96 won't swap into a 98, the dash is a different design, might have different mounting points for the dash, possibly things like the headlight switch, climate control panel, etc. not to mention you don't want to pull a hack job on the air bag system.

Call LMC truck and see if it can be done to be sure. They sell all the replacement parts for both styles of 2nd gen.

 

Ya, thay are different, forgot about that. I would guess a lot of the electrical would be different between those years too, so getting everything to work in the new dash would probably be difficult.

 

Just to clear the record, removing and reinstalling a VIN tag on a vehicle is NOT illegal if it is done for a legitimate purpose (i.e. body work, restoration)

 

it is not illegal if you state that the odometer is not correct do to replacement. and that does not constitute tampering. only if you willfully try to miss represent your mileage as long as you state it is not correct your fine