I have a 97 F150 that shows a build date of 4/96 on the door sticker. It is the "new" body style, but I keep seeing refermves to early and late 96 built 1997 F150's. I have just mail ordered (ebay) a bumper, lower valance, and grill (PO was a tree hunter), but when I went to order a new bumper strip-the item is listed as "only for 97's built after 10/96". None of the other parts I have coming had this qualifier....what's the difference, or will I be stuck with an all new front end I won't be able to use??? HELP!!!

 

you will be able to use all of your parts. The only difference I know of on the frt end is the headlights. In July of '96, Ford changed the way the headlights and cornerlights mount. I have noticed that some bumpers have a pad on top and some have a rubber strip that run across the front. Why the difference? I don't know, but you will be able to order either the pad or strip.