We like to be picky and particular with our workhorse trucks just as much as what others decide to input in their dating “preferences”.
Though sometimes, it’s just not quite working out anymore, and the same thing can go for when it’s time to replace your dilapidated Chevy truck bed with a better one, a relatively common occurrence in our shop.
So we’ll tell you what, we’ll be doing you a favor in this guide by telling you what years of the Chevy truck can interchange beds with each other. It’s a match made in heaven waiting to happen!
What year Chevy truck beds interchange?
All Chevy truck models made between 1988 and 2023/present can interchange their truck beds with each other. This includes the C/K series and Silverado truck models.
However, you still need to consider each Chevy truck generation’s differences in dimensions, bed lengths, and cab configurations.
In general, trucks made by Chevrolet (and even its sister company GMC) tend to share a lot of components with each other, and this includes their truck beds.
This is not a surprise, as these trucks are all assembled and rolled off from the same assembly lines in any of General Motors’ assembly plants in North America.
While it’s been known for a while that all generations of the Chevy Silverado can have interchangeable truck beds with each other, we can actually include the C/K series of trucks made between 1988 to 1998 in this discussion.
As the predecessor to the Silverado, the 4th-generation Chevy C/K (GMT400) possesses the closest truck bed dimensions that can fit later Chevy truck models. We can’t say the same for 1987 and older trucks.
Interchanging Chevy Silverado truck beds between the 1999 and 2023/present model years are a bit more straightforward due to their similarities.
However, there are still some things worth considering when swapping Chevy truck beds from any of the interchangeable model years, such as cab configurations and bolt locations, to name a few.
Thus, let’s take a closer look at how each Chevy truck generation actually physically differs from the others in terms of its truck bed below!
1988 to 1998 (Chevy C/K GMT400)
Chevy trucks made from 1988 to 1998 are part of the 4th-generation “C/K” series of trucks under the GMT400 platform.
Compared to the newer Chevy trucks, the 1988 to 1998 Chevy C/K is referred to as the “old body style” (OBS) model, which meant that it had boxier and more rugged design features than its successors such as the GMT800 in 1999.
During this period, the manufacturer made use of galvanized steel for the Chevy C/K’s body for more resistance to corrosion. It also had a fully-welded frame to add more rigidity and strength to the truck.
Moreover, the 4th-gen Chevy C/K was also the last of the Chevy trucks that only used two simple truck bed sizes, namely the “long bed/box” and the “short bed/box” options.
The short bed size for the 1988 to 1998 Chevy C/K truck measured 6.5 feet, while the long bed option measured 8 feet instead.
The short bed and long bed sizes were both offered for all three cab configurations of the C/K 1500 series. These are the Standard or Regular cab, Extended cab, and Crew cab.
But in addition to these two bed lengths, the 1988 to 1998 Chevy C/K also had three unique bed designs with varying features, namely the Fleetside, Dually, and Sportside beds.
The Fleetside bed design was offered for both the 6.5-foot and 8-foot beds, while the Dually design can only be paired with the longer 8’ bed due to the dimensions of the wider dual-rear-wheel setup.
As for the Sportside, it was only offered for the 6.5-foot short bed, and it also came with a more modern and revised design for its tailgate, tail lights, and bedsides.
Though regardless of the bed design that you choose, both the short bed and long bed options for the 1988 to 1998 Chevy C/K are the narrowest of all the Chevy truck generations listed here.
Chevy C/K truck models from 1988 to 1998 have an outside box width of 69.75 inches for the long bed (8’), which is narrower than the newer Silverado truck generations which all measure 71.5 inches.
It’s also the same story for the Chevy C/K’s short bed (6.5’) version, which has the exact same outside box width measurement of 69.75 inches as its long bed counterpart.
1999 to 2006 (Chevy Silverado GMT800)
Chevy truck models made from 1999 to 2006 were the first to be given the separate “Silverado” nameplate and to be built under the then-new GMT800 platform. Thus, the 1st-gen Chevy Silverado was born.
Some like to refer to the 1st-gen Silverado as the “new body style” (NBS) of the Chevy trucks ever since the manufacturer got rid of the old “C/K” name for the 1999 model year.
The 1st-gen Silverado’s truck bed or “box” is specifically made of all steel for both the double sidewalls and the tailgate, while the rest of the body panels (excluding the roof) incorporates two-sided galvanized steel construction.
