Is the bumper retainer (the thing that the bumper bolts to) the same on a
95-96 max as a 97-99? I know the 95-95 maximas have the different bumper, so do they have different retainers or bracket?

 

What exactly are you referring to? The only retainers I see are the black metal pieces underneath the headlights.

Can you point it out here?

 

yes its the long one on the very top. With the 62042b, 62050a, 62050j on it.

 

They're different, but that doesn't necessarily mean that they aren't interchangeable -

 

What do you mean? explain please, how would they be interchangeable?

 

Part numbers can change either due to complete redesigns, or minor changes.
If it's the former, it may very well not be usable between 'sub-generations'.
If the latter, you might be able to use it with no problem.

Really can't tell without both of them there to test fit.

 

Oh so your saying the partnumbers for that piece on a 95-96 max is different from the part numbers of a 97-99 max? I guess you cant tell without seeing both of them i am just hoping some one has had both of them in front of them to test fit before.