Difference between the '98 XLT / Sport?

[Brandon96]

I bought brush guard that I was told mounted directly to the frame of a '98 XLT. I had to fabricate some brackets to get it on my '96 XLT as the guard just came up to meet the bottom of the chasis behind the front bumper, holes and everything were lined up, just a smidgin too short.

It fit fine, but I'm curious as to the difference between the frames of the '96 and '98 4 doors, and also, is there a difference between the '98 4door, and sport chasis at the front? Would the brush guard bolt to the Sport if its off a 4door of the same year?

Really curious :scratch:

 

[Dan Whitaker]

The frames are the same. The bumpers changed in '98. I imagine that's why the brackets are different.

 

[Brandon96]

The frames are the same. The bumpers changed in '98. I imagine that's why the brackets are different.

So theoretically, there shouldn't be a way this bolted directly to the frame of a '98? I was told that it did, but when I line it up perfectly with the bumper and headlights on my '96, the top of the mounts on the brush guard just touch the bottom of the frame.

If this fits the '98 4door, should it fit the sport as well?