Apart from having a more rounded design than the previous Chevy C/K trucks, the 1st-gen Chevy Silverado also revamped its truck bed sizes.
Compared to the earlier Chevy C/K trucks, the 1999 to 2006 Chevy Silverado models are offered in three different truck bed sizes, and these are the “long bed”, “standard bed”, and “short bed”.
The 1st-gen Silverado’s long bed is still in the same 8-foot (69.2-inch) form as that of the Chevy C/K, though the previous “short bed” that measured 6.5 feet (78.7 inches) now becomes the Silverado’s standard bed.
Then we’ve got the actual short bed option for the 1st-gen Silverado, which now has a shorter length of 5.75 feet (69.2 inches).
The Silverado’s 5.75-foot bed length wasn’t offered for the C/K, which means that you will only be able to fit it on a C/K truck frame (made for the 6.5-foot and 8-foot bed) but not the other way around.
While it is possible to fit a long bed on a short-bed truck, it wouldn’t be a simple bolt-on. You’ll also have to make modifications to the frame to extend the wheelbase and prevent the long bed from overhanging, which requires even more work (and money).
Just keep in mind that, as discussed earlier, Silverado truck beds are a bit wider on the outside compared to the narrower C/K truck beds, whether you go for the long bed or the short bed version.
2007 to 2014 (Chevy Silverado GMT900)
The 2007 model year marks the start of the 2nd-gen Silverado in the timeline of the Chevy truck, and there are actually more similarities than differences between this generation’s truck beds and the last.
Now built under the “GMT900” platform, the 2007 to 2014 Chevy Silverado keeps its truck bed options pretty much identical to that of the last generation. These are the 5.75-foot, 6.5-foot, and 8-foot bed options.
All three truck bed options are pairable with the Extended cab configuration, while only the 6.5-foot and 8-foot beds are pairable with the Regular cab. Otherwise, the Crew cab can only be had with a 5.75-foot bed.
Heavy-Duty models (2500HD and 3500HD) of the GMT900 Silverado received a fully-boxed frame made of high-strength steel for more added rigidity.
Despite obviously having a different and more modern design to the last gen, the 2nd-gen Chevy Silverado has the same truck bed dimensions (length and width) as the 1st-gen model.
This means that as long as you keep track of which cab configurations can be paired with which truck bed size, then you’ll be able to interchange 2007 to 2014 Chevy truck beds with 1999 to 2006 truck beds without much issue.
But as with any Chevy truck generation, the most common concern you would have to deal with will be the differences in the wiring harness, tailgate, and taillights between each generation.
2014 to 2019 (Chevy Silverado GMT K2XX)
As the 3rd-gen (GMT K2XX) Chevy Silverado rolled off the factory for the 2014 model year, some changes have been made to the truck’s body to keep the weight down while still maintaining optimum strength and capacity.
All of the truck beds for the 2014 to 2019 Silverado are now constructed out of roll-formed steel, which when compared to other truck manufacturers that still used stamped steel at the time, resulted in a better balance between weight-saving and strength.
The frame of the 2014 to 2019 Silverado still uses a familiar fully-boxed high-strength steel construction found in the last generation. Although this time, Chevrolet made use of hydroforming technology for the frame.
There are also some minute differences to be seen in the way that the truck bed sizes are listed for the 3rd-gen Silverado.
For instance, the previous 6.5-foot Standard bed of the last generation is now listed as 6’6” for the 3rd-gen Silverado, which obviously means exactly the same thing when converted.
However, one change that does yield a slight difference in dimensions can be seen in the short bed option. It was previously listed as “5.75 feet” in the last gen but is now listed at 5’5” for the 3rd-gen model.
When doing the math, 5.75 feet is about 5 feet and 9 inches, so compared to the 5’5” short bed of the 3rd-gen Silverado, that’s a difference of 4 inches from the last generation’s short bed option.
Otherwise, the 3rd-gen Silverado’s long bed option still remains at 8’ as it was with the 2nd-gen Silverado.
2019 to 2023/Present (Chevy Silverado GMT T1XX)
The current generation of the Chevy Silverado, with the designation “GMT T1XX”, was initially released in 2019 with even more changes to its exterior features yet still keeping very similar truck bed dimensions to its predecessors.
To further put the truck on a weight loss diet, the 4th-generation Chevy Silverado’s body has been constructed out of a mix of high-strength steel and aluminum.
The high-strength steel used in the 4th-gen Silverado is a combination of five different grades of the material. In general, almost 64% of the truck’s body is entirely made of “high-technology” steel developed by the manufacturer in-house.
According to Chevrolet, the 4th-gen Silverado’s truck bed alone is made out of High-Strength Low-Alloy (HSLA) Grade 500 steel, which is one of the five steel grades responsible for keeping the weight down while not compromising overall strength.
Other high-tech steels used in the 4th-gen Silverado include ultra-high-strength steel (UHSS), advanced high-strength steel (AHSS), bake-hardenable (BH) steel, and press-hardened steel (PHS).
Truck bed sizes for the 2019 to 2023/present (4th-gen) Chevy Silverado, remain pretty much unchanged for both the long bed and standard bed, which measure 8’ and 6’6”, respectively.
As for the short bed, it’s now listed at 5 feet and 8 inches (5’8”), which is about an inch shorter than that of the 1st and 2nd-gen Silverados at 5.75 feet (5’9”), but 3 inches longer than that of the 3rd-gen Silverado (5’5”).
Chevy Truck Bed Dimensions Comparison
| Chevy Truck Model/Generation(Standard 6’6” Box/Bed) | Length at Floor | Width at Floor | Width at Wheelhouse | Inside Height |
| C/K (GMT400)(1988 to 1998) | 77 inches | 63.63 inches | N/A | N/A |
| Silverado (GMT800)(1999 to 2006) | 77 inches | 64.8 inches | 50 inches | 19.5 inches |
| Silverado(GMT900)(2007 to 2014) | 77 inches | 64.8 inches | 50 inches | 19.5 inches |
| Silverado(GMT K2XX)(2014 to 2019) | 78.9 inches | 64.6 inches | 51 inches | 21.1 inches |
| Silverado(GMT T1XX)(2019 to 2023/Present) | 79.44 inches | 71.4 inches | 50.63 inches | 22.4 inches |
H2: Factors That Determine Bed Interchangeability for Chevy Trucks
When interchanging truck beds between different Chevy trucks, you need to consider the size and dimensions, bolt locations/patterns, bed liners, wheel arches, rear bumper/tailgate, and arrangement of the wiring harness.
Truck Bed Size and Dimensions
One of the first things that should come to mind whenever you want to swap out your Chevy truck bed with another one is the physical dimensions, which means looking at things such as length, width, and height.
We’ve already established that Chevy truck models from 1988 until the present day can interchange their beds with each other, though there’s actually more to it than just simply bolting on any bed on any truck frame within these years.
Firstly, you need to make sure that the bed size you’re putting on can be accommodated by the truck’s original frame.
For instance, putting an 8-foot “long bed” on a frame originally meant for a 5.75-foot “short bed” wouldn’t work as the long bed would overhang at the rear, which is not good from an aesthetic, practical, and structural standpoint.
Not only would it require a lot of work and money to convert a short bed truck to accommodate a long bed, but you also risk affecting the structural balance of the truck, especially when carrying heavy loads.
Another thing to consider is the cab configuration of your truck, as certain cab configurations of specific Chevy truck generations may only be limited to a specific bed size.
Let’s take a look at the 2007 to 2014 Silverado as an example. Its “Extended” cab version can fit the 5.75-foot, 6.5-foot, and 8-foot bed options, while the “Crew” cab can only fit the 5.75-foot short bed.
Bolt Locations/Patterns
Knowing the pattern and location of the bolts on your Chevy truck’s bed is another important consideration, as the replacement bed should have the exact same placement of bolts as the old one.
A donor truck bed with bolt holes that are located differently will not be able to line up right with the truck’s frame, making it impossible for you to properly tighten and secure the new bed in place unless you drill new holes.
In the case of the 1988 to 1998 Chevy C/K, which is based on the GMT400 platform, there are a total of 8 bolts on the truck bed, with 2 located at each corner of the bed being spaced about 8 inches apart from each other.
The four generations of the Chevy Silverado that followed afterward also use a total of 8 bolts for their truck beds. However, the spacing of the bolts may vary between different generations and bed sizes/lengths.
Thus, it’s very important that you measure and match the bolt placement on the truck bed that you want before committing to installing it on your truck.
Truck Bed Liner
Whether it’s a half-ton truck like the Silverado 1500 or even a bigger 3/4-ton truck like the F-250, you’re bound to see what’s called a “bed liner” installed on its truck bed.
Bed liners are used to protect your truck bed from scratches or impacts, and they can come with specific dimensions that match the dimensions of your bed as well.
Most trucks nowadays already come with bed liners on their truck beds, but if the truck bed that you’re looking to replace doesn’t come with one, then make sure you get a liner that’s specifically made for your truck model.
You can either get one off of another truck bed of the same model or you can alternatively purchase an aftermarket bed liner designed for your Chevy truck. This one, for instance, fits the 2014 to 2019 Silverado models with the 6’5” bed option.
Wheel Arches/Grooves
We shouldn’t forget that the truck bed also includes the rear wheel arches (or wheelhouses), so it’s also essential to make sure that your replacement truck bed’s wheel arches can accommodate the wheels on your current truck.
Otherwise, there is a chance that the wheel arches wouldn’t have proper clearance with the tires, resulting in the tires rubbing against them. This is especially true when you’ve fitted bigger tires on your Chevy truck.
Keep in mind that the dimensions of the wheel arches also affect the width of the truck bed at the point where they’re placed.
Certain model years may have a slightly narrower space in between the two wheel arch “bulges” on the bed itself. We recommend checking the truck bed dimensions comparison table above for reference.
Rear Bumper and Tailgate
Moving on to the rearmost part of the truck bed, the design of the rear bumper and tailgate can also be a differentiating factor between Chevy truck models.
If you’re solely buying a truck bed without the rear bumper or tailgate, then you need to make sure that you also pair it with a rear bumper and tailgate design that at least has the same bolt-hole placement as the bed.
Even throughout one Chevy truck generation’s production run, “facelift” models may possess revised designs for both the rear bumper and tailgate. Certain trim levels may also come with special features for their tailgates not present in others.
To give you an example, the 2016 facelift of the 3rd-gen Silverado LTZ trim received updated LED taillights, whereas any of the other trims still had the same incandescent ones as the pre-facelift models.
Truck Bed Wiring Harness
Since a truck bed also houses things such as the taillights and, in some modern trucks, a power tailgate, then you also need to take note of the differences in the wiring harnesses when interchanging truck beds.
The arrangement of the truck bed wirings will generally be different between each Chevy truck generation, and you’ll have a chance to see it for yourself once you’ve at least removed the tail lights from the bed.
Hence, you’ll have an easier time swapping wiring harnesses if you’re also interchanging truck beds from the same generation. This also goes the same for things such as the wires and hoses for the fuel filler assembly.
How to Replace a Chevy Truck Bed
To replace the bed on a Chevy truck, follow the steps below:
- Open the tailgate fully down parallel to the truck bed.
- Remove both left and right tailgate straps.
- Remove the tailgate by lifting it up from the right (passenger) side first.
- Unscrew and disconnect both tail lights from the truck bed. You may need either a flathead or Phillips screwdriver depending on the truck model.
- Disconnect the wiring harness and push it inwards until you can pull it from underneath the bed.
- Unscrew and separate the fuel filler assembly from the bed. Push the assembly inwards for now.
- Remove all 8 bolts on the truck bed floor (older models may have them underneath the truck bed) using a torque wrench.
- Using an automotive shop crane or any suitable hoist, secure the four top corners of the bed to the hoist straps and carefully lift up the bed from the frame. Set it aside for now.
- Clean the truck’s frame of any rust or debris. You can also choose to paint it to restore and preserve it some more.
- Carefully lower the new bed onto the frame while making sure it aligns perfectly with the bolt holes. Tighten each bolt using the torque wrench afterward.
- Reinstall the fuel filler assembly and tailgate. Be sure to also connect the wiring harness for the tail lights.
- Turn on the truck to test the lighting and tailgate functions. You can also drive around to see if there are any rattles or loose bolts.
Conclusion
Chevy truck models from the 1988 C/K series up until the present-day Silverado GMT T1XX can interchange their truck beds at least when it comes to actually lining up the bolts.
But when we take a closer look at the process, there are actually several different factors to consider which range from the dimensions of the bed, cab configurations, and even the design of the tailgate and bumper.
So in order to have a smooth process when interchanging truck beds, it’ll actually be easier if you can get a bed that’s identical to the one you have already.
Otherwise, you’ll have to really familiarize yourself with the physical differences between each Chevy truck model’s beds that we’ve discussed in this guide.
If done right, however, interchanging truck beds that are compatible with one another is still a lot less complicated (and less costly) than converting or modifying your truck’s frame to get an incompatible bed to fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
