98 ranger topper compatibility?

I've got a buddy a few hours away that wants to sell me his A.R.E MX Series topper that goes on his 98' ford ranger. Hes got a 6ft bed that the internet tells me is really 73". I've got a 2018 trd sport long bed and I'm wondering if that topper would fit. Has anyone had any experience with this crossover?

 

Compatibility of canopies on modern trucks doesn't really happen anymore. Even a 2015 Taco canopy won't fit a 2016.

 

And just to expand on that, it's not just length that matters anymore. Bedsides might not match height of tailgate or front of bed, so rear door or front edge wouldn't necessarily fit. Width could be an issue as well. Even the angle of the truck's cab could be an issue, as most canopies are now made to align with the curvature of the rear of the truck's cab/rear window. On 3rd Gen Tacomas, the bed rail is higher than on a 2nd gen, and the tops of the rails are different as well.

 

“Sell” a 26 year old topper? What’s the value on that? Half a pack of skittles?

 

it's the opposite of the old saying
"it's like putting a silk hat on a pig"

When I was in highschool my buddy's dad found an old topper with a Free sign and put it on his long bed (old school real looooong bed) Ford pickup and used some wood to make it fit the width (topper was too narrow) and the bed stuck out another foot or so. It was awesome.

 

I have a 2000 Ford Ranger (same as the '98) with a Leer topper, and a 2021 Tacoma (same as the '18) with a Leer topper. The toppers are not interchangeable. Not even close.