would it be possily to somehow modify say a newer hood to fit on a 96 xcr... if so what do you thin would have to be done?

you would need the same bellypan as the hood and it will work

Or else you have mod the hood MUCH!
Get a belly and a hood from a 99-00 xc, xcr
And some goolooking decals.......

Just my 02

ya,you have to change the belly pan.
a friend did it to a 97 rmk.
I prefer the old wedge style,the front bumper is stronger.
maybe if a I would quite hitting things http://www.snowmobileworld-s2.com/forums/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sleepy.gif