I tried to post this in the correct forum but I don't think enough people go there and I need to come up with some answers soon.

I was recently involved in an accident and I'm trying to put together some parts for the fix that are slightly different from the ones that are on my truck now. I'm looking to use a "Sport" grill, similar to the one on this '99 https://www.f150online.com/galleries...allery1755.jpg from JLords gallery, instead of the one that comes on my '98 STX. If any of you have pics of a '98 "Sport" (4x2 and 4x4) that show the grill could you give a link? I need to have a pic to give to the guy at the shop so that he can get the right one.

I would also like to change the headlights while it's being repaired. I would ideally like to use the '01 and up Lightning headlights. Does anyone know if they would fit, without alteration, in my '98? Also, are the marker lights any different on the '01 and up Lightnings? Any of you Lightning people have the part number for the headlights I'm looking for?

I've tried looking for this information on the net but searches seem to point me in the wrong direction. You folks have been very helpful in the past, I thought that someone would be able to make my search easier.

I appreciate your help!

Thanks!

 

Might be wrong, but you will have to buy alot of stuff to get a 99 grill to fit in a 98 truck. The grill is smaller in the 98's, but i am sure it can be done fairly easy. I think you gotta buy the plastic piece that surrounds the headlights and the grill. I might be wrong though. Hope this helps.

The lights...
https://www.f150online.com/forums/sh...t=grill+change

 

Thank you Invalid_access. That is exactly the info I'm looking for on the lights. It looks like I'll be getting them! Having the part numbers would help immensily!

The deal with the grill is, well I need to replace the whole thing. Not just the grill insert, as you can see from the pics:
https://www.f150online.com/galleries...-111-51182.jpg
https://www.f150online.com/galleries...-111-51183.jpg
I will need to replace the bumper as well, so I could get a '99 bumper and grill but I like the bumper on the '98. So, I am looking for pics of a '98 with the ___________ "sport" grill, thing. I don't know exactly what it's called.

I was looking in the photo gallery for a pic of the part I'm looking for. I saw a few '98 XL's with a similar part but it was chrome around the headlights and gray on the grill. I want it color keyed.

I'm not sure about this but doesn't the 4x2 grill have two pronounced horizontal lines and the 4x4 two pronounced vertical lines. I think I want the 4x4.

Thanks!

 

I have a pic here that you might like to see of my Sport. It is a 2002, but it is the style that you are looking for. I don't know about the L lights though. Also check out the link at the bottom of the page for some more pics

 

For the Lightning headlights, check the classifieds, there is usually a set in there.

 

I'm looking for that same grill. I just don't like the honeycomb I've got, and I don't want chrome or aluminum... I've got a black XLT Sport, and I'm looking for something subtle... anybody got any other ideas maybe...

Sorry, didn't mean to try and steal your post...

 

Thanks for the advise!

Nice Flare Side Paul! That is the style I want but I guess they made a change between '98 and '99. The newer bumper has the dip in the middle and the grill dips down into it. I guess I could go with a newer set up but I like how my '98 bumper and grill go straight across. I'm starting to think that they didn't come out with this design untill '99. I hope some one can clear this up.

Closer9, you haven't stole the post. We are in a similar boat, except mine has crashed. If you have a '99 or newer you shouldn't have any problem finding this set up. I'm not all that fond of the honeycomb grill myself. I have to replace it anyhow so I was hoping that I could find something that I like better. I hope I can find something soon. The shop will want to start ordering parts soon.

I'll check the classifieds for a set of headlights. I know that I'll have to pay for most of them so I should look for a deal.

Anyone else know if this type of grill was used on the pre-'99s?

Thanks!

 

Wittom:This might not help, but if you wanna update your front of your truck to the new style take a look on ebay. Some one is auctioning the housing for a 2001 grill and headlights for a ford lightning. Just type ford lightning at the search on ebay. It might help and it might not.

 

The '01 headlights will work in any 97-03 F-150.

You will need to change out the grill and bumper at the same time. They were changed in '99. So you will need: 99- Grill, 99- Bumper and 99- bumper brackets. Your dealer should be able to hook you up with all the right parts. If they're any good that is.

P.S On my old '97 V6 truck I changed out the front end with a 99 Lightning grill with a white upper and grey plastic lower with the fog light kit.

 

I'm about ready to tell the shop to just put it back the way it was. I can't find much on this "great" internet. I've been trying to find price differences on the different parts but I have not been able to find that info.

I appreaciate the help guys! At this point I'm guessing that Ford didn't start using the "Sport" grill untill '99. It is possible that I could get a '99 bumper and grill set up but I would realy like to comfirm that they didn't use this type on the '97s and '98s.

I'm hopeing that the truck will make it into the shop next week. I really miss driving it!

Oh well. I though I'd give it one last shot befor this thread is history on page 3.

 

I have a brochure from 1998.
They show a Standard which I guess is what the 'Work Model' was called then. Argent grille and front bumper.
(check this out - Argent rear bumper = $85)

Then the XL Chrome grille and front bumper.
(regardless of 4x2 or 4x4)

Then the XLT same Chrome grille and front bumper if a 4X2.
4x4 got honeycomb. And with the XLT there was an STX package :
(Body-color grille, grille surround, bumpers, pwoer mirrors, STX decal, 3.55 rear axle ratio, 275/60R 17 tires, alloy wheels) ($421)

Lariat color-keyed grille regardless of 4x4 or 4x2.

No Sport models in 1998 and you couldn't get the STX on an XL either.

There may have been some 'regional' promotion stuff going on like a "SouthWest Package' or something.

Don't know if that helps but, it looks like the grille you want will need a '99 an up bumper..

 

Thanks Raoul. That's pretty much the comfirmation that I was looking for.

I think that I have decided to just bring the truck back to what it was. I wanted to try a different look with the different grill and headlights but then I was thinking that it wouldn't look as "sleeper". I like the look of a lot of the custom trucks out there but I guess my truck was ment to "look" plain.

I think that I will invest the few dollars I can spend on the truck into performance. It'll still look like a regular pick-up but will pack more punch.

Thanks everyone for helping me out. I was getting all excited thinking that I might have a cool looking truck. In the end I concluded that it's just too complicated to work this all into the repair, being that I don't have a whole lot of spare change to drop into the truck. I'll get to make some improvements. They just won't be seen.

Thanks!

 

Wittom,

Sorry, I just saw this post. Although you have decided against it, if you talk to "Gary" at Fordpartsonline.com, he will find the parts you need and even fax you the part diagrams.