ALL:
My 1999 Cherokee (XJ) was built with the 'factory tow package' and also a rear 'factory -skid plate ' over the gas tank. I believe that these are two totally separate items and you can have one without the other. My last three XJ's didn't have the skid plate, and only one of them had a tow hitch which I never used. The tow hitch is nice to have just in case I need it, so that will probably stay, but I really do not do any 'off road' in the true Jeep fashion, so I'm thinking taking the skid plate off (at the very least). Any issues with removing this without affecting the tow hitch? Is it worth anything on Craig's list? Any thoughts?
Please let me know.
ACC

 

You might have to remove the hitch to remove the skid plate, if it is bolted to the unirails as the hitch is. I'm not sure how the factory XJ skid plates are...the ones I've seen seem to go under the tank straps, which I would think means you have to drop the tank to remove it. I have one on my Cherokee from a Grand Cherokee (ZJ) and it bolts to the unirail over the tank.

If you do choose to remove it, I'm sure someone will buy it from you.

 

YOU:

Yes, it's worth something to sell. However it's also a pain to remove. If you live anywhere with rust, removing a factory accessory is going to take hours; and it you want to put the hitch back on there's a good chance you'll need to purchase new hardware as the old stuff will probably disintegrate, snap, or strip.

Average value of a used XJ fuel tank skid: $50-$75

Cost to remove skid and reinstall hitch: $39 for nut strips with bolts + $11 shipping + 2-6 hours of your time.

Unless I had some other reason to pull the hitch off I wouldn't do it. Not worth it. Enjoy the extra piece of mind that being rear ended by a low car is much less likely to cause lethal damage.

 

They fasten just like the ZJ skid, bolted to the frame.

 

All very true. Salad do you have a factory skid? Does it go under the tank straps?

 

I do not, but I've seen them. The only thing secured by the straps is the fuel tank.

 

It's not worth the time or effort to remove it if you don't have to. You are not going to have any positive advantages removing it. You are better off to leave it especially if you have a plastic tank like my 98 does.