I have a 97 f150 and I want to install a set of Lightning headlight and clear corners. I do understand however that the headlight and corner assembly was changed in mid 97 and was wondering if their was a way to check and see if mine is a early of late 97 by looking under the hood at the brackets that hold in the headlights and corners. Any help is greatly appreciated.


My Truck

 

Look at the sticker in the drivers side door jamb 1st, if your truck was made 6/96 or earlier it will have the old header panel. If you want to check on the lights, there are 2 black metal tabs right behind the lights. Look down the backside of them, if there are no studs coming thru them, you have an old header panel. If you have studs coming thru, then you have the new style.
I had the old panel and stock headlights from a buddy's 2000 went in w/ no problems. When I tried to put my Depo projectors in, no go. They are based on the L style headlights. The corner lights will not fit.
If you have the old header panel and decide to change it, you will also need the following:

2 packages of plastic grommets. Ford part # N811169-S

98 or newer headlight retaining clips (4) Ford part # 3L3Z-13N020-AA

21 - 24 Plastic push rivets (Christmas trees)