Hello!

To make a long story short, I've got an 87 MJ that I'm "body-swapping" with my 98 XJ. Conversion is almost complete (fabrication, wiring, drivetrain, accessories), and my last step is fuel. The fuel tanks are XJ/MJ specific, and there is no way to fit the XJ tank without heavy modification. I've considered several options; running an adapter plate for the 98 pump/87 tank (no longer in production), and swapping in a TJ or Dakota tank, but am considering a new option - converting to an in-line pump. This hasn't been done before in the 97+ conversions that I've read up on, and I'm having a hard time finding anyone who's done it (the majority of the replies on the posts I've found are just people telling them not to do it lol).

With all that said, before I drive myself insane and start tearing everything apart, has anyone on here converted their 97+ to an in-line pump and would share their secrets? I'd be forever grateful!

Time and talent aren't issues, so I'll end up doing this regardless - just figured I'd try to save myself some trouble while I wrap up the wiring and ask. I'll post parts/pictures on here or on my Instagram for anyone looking to do the same in the future.

 

I can attest to the TJ tank swap not being nearly as simple straight forward as it may seem... the adapter plate would be interesting though.

Inline pumps will work but they are noisier and also don't seem to last as long

 

I figured there would be extra modification for any tank swap, and have heard good things about both Dakota and TJ tanks. There was a company called Copperhead Fab that used to make the plate. There's been mention of a few other companies that have tried it, but they all seem to have leakage issues.

 

The other kicker to going the tj tank route is the routing for the fuel filler. To my knowledge can't exactly retain the factory filler when putting the tj tank in the spare tire location.

If you plan on having a lift - spring over lift at that you could sneak either steel/plastic xj tank above the rear driveshaft and in front of the X brace under the bed