I think I have a 1996...

Well, I know it is a 1996 XJ. I took it to my mechanic yesterday and it turns out that my driveshaft is bent. Ok all well and good, all I have to do is go to the JY and get another from a 1996. I did just that and it didn't fit. I needed one from a 97+. My dash is from a 95 though.

What's up with that?

What kind of end do you have on your Transfer Case? or is it the ujoints not matching at the axle

Make sure it's the same tranny/tranfer case/rearend setup. If you have an auto tranny with a 231 xfer case and a D35 rear, make sure it's all the same on the donor vehicle!

The 95 and 96 dash are the same. The 96 should have the 97-up style driveshaft, and also the later style engine wiring harness, PCU, and the MAP sensor mounted on the throttle body, rather than on the firewall. It's possible the driveshaft was changed during the model year, or perhaps someone did a retro fit.

Does your vehicle have a OBDII plug under the dash? If so, it's a 96, if not it isn't.

Look on the driver's door to see when it was made.....

maybe the rear ds was changed at the same time the 8.25 went from 27 to 29 spline....sometime mid 96