It's funny about the Cobras, when a bunch of us when to the Carlisle All Ford Nationals this year, no matter what the make, everything had cobras, or cobra look alikes. Contours, Focci, T-birds, Mustangs, and then the one Explorer (mine) to complete it all. If I had the cash I would probally go and buy some 18 5 spokes, but non cobra, and probally in white 'cause that woul look badass.
It's interesting what you said about the 3.73 in your 97 Sport 5 speed. I could have also sworn that they all had the 3.27s, but I guess I'm wrong. I put a 3.73 in my white one, but the black one still has the 3.27s (sucks, especially with the 33s)
What is your intended use for the truck anyhow, since that is kind of important when deciding what to do with it. If you check out my site there's two examples of what to do with 97 sports w/ 5speeds (I'm a fan of that model)