As some of you may know, the 94(?)-98 factory foglights used a smooth reflector, baffled lens, and an 893-style bulb. The 99-01/02 lights used a faceted reflector, smooth lens, and an 896-style bulb.

My question is: can someone put the newer style housing in a 98 Ram that has the old housings and get away with it?

Of course the bulbs would have to change. The only differences I see with them is that the 893's tail comes straight out and the 896's tail bends a a 90* angle. I highly doubt Dodge would have changed the wiring for this bulb.
The bulbs also have a different orientation; the old style point up, new style, straight out.

I have also noticed that the stock 893 bulbs have a rounded tip, where as current production 893's and 896's have a pointed tip. What gives? Better light output?
Same thing with the different style housings. Is there a different in light output? I know the bulbs are of the same wattage, but I figured that the housing was changed to allow a better light pattern.

Thanks.

 

Yes. The bumper did not change for non-sport models from 1994-2001, which means that the fog light housings are identical (or close enough) in size.

You'll have to probably do a little bit of wiring work, as I'm sure the connectors for the two different bulbs are different. If not, awesome. But if so, its not that hard. Only two wires (hot and ground) to mess with.

According to a few articles on other forums, the 896 is a slightly better/brighter bulb/design, but they do not back it up with any sort of documented or photo evidence. I like the 896 clearer style foglights better, from an aesthetic standpoint, personally.

 

Blast you Dodge.
Looking at the pictures again, the connectors are different.
Thanks Jason.

The light output is the same on both. I'm guessing the difference is in the housing.