I found a rear bumper w/tire carrier on CL for a pretty good deal. It says its for 84-96 XJs. How different is the mounting on the models before and after 1996? I would love to put it on my 98 but I don't want to have to cut and have new brackets mounted.

 

Im almost 100% sure the mounting brackets and mounting holes are the same.

 

The mounting is the same. The main difference will be the body lines under the tail lights if the bumper is designed to mount flush.

 

Alright, thanks guys. The add made it sound like the mounts were different. Good to know.

 

the corners of the hatch are different, so if there is corner pieces under the tail lights, they may be in the way for the newer hatch to close.
i've seen it where they tried to close their hatch and bent the corners up from hitting the bumper pieces under the tail lights. it's kinda hard to explain. but if you buy this bumper, just be sure to carefully close the hatch and be sure it clears. if not, you may have to break out the grinder.