it.

 

Thanks for all the input. That pic link you sent me was very helpful because it looks as if I can still use the bottom chrome stripping. I want to keep the truck's appearance looking original, both chrome body moldings upper and lower. Those moldings also make the white and red look less like an ambulance. he he he