Ok im new here and got my 1996 jeep xj a few days ago and fliped it. One of the things im going to have to replace is a bumpers and im thinking about getting an aftermarket bumper. The one i want is a 1997 so other than the fenders is the a diffrence like the bolt patterns

 

I would say the fenders, end caps, and flares are the major differences.

Thats major enough.

To make it look right, everything would need to be exchanged forward of the windshield. Probably some rewiring and bolt hole modification too.

 

If you mean its a after market bumper for 97+ it will fit you'll just have to cut the fenders under the turnsignals to get it to fit.

 

If it was my Jeep I wouldn't chop it up like that. I'd find a nice bumper made for '96 and earlier.

But its not my Jeep.