1997 f150 headlights..build date jan. 96
 

..my 1997 was built on 1/96!...kinda strange.. but most of the aftermarket headlights DOES say not for ones built BEFORE 6/97..what's up with that?? What's the difference?? Thanx for any help..looked at a ton of listings and can;t find any that "say" it will fit my 1/96 built 1997 F150 4X4 long bed lariat flare side..it has the 2 piece headlights ( headlight and side marker separate, I believe same as later model f150's and expeditions, 98-03))..I really appreciate any help! anybody know the differences? Thanx.. Forrest

There are a lot of differences.... and the date should say up to 6/96, not 6/97. Those headlights are no longer made - period. I own a 6/96 truck, so I have been down this road.

The ONLY way to get new headlights is to update to the late 1998 header panel. Period. No and, ifs, or buts about it.

Exactly what Whitey said

I may not be reading above right, but would these "pre-owned" lights work? https://www.ebay.com/p/97-Ford-F150-...-96/1711145441

Yes that is a pre-owned light.... right side only, and it will work.... BUT. Any of those you find are 23 years old, so buy at your own risk. Often they are hazy, cracked, leaking.... etc.

On the early trucks, the headlight and marker light are an assembly - not separate like the 98+ trucks are. They APPEAR to be the same, and separate from the outside, but this is one of the many reasons you have to change out the header panel... no mount for the marker. Let me be a little more clear... on the 6/96 and older, the marker mounts to the headlight.... not the panel.

this is 6/96 earlier mounting. Newer are totally different mounting. They don't interchange
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.f15...2d3f18dd65.jpg

Thanx guys... what I noticed is the newer headlight only will fit into the older style housings/panel.. the newer "one piece" (headlight and corner light) probably wont not fit..so I am going to buy just the headlight (my corners are in great condition) and see what happens..after much research it (just headlight) looks like the same same mounting and part #'s..we'll see?..Thanx!.. Forrest.. I just bought this NOS assembly...great deal ( still in factory box!)..my mounting bracket was broken,,this will work for now,, I will also buy a new "98 and newer just headlight" and see if it works.. Thanx again!... https://www.ebay.com/itm/273686138483

Yes.... this is what I was trying to say, LOL. Typing while trying to pay attention in a meeting doesn't always work. Thanks for the pic....

Yeah, the header panel is in 3 pieces, basically.

I own a shop..and am trying help my truck and a customers that has the same..great price on that NOS assembly though ( hopefully no surprises)....I'll let you'all know what happens!

I guess it's nice to see that I can put my old set on Ebay when I update, LOL.