I have a 2003 f150 crew cab 5.4 lariat and I'm looking at a 97 rear bumper for $30 and just wanted to make sure it will fit

 

It will only fit if it comes from a 97 Flareside. The bumpers are cut different for the Reg/SCab's. Flaresides and SuperCrews use the same rear bumper. Also, according to the Hollander listings, 97-00 are one number, 01-03 are another number. I've seen a 98 on an 03 and it fit fine. The difference is the upper plastic panels. 97=00 is one piece, where as the 01 up has 2 pieces. They look the same and bolt up the same.