New here, just got a 97 TJ

[Moglocker]

Strangely I also purchased a stock 97 TJ with the 2.5L and 5 speed manual, just a day after you did. Also new to the forum although this is my 6th Jeep, 5th Wrangler, but first TJ.

Here’s a pic of mine, seems to be all stock except for the wheels.

Hey,I know that ice cream joint!

 

[Nashvillwill]

Strangely I also purchased a stock 97 TJ with the 2.5L and 5 speed manual, just a day after you did. Also new to the forum although this is my 6th Jeep, 5th Wrangler, but first TJ.

Here’s a pic of mine, seems to be all stock except for the wheels.

Welcome to you as well!
And to the OP!

I’ve also got a flame red ‘97 2.5l manual. It makes for a great trail rig, but keep it light. I’ve found that where heavier rigs might need a locker, the 2.5 can kinda just float over things. Any armor or skids I add are strictly aluminum.

 

[TheBoogieman]

Dam boog,how many jeeps did you own?

20 if you count buying my current Jeep twice (see signature below).

 

[hear]

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.
View attachment 633781

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1998 Jeep TJ changes

• 3.73 ratio rears and Dana 44 Rear

Some 97's came with a 44.

 

[TheBoogieman]

Some 97's came with a 44.

Some even came with 3.55 gears.

• Optional dana 44 with 3.55 gears
• Late Models:
• 3.73 ratio gears and Dana 44 Rear available

 

[lBasket]

Some even came with 3.55 gears.

• Optional dana 44 with 3.55 gears
• Late Models:
• 3.73 ratio gears and Dana 44 Rear available

Mine came with 3.55! I should get a marti report including that making it look rare.

 

[hear]

mine is a 44 with 3.55's (for now!!). Interestingly, my jeep is the lowest numerically geared