Maybe I was wrong, but I thought that I had read that some time ago, but I can't seem to find any info on it.
Found this on the TCCA website, so......... I stand corrected, or educated anyway.
"yes all body parts between 1996 to 1999 are interchangeable but the bumper on the front of the car and the tailights got changed for 98 for the taurus. as for sable they are all the same from 96 to 99 no changes really. the SHO also is the same from 96 to 99."
"as for front clip for a taurus you can use the hood from a 96-99 taurus or SHO
front fenders from any 96-99 car
bumper from any taurus or SHO from 96 to 99 (they will look different depending on SHO or year)
headlights 96-99 taurus or SHO (99's have a black reflector) "