Interesting... That's a carry over from OBDI. The TJ shouldn't have a return and the fuel filter/regulator should be on the top of the tank. I'm wondering how early this '97 was made. Probably a transition so that would put it in mid to late '95 or early '96. I've heard/seen of '95.5's with '97 parts but not a '97 with '95 parts.
If that's the case then I'd just an MPFI YJ pump with the returns. Not to mention, you won't have to screw around swapping the gas level sender unit. Otherwise, run an inline pump and leave your stock one in the tank.
All I have to say is...
UGH!!!! Not the whole fuel pump year question but just that I could not get it to fire.
The previous owner had a jerry rigged relay panel thingy and I have no idea what's the problem.
First sign of trouble was the Mean Green starter wouldn't turn. Opened it up and the copper contacts were black, wet and just ugly.
Cleaned it up and got it back together and it worked great but no fire.
So now I don't know if it's the coil, CPS or what that's causing the problem.
I'm still using the original '90YJ fuel pump but I should be able to get it to fire, right?
later