97+ 4.0 Fuel filter

My '99 may need a new fuel filter. It is in the tank, not in line like the earlier XJs. They appear to be dealer only, much $$$$. Has anyone found one for cheap, or how about removing it and putting in a proper inline one?

The filter is on the top of the fuel pump module and is accessible only after lowering the tank. It is not inside the tank itself. The dealer parts book calls it a regulator/filter assy and it runs close to $60 dollars. I have not heard of any aftermarket filters being available as they usually don't have many problems. The fuel lines on the newer XJs are hard plastic and difficult to adapt any sort of inline filter.

Bryan