I purchased a skid for my gas tank from another member on forum, and now am getting around to using, and to my surprise it doesn't fit, i figured all were the same because rustys doesn't give any year break down, mine is 98 xj sport, any suggestions, doesn't seem near large enough.same basic shape, just way too small.

 

I don't know about Rusty's, but Morris 4x4 Center lists two different part numbers:
52001512 for 1984-1996
52100328AA for 1997-2001

...and the parts catalog lists them slightly differently. It shows the 52001512 as working through the 1997 year, and changing to 52100328AA in 1998. I'm not sure which is correct, but in your case I guess that doesn't matter.

Do you know what year the seller's XJ was?

 

I believe he said 97, which would put it just outta reach, i figured 97-01 woulda been the same, but you can't assume with jeeps I guess, thanks for info.

 

Aside from the parts catalog, every source I can find indicates that '97 - '01 are the same. I guess the parts catalog could be wrong. You could double-check the parts numbers at a Jeep dealership.

There's not an OEM part number on it, is there?

I suppose you may have gotten one that was actually a pre-97.
But all is not lost, if you have some modding skills and the right tools. Apparently, you can make a couple of cuts and bend the back out a bit.

The following thread may help:
http://naxja.org/forum/showthread.ph...%20tank%20skid

 

My brother used my 99 on his 97 so im not sure what the problem is.

 

Awesome guys, thanks for thread on cutting, I believe I got a pre 97 skid, I will cut and no problems