1997 front bumper

[lindstrom2010]

I have a 97 f150 lariat and i was wondering if i can just switch out the bumper, molding, lower valence, and grille to a 99-03 style to update it. Does anyone know if all the brackets and mountings are the same and the the newer parts can sit on the old?

[minimonster17]

i believe the entire front end assembly has to be changed out. you're on the right track!

[cotedog03]

Originally Posted by minimonster17

i believe the entire front end assembly has to be changed out. you're on the right track!

x2, i think the grill, valence, and bumper is a bit smaller than the '99-'03 style.

[Novakman]

I am also wanting to do this, so i cant just bolt on a front valence from a 99 truck. All the brackets need to be changed out or what, has anybody on here tried this?

[f150fella08]

in 99 they changed the front end

go find a 97-98 f150 then a 99-03 the 97 grilles are straight across and the 99-03 are curved at the bottom..so yes you will have to change all the front end parts bumper grille valence everything (thank you for informing me of that built54) lol

[Raptor05121]

correction:

1997 Fords had a straight-bottomed grille, with a circular insert.

1998 Fords had a striaght-bottomed grille, with a trapeziodal insert

1999-2003 Ford had a deeper grille, recessing into the bumper pad with a larger trapezoidal insert.

So yes. 1997-1998 had a bumper, grille, and valence. the 99+ had a grille, top bumper pad, bumper, and bottom valence. plus new mounting brackets. Dunno where to get them. Check the junyard. I would've loved to switch to the 99+ front end (so I could get a HD grille) but already have an upper and lower billet grille plus i painted my bumper. too deep into it to start all over again

[novsun88]

I like the look of the 97-98 bumpers. I'm not a fan of plastic though. The more metal the better.