86 lowered short fleet to step questions....

[locab36]

I'm finally gonna get my truck painted. I found a shop that will paint for a reasonable price and I remove everything, bumpers/grille/handles ect.. I really want to have a step side and found a southern bed w/zero rust fairly local. Went to look @ it and its premo shape. I believe its a 81 to 87 series. Don't know how to tell? Has the square taillights.

Question, will I need to drill new holes for the step bed mounting bolts to the frame? I have dual tanks and so does the step bed. The rubbers from the gas pipes to the tanks are gone, Drivers pipe is gone too. Any help from others that have made the swap is helpful.

Question, I lowered the rear w/drop spring hangers and shackels. Will a stepside bed have any issues w/my new spring locations? I had to cut the one crossmember on my fleet side for the shackle travel. I've seen lowered stepsides on here but didn't know if they have been modified.

Thanks

John