'97 vs ''98 TJ headers

[Used-TJ]

Does anyone know why the diference in the routing of the exhaust on the '97 and '98 TJ 4.0L?
Why does the '97 run down and across behind the engine, while the '98 loops back and crosses under the center of the oil pan?
I need to replace the exhaust on my '98, and it looks like one from a '97 would solve a lot of problems. Am I missing something?

 

[NomadJeep]

not sure, but the 97 probably was a continue of the old YJ. Which ran the same direction. Then the 98 changed? Not sure what the diff would be for you? but you would have to adapt into the cat, being it will dump into it closer ( ithink)