Hello! I am looking to buy a jeep tj project and i’ve heard that 97’s are the model that you should NOT buy because the parts are more specific and harder to find. The only problem is that all i find in my price range is 97’s. So i’m asking what you think i should do? Should i rule out 97’s completely? Or are they actually a fine car to work on? Please let me know!
97 TJ vs later models
- Thread starter LucyTempleton
- Start date
So a little background. There was never an official 1996 Jeep Wrangler. They pre released the 1997 TJ in 1995, and the early model 97s manufactured in 95 had a mix of YJ and TJ parts in them. The models manufactured in 1996 were all TJ parts, or so I've read. So the 1997 TJ was sold in 1995 and 1996.
1997 is a fine and tested year for the TJ, so just be sure you're getting a model that was manufactured in 1996.
Vidar
TJ Enthusiast
Many of the parts on the 97 are the same through either 99 or 02, and some are the same throughout. There have also been revisions to parts through the run, but they still work. I have a 97 (granted, mine was manufactured in early 97) and haven’t run into an issue of finding parts for it.
If it’s clean and the underside is rust free, I wouldn’t be afraid of a 97 by any means. Be patient, the right one will come along.
I'm on my 2nd 97 & other than age related scarcity, parts aren't usually a problem
I've noticed that some of the wiring diagrams in the '97 manual don't always line up with what is actually on the Jeep (locations, wire color, etc.) depending on the production date, but it isn't too big of a deal. If it's a clean TJ & meets all your criterion I wouldn't shy away.
Babygools99
TJ Enthusiast
The great thing about this forum is the amount of information everyone's collected. I agree with everyone else above, i wouldn't shy away from it. As far as parts go, whatever problem you have, someone along the line has figured it out, and there are tons of people on this forum that have different manufacturers and models parts on their rig. (Dodge dakota and durango, JK models, ZJ models, ford explorer, almost any 3/4 ton for axles, hyundai tiburon.) The list goes on and on im sure!
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YJ Production ended in December 1995, TJ Production began after about a month of updates to the assembly line in January 1996.
1997 TJs were built from January 1996 until June 1997. No TJs sold by a dealership was built in 1995.
Some late built '95 YJs had some TJ parts, such as the new hood bumpers, TJs did not have any YJ carry over parts that were not intended to continue on the model.
There were both new YJs and TJs on most Jeep dealer lots until the middle of 1996.
The official unveiling of the TJ was on January 2, 1996, at the 1996 Detroit Auto Show, although some leaked spy pics had been circulating, official press pics of prototypes were released on embargo right before Christmas 1995.
Any TJ built in 1995 was a prototype and should have been crushed or kept by Chrysler for historical purposes only.
A 1997 manufactured TJ might even be a bit better than a 1996, but I would not sweat either. They are now a quarter century old, any problems have been sorted.
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"97’s are the model that you should NOT buy because the parts are more specific and harder to find."
That is way overblown. I have had my 97 for 13 years now. The only part I recall I could not find a replacement for was the charcoal canister and there are write ups on the web of another charcoal canister that will swap right in and resolve that issue.
That is way overblown. I have had my 97 for 13 years now. The only part I recall I could not find a replacement for was the charcoal canister and there are write ups on the web of another charcoal canister that will swap right in and resolve that issue.
Tray Burge
TJ Addict
BS, mines a 97 and haven't had any issues finding parts, but then she never breaks down either?
97-98 ac controls are the only part I've run into that is hard to get. Though the later style hvac can be adapted.(yes i know this is a 4 year old thread)
Welcome to the forum. FYI, here is a list of quirks about some of the early 97s. Let us know if you know of others to add.
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You really ought to say "some early 97's" when you link your thread.It doesn't apply to the majority of us with later 97-98's
OK... The TJ I just bought is a non-A/C model so it won't help you. I'll be parting it out as I go and I know those panels are getting harder to find.
You all realize the OP was made in 2020 and they have not been back since April 2021?
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