Hey there. I’ve got a 98 ranger that I love to death, but I passionately dislike the 2 piece headlight and signal light system. Would it be possible to somehow mount the light system from a 97 or something?

 

Hey there!
I've never heard of someone looking to go backwards with a face swap, only forwards. The 01-11 system has the single housing unit you might be looking for (i.e. Signal and High/Low Beam).

That said it's certantly possible. However its more involved than you think. There is a thread on another ranger forum that details the parts you would need. (Front End Swap guide 1998-2000 - Ford Ranger Forum)
The short version is you need a new headlights, mounnting brackets, and a header pannel for the model year you want

A simpler solution is to look into aftermarket headlights that fit your style better, then you can black out the lower signal to make it look like it is missing.

What did you have in mind for the front end?