TCM

Greetings, I need a decent receiver for my 97 Sport that has a skid plate over the gas tank. Not knowing what the factory plate looks like, this one has two bolts on each side. I don't know if that makes a difference on choosing a receiver. I have two questions: 1. does the receiver go under or over the skid plate? 2. there are all kinds of receivers out there. What are your suggestions for a high quality class 3 receiver? Thank you

TCM

Well, although there were 78 looks there were no replies to my questions. Perhaps, the first question about whether the receiver would go under or over the skid plate would be considered stupid, but I came to the realization through years of working on vehicles where the engineering made no sense that asking first can save a lot of time, since not all things on vehicles will appear to make sense. I searched the web looking for an answer to this question and found none. I suspect the receiver goes under the plate, but I have not found one on the web that shows this. So, if any of you know of one that works this way that fits a 1997 Cherokee Sport with a factory skid plate I would appreciate your advise. Thanks.

diskman

Some quick Googling and I found your answer.
http://jeepin.com/features/skidrow_xj_gts


From the factory, the hitch was installed FIRST, then the skidplate.

Any name brand hitch will work for ya. I found a Curt on a late 90s XJ that I installed on my '92. Hauls my utility trailer around just fine.

You are NOT going to be hauling major loads with an XJ, so no need to go crazy on a receiver really.

I have seen them for $150 or less. Id try a junkyard and see if you can find one for cheaper. You also should have the "nutstrips" installed since you already have a skidplate. Double check tho.

Rear bumper will need to be removed to install the nutstrips.