1971 4X4 F100 Longbed Choices need advise

[SharkyJ]

I have a 1971 F100 4x4 that I am working on. So far I have added power steering and brakes and a duraspark conversion. Truck has less than 90,000 miles and I am the third owner. The bed has a few areas of bad rust and I have been looking for a bed to replace the original. I have located a longed step side from a bump side f250. I can get the bed at a real good deal. Is there a difference between the style side f100 bed and the f250 other than the obvious external features. Did they make a longbed step side 4 x4? I am thinking really serious about the step side bed, I first thought it would look hideous but it is starting to grow on me .

[Lone Ranger]

Yeah they made 4x4 step sides. Definately more rare. I think they look sweet. As long as it's solid- I don't know but I would think body work would be tougher on them. I could be wrong I've never seen one close.

[hdman90]

Honestly, if you can get the long bed Flareside at a real good deal, I would jump on it. Those beds are quite rare, and even if you don't end up using it, could easily get your money back on it!
Best of luck with your decision and keep us updated!
Post photos when you can!

[Manny]

Definitely if you could go stepside they are very rare. Only seen 1 long step side. As for differences in the beds the most common thing is the bed bolting locations. Run into that more on the 73-79 though. May be speaking out of turn on the bumpside. Just make sure to check the mounting bolts.