I was told this was a xj gas tank skid. Purchased it awhile back and finally went to install. It seems to be an inch or two short from front to back. I heard it could be a pre 97 and i have a 97 cherokee. If so can it be modified to fit?
Thanks

 

I wouldnt think so, but i could be wrong.
I think i did hear that the skid was different, fwiw. The fuel filter is also different, so it may be a different tank, therefore a different skid.

 

I'm pretty sure they changed the tank design in the 97+.

Try a ZJ skid plate. Takes a little modification, but should fit.

 

Early model = steel tank. Late model = plastic.

 

Yes it can be modified to fit, cut and beat, test fit and weld it back up. I got an early skid on my late model. It saved my tank a couple times. The late model skids are hard to find around my area.

 

The XJ skid plate is super thin and not even worth the install. Try to find a ZJ one, it's much thicker.

 

the zj skid is thicker than xj ? I ll keep my I out for one.

 

Yes, thicker and heavier. You just have to modify the plate a little to make it fit. A little grinding and drilling if I remember correctly.

 

Is it on backwards, or is that how much the -1996 skid has to be cut to fit 1997+

EDIT; I see now that it is mounted correctly and that the rear portion was cut at the corners to allow more room.
Here is my 96 for comparison..

 

My 96's is plastic.

then again its funnny, had to have been one of the very last 96s made according to the build date. Id wager it has the 29spline rearend too

Is the ZJ's that much better though? i have a junkyard i can check tomorrow... or keep trying to get my neighbor's off his parts XJ for free (taking a torch this time)

 

As far as all the research I've found on this forum, as well as NAXJA, the ZJ one is highly preferred.

You must have one of those later 96 XJs with the 97 equipment.

 

If the xj skid is thin this def iant an xj. I was really surprised by thw thickness and how heavy it is. I may do some cutting on it to see if i can get it to work.

 

I can assure you that the skid in your first picture is for an XJ. It is only thin for those that slam and slide the skid on rocks/boulders. For the rest of us it is great protection and helps tie the rear frame-rails together like a crossmember.

 

So all plastic-tanked XJs should have a skid fitted? My recent aquisition is a '99 and lying under the back of it the other day, it struck me that the plastic tank might be a little vulnerable unguarded! The parts book copy I have shows a (5) SHIELD, Fuel Tank PN 52100 338AA for 1999 XJ and also (8) PLATE, Skid with same part number? The SHIELD has a different part number for '97 and '98 so looks like that might be an extra piece that was dropped for '99?

 

Never thought about it. The "skid" plate they use on the '97+ models are junk, the pre '96 skid plates are decent for their job. I've used it a couple times with no issue.