So I'm trying to get a skid for the tank on my 97 XJ on the cheap. I've been told that a ZJ skid will fit but I am having as much luck finding one of those as I am a late model XJ. Only one I have found is a 87 XJ locally for the kind of money I want to pay. I haven't had a chance to go meet up with the guy yet so I am just coming here first for info. Can an older model skid be made to work?

From my understanding...
Pre 96 XJ - Metal tank, shorter and closer to the body, skid is shallower.
97+ XJ - Plastic tank, hangs lower, skid is deeper

But what about the shape? Are they shaped the same? Maybe I can just cut the mounting flanges off the early skit and weld in a spacer to make it deep enough? Give me some wisdom guys.

 

Tried it already. Dosent work. maybe i just suck at fabrication tho. LOL
My friend here said that if you cut the back 3 inches off of the 87 xj one, then it will fit in our 97's. i could never get the 87 one to work. i would suggest finding a ZJ one if possible. they are 15.00 here at the JY. just needs a couple holes drilled. man i am suprised at how girthy the stick gas tank skids are!

 

Just look for a cherokee with the upcountry package. They have metal skid plates on steering arms, t-case, and gas tank

 

'97-'01 XJ's could be had with a steel tank skid. the metal tanks were also avail. thru CryCo as a part/kit (came with the nut strips/bolts).

 

true, but im sure the OP isnt trying to spend 300.00 on one.. same as me

 

Once CryCo announced the XJ was to die, the metal gas tank kits were selling for $15 from dealerships, t-case skids for $25.
At any rate, my point was that '97 up XJ's could be had with a metal tank skid.

Might be worth having your loacal dealership search for a left over tank skid...
I do recall a few guys buying up as many as they could get thier hands on tho... so, possibly none left.

 

Dang, I wish I was around for that ! !

 

I have a metal tank and skid Ill let go for like 100 bucks.

 

I've got a new pump in my plastic tank so I'm just looking for a metal skid to protect it. I work at a dealer and I can get a brand new skid for it still...but for way more money then I want to spend. Still less then a Rusty's but more then I am gonna spend. So we agree that there is no was to make an older one fit? So its XJ or ZJ?

 

A pre96 skid can be made to fit, but it's a pain, even with a plasma cutter.
Cut, beat and weld.
If I had it to do over, I would have bought a custom skid.
Stock tank with hitch removed

Skid before work

Cutting Skid

Cut Skid

Finished

 

i picked up a stock skid like yours from a JY, so PM me some details cuz i noticed it wont fit without some cutting and not sure where to cut with a hitch setup etc.

 

ive seen somewhere at one point of guys lifting the tanks up and into the bed almost... no skid needed!


edit... http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=724888

seems to be very popular and easy! think i may do it now...

 

What class is that hitch of yours? The mopar one for I have one on my 98 and i was wondering what class it is and what is the box on it for too?

 

box protects the plug in...

 

ZJ Skid for your plastic gas tank