Im looking to buy some new headlights for my 97 f150 which according to the data plate was made in 5/96. When I was shopping around one place only had one style of headlight for the pre 7/96 trucks, but several other styles for the later trucks, can anyone tell me what the difference is between the two headlights and if the later years will fit my truck with a little modification. Because im not too crazy about the wild euro look, i just want a modern looking clear headlight.

 

The main difference is that their is a holding plate behind your headlights that retain them to the header panel. You have two options:

A.) Keep searching around until you find a style headlight that matches the pre 7/96 header panel,

-OR-

B.) Go to a junkyard or someplace and pull a header panel off a 98+ year and you can buy whatever lights you want!

 

I too have a pre or early 97. To made the switch. You need a new header panel 98-03 will work. Then you need new headlights & holding clips 2 per light. New corners they bolt in by them selfs. On the Header panel there are 4 little plastic pieces that line up the headlights. The corners will need 3 screws per side. All most od all, you need the time to do the change over. If I remember it took me about 2 hours.Its not hard , you just need to remember where everything goes.
Lariat#1