I'd leave it. But here's my question, how expensive is a replacement valance??? I replaced my factory valance back in 2005 and only paid $95 from Ford. I'm sure the 97-98 valances are less then $100 now... Not to mention you could always score a used one from a scrapyard.
Shhhhhh don't tell me that this gives me a reason to get a custom prerunner bumper made Also are pre runner fenders bolt on?
$40 for a valence at my local junk yard plus if your gonna go for a pre runner look then you better get that long travel first otherwise it'll look fugly