Factory hitch & tank shield

I just bought a factory hitch for my 99 xj and was instaaling it and noticed that the heat shield that guards the tank from the rear exhaust will only line up if i leave it in place and sandwich it between the hitch and the frame how do other people have there setup mounted? I am worried the hitch wont be as sturdy this way

You're doing it exactly right. It'll work just fine.