[SteveJ]

The reddish brown cylinder is a resin core filter which would
be the factory install. Its cleanable and normally would require periodic cleaning every six months under normal use. When I got my M38 in 97 the tank also was full of crud so I pulled it out cleaned and repaired it. I also cleaned the fuel filter,carb and flushed clean fuel through the pump which would be normal for the level of maintenance you are doing. My jeep ran excellent with no fuel glitches since. Last year I changed the fuel gauge sending unit as it was erratic. As I was in there I also replaced the fuel filter with a new one from midwest. Again its still running great.

If you have already cut the line and installed the inline its done. I would still replace or clean the one in the tank then if you ever decide to go back to factory spec its just a matter of replacing the fuel feed line as you know you have a good filter in the tank. The factory install is nice and clean no strange looking add ons. Less fittings less chance of a leak.