New here, just got a 97 TJ
- Thread starter Jgedwardsv
- Start date
KennethS
TJ Addict
Yes, I bought a set and installed them a few months ago. I can't compare to LEDs, but for around $30 they are an excellent buy. They come with H4 glass housings, H4 bulbs (55/65 Watt that can be swapped for higher wattage bulbs - I have 55/100 in mine), and a wiring harness with relays and fuses that plugs into your existing headlight connector so the load is removed from the headlight switch, and they run straight off the battery via the relays. You can't go wrong for $30 shipped to your door!
TJRick
TJ Enthusiast
I have always maintained that the best years of the TJ was 1997 - 1999.
How did you arrive to the conclusion that 1997 was the single best year?
It's the year Jeep he owns.
Don't '97s have a few one-year-only parts? If so, that's enough for me to say no thanks.
It's the year Jeep he owns.
Don't '97s have a few one-year-only parts? If so, that's enough for me to say no thanks.
Depends on if it was an early build date robbing the yj scrap bin. Most 97-98's are the same. Both of mine are.
IMHO 97s and 98s have a single cat, better quality wiring harness, simplier EVAP system and less stuff. No known PCM issues. No complicated multifunction switch.
Yes the two year only HVAC control panel is a downside.
-Mac
Yes the two year only HVAC control panel is a downside.
-Mac
TJRick
TJ Enthusiast
I have a 1998 model. That is why I wondered why you think the 1997 model is better than all the rest.
I would avoid any model TJ that had the multi-function switch.
But I would say the [mechanical] 1997/1998 HVAC control panel is an upside.
It's my vague notion that it was 1995 built models with the prototype parts? The 1996 built 97's I've seen had no odd stuff.
I've never seen the transition 97s
Mine is a 01/96 build and has some weird things in the wiring compared to later build dates. My understanding is the 01-03/96 built rigs had some parts of the wiring that is different than the FSM shows.
And yes I verified this when building the V-8 swap harness. As already said there are some 97 only parts.
KennethS
TJ Addict
You could spend $30 and have a set on hand, just in case the knockoffs fail at some point in the future.
My 98-99' Jeeps had one cat, I never bought a 97' because of their "left over quirks" that all new models inherit. Never bought an 07' 2WD JK either. WTF was that about? A 2WD wrangler option.
How the Hell would the Florida Jeeps ever make it through @Zorba's rock mountains in 2WD? 
My only notes about the timing of these quirks appear in the first few bullet-points of that list. Someone (maybe you?) reminded me to change the title to "Early 97s", since those quirks are certainly not true of all 97s.
That's why I bought a real 1996 Jeep with all of the problems of TJs and YJs.
p.s. All 1997 TJs have oddities that were corrected by 1998 and never used again.
1998 Jeep TJ changes- Chrylser becomes Daimler/Chrylser
- Chili Pepper Red Pearlcoat
- Deep Amethyst Pearlcoat
- Smart Key Immobilizer replaces previous Lock/Unlock keyfob system.
- Cruise control Available
- Ez-Entry Driver’s seat now available
- Revised torsion bar for improved steering response
- Revised steering gear ratio that varies from 15:1 on centre to 13:1 at the extremes of travel for more responsive steering
- New steering wheel
- Next generation airbags
- Revised stereo range
- Hood latch changes
- 3.73 ratio rears and Dana 44 Rear
- New engine management system wiring
- Dual Tops Option
- Added pads to front bumper — front license plate moved to the center of the bumper
- 30″ tire package came with the “Gambler” style wheels (15×8)
- Changed hood vents from 3 vents to 1
Last edited:
Zyk
New Member
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