AFE high tuck 3" cat back on a 1998 TJ?

I ordered one of these and I can't see how its going to fit.  It came with a flanged mid-pipe that bolts to the cat that I assume is for the later model year TJ's.  My '98 has a slip type connection at the cat.  The part number 49-46203 (409SS)for the cat back says it fits 97-06.  Has anyone else ran into this?  TIA  

Well, if it comes with a flange and you don't have a flange, you can always take your Jeep to an exhaust shop and have the flange installed. If you cut the exhaust yourself, assuming it's not a very long drive to the muffler shop you can drive there and back without a muffler. The cat will muffle the exhaust pretty well. Just don't sit idling too long with the top/windows up or the interior can fill with exhaust gasses. Or (it sucks) but return the exhaust system and have a custom one bent up. Honestly, I think the 3-inch system is a bit large for most six-cylinder engines. I'd recommend the 2.5-inch mandrel-bent system.

Some TJs have the cat flange (I think most came from the factory with it) but the factory cats usually develop issues with the catalyst brick disintegrating or becoming dislodged. Most universal replacements don't have the flange so the installer cuts the factory flange off and simply welds it together.  

I think 1998 was the only year TJ's didn't have a flange at the cat/muffler connection.  And I actually didn't realize I ordered the 3" kit until it got here, but after some reading it seems folks aren't having issues with it, and were actually really happy with it, so I was going to keep it.
The flanged mid-pipe slips into the muffler, so I think the intent was to be able to cover all of the 97-06 years with one kit.  I did some measuring, and it will work still using the stock hangers without using the flanged mid-pipe, but the outlet on the stock cat is 2.25" or 2.5" and the inlet on the muffler is 3".  So I have been searching to see what people have done to get it to work with no luck.

I waited for this kit for over a month because it was backordered, so I was anxious to get it installed and I didn't want to have to send it back and wait for something else.  But it's looking like thats what is going to happen.

Any more input would be greatly appreciated!  

Have You tried looking through the Auto Zone inventory?

I found this;

Flowmaster/2 pcs. 3 in. i.d. to 2 1/2 in. i.d.
x 8 in. length 180 degree straight Venturi reducer cone

Part Number: R3025

You could just turn the cone around....

Just My 2cts.

Bone

*** The 3 inch system is just a bit too big for your
vehicle. Bigger isn't always better. The lack of proper
back pressure will be the cause for poor engine performance.
And ultimately it could ruin everything you are trying to
achieve.