I tried doing a search but I'm having a hard time confirming it won't fit. Is there a way? A not so expensive way?

I'm simply trying to customize this truck by making it resemble a Lightning without stepping on any L's toes...

Any help/advice is greatly appreciated

 

I believe the Ls have a plastic bumper cover that fits over the 99+ bumper. So you'll probably need to do a 99+ front end swap.

 

Understood..
So front end means bumper and grille assembly...
Is the bumper to frame bracket different as well?

Basically:
Bumper $150-200
grille $100-150
L's bumper cover $350-450

damn....might as well buy a Lightning, right?

 

do a 99+ swap, you need:

2x 99+ front brackets
1x grille shell
1x grille insert (usually comes with shell unless you want something different)
1x bumper
1x bumper top pad
1x bumper valence

As far as what is/isnt needed past that for the bumper cover, im not sure. Have you looked into different valences? This is my 1998 with a 99+ front bumper swap. Everything PTM'ed, 2003 Lightning grille, 2003 STX valence.

 

Looks good ,raptor...might look into doing that...
sorry for my ignorance but what does ptm'ed mean?

 

Lightning bumpers are scarce and expensive. There are several Lightning "look-alike" bumpers on the market thru eBay, etc, that will supply you with the other pieces to install on a non-Lightning truck.

Jim

 

ptm means paint to match

 

Thanks for all your input...
I'm gonna try to practice patience and take one step at a time.
Getting the tranny rebuilt in the meantime....but during this I found a deal I couldn't resist: a set of Roush Mark Martin wheels with some scratches but right now it actually matches the truck , for $300...I posted a pic in my album. Really like them wheels..