Here is a picture of the shift housing comparing the 97-98 to the 1999 model. In 1999 Ford moved the shift tower back 55mm. About 2 inches. You might rap your knuckles on the dash shifting into the odd numbered gears but the shifter will bolt onto the transmission.
I took a torch and bent mine to suit my shifting preferences. The one in the picture is 3 inches lower than a stock lever because I have a 3 inch body lift. I cut the square Hurst boot and put in in the factory floor bezel.
Here is a pic, with the knob removed, of the bend I put in it so It would not be over my cup holders in 2nd 4th and reverse.
.