99-02 vs 96-98 Rear bumper part #'s

[T4R2014]

About to place an order on Ebay for a new chrome rear bumper. I keep on seeing that they put 96-98 center pieces and 99-02 pieces as if they are separate part numbers. I've looked at the exploded parts diagrams and they appear to be the same center piece. If I order the 99-02 piece on eBay there is around a $20 price difference. May not sound like a lot but I'm on a budget. Can anyone tell me if there are any differences that will prevent me from bolting the 99-02 center piece to 96-98 brackets?

Same goes for side pieces, will they bolt up to 96-98 brackets?

 

[ChildrenOfBodom]

96-98 center brackets are shorter, that's the only difference I've seen.

I had a whole rear bumper from a 97 on my 4Runner for almost 2 years, bolted right up.

 

[T4R2014]

96-98 center brackets are shorter, that's the only difference I've seen.

I had a whole rear bumper from a 97 on my 4Runner for almost 2 years, bolted right up.

Were you using the 97 brackets as well? Why Toyota uses different part numbers for the rear bumpers will remain a mystery...

 

[ChildrenOfBodom]

Were you using the 97 brackets as well? Why Toyota uses different part numbers for the rear bumpers will remain a mystery...

There's mounting for both brackets on my 99. I would imagine that 98 and before may not have what it takes to mount the 99 style bracket, but I don't know for sure. I had both style brackets and they worked.