I was browsing EBay on headlight housings and whats the difference between 96-mid98 headlight housings and mid98-99 housings?

Hmmm, I don't know. I didn't realize there were any differences. I used to have a '98 SHO and ordered new DOT-approved headlight assemblies off of eBay for it with no problems. They fit great. One of my original headlights looked like it had been sandblasted, the other was in really good shape.

Do you by chance have just one bad headlight? I might be able to make you a deal on an OEM assembly....

-Rod

LOL yeah i need a drivers side assy. my fist kinda went through it while trying to figure out wth was wrong with the motor swap!!!

also doesnt seem as if the trans shifts right like it has no power until it shifts into another gear and i notice that in park and while certian driving styles the O/D light will flash at random...

There is another option other than buying new assemblies. If you search thru the Ford forum here you should find various instructions on restoring the headlight assemblies using light grade sandpaper and polishers. I was able to restore mine to like-new using 600, 1000, & 2000 grade sandpaper(wet sanded) followed by rubbing compund and polishing compound. Worked like a charm. But then mine weren't badly gouged either, just fogged over by road blast and wear.

sounds like a good idea... if i had the lens to buff! lol

I'll check my spare headlights and let you know if the driver's side is the good one.

-Rod

Bummer. My old passenger headlight is like new, but the driver's side is the one that caused me to order a replacement pair. It is a bit pitted. It's not cloudy, just didn't look as good as the rest of the car. It certainly would be better than what you currently have though, so if you're interested in it, let me know. I'll give you a good deal on it, send me a private message.

-Rod