Here's the difference. Yours is a LATE 97, which means its almost a 98. In 98 they changed the f150 front bumper to what you have. They other guy has an early 97(after the redesign) so he has an expy bumper.

As for the badges, they didn't put Triton v8 on Lariats for 97/98, just the simple F150.

 

HUH..thats not an expy bumper on the other truck...Its the 4x4 bumper. 1998 lariats also had the triton v8 stickers. I had a 4x4 lariat in 98...Mine was also white/beige.

 

Yeah, its the 4x4 bumper, no difference in the time of production.

My roommate has a '97 4x2 that is just like the 4x2 in the first post, except his is completely tan and an XLT.

 

most expeditions use that bumper... which is why i asked. Thanks a lot for your help guys now i know why mine doesnt have the option... guess you could say im happy with my 4x2... WAY less problems, better gas mileage, and aside from mud bogging, there isnt much i cant do with my 4x2