Im looking into getting some new headlights for my 97. Ive been shopping around, and have found a pair that I like, but they say that they will not fit F150s made before 8-97. Is there something different between the early 97s vs. the later ones that would make the headlights different? These are off Ebay also so I am kind of thinking the information isn't accurate but don't want to be surprised if I buy them.

 

The header panel on 97 f150's changed in 6/96. If your truck was made after that, the headlights should fit. If it was made before that, it won't fit and your choices are narrowed quite a bit. Good luck with your search.

 

the way the corners are mounted is different. I had an early 97 and the side marker attached with three screws. The later 97s-03 and 04 heritage attach with one screw. Good luck finding some. I got clear corners from this sites online store.

 

You can also change the header panel to the later style. I did and it wasn't hard at all.

 

I found one store with cheaper priced headlights for your 97, it's headlightswholesale.com.. hoping you'll not have to worry if it'll fit or not with this find.

 

Thanks for all the replies. I hadnt thought of changing the header panel, although that is alot of work just for some different headlights. The guy selling them was nice enough to snap some pics of the rear of the lights so I just need to double check that mine are ok and go from there. Agin, thanks for the information.

By the way, does anyone know of Diamond clears for f150s that dont have those allen screws on the bottom? I like diamond clears alot but dont care for the allen screws, which leaves me lightning headlights as my only option (I dont care for projectors).

 

Has anyone seen them for the 97-03?

 

something like that MIGHT fit the older style header panel too. I had put some factory lights from a 2000 in mine just to see what the difference was. They fit w/ no problem, one of the studs was longer but it just slipped right in. I bought the Lightning style projectors from Depo and they would not fit.