I have a 97 F-150 XLT Extended cab 4X4 with the tow hooks and fog lights.

I'm looking to get a Harley Davidson lower valance and grille, so I know that I would need a 99+ bumper. The question is, which one do I get? The choices are:

4x2, chrome
4x4, chrome, w/fog lamps, w/tow hooks
4x4, chrome, w/fog lamps, w/o tow hooks
4x4, chrome, w/o fog lamps; w/tow hooks
4x4, chrome, w/o fog lamps; w/o tow hooks
4x4, painted

Would the HD lower valance, work on a 4X4 bumper?

I'm painting the whole truck, so can I get whatever is cheap (chrome or painted), and paint that? I was told that you can't paint chrome. Can you use a chemical etcher or anything to do so?

I'd really like to keep the tow hooks. What are they mounted on? The bumper? The frame? If I chose to get a 99+ bumper with tow hooks, can I use my 97 hooks, or do I need 99+ ones? Will the HD lower valance clear the tow hooks? Or should I get rid of the hooks all together?

If I use the HD lower valance, do I use the bumper with or without fog lamps? Since the fog lights are mounted in the valance, then it wouldn't matter, would it?

Thanks very much.

 

TTT.

-Tahleel

 

The 4x2 and 4x4 bumpers on the 99s and up are the same. What you're looking at is complete bumper assembly (bumper, valance, and top pad). Just order the parts separate. You can paint chrome but you have to have a special metal etching primer. Be a lot easier to get a painted bumper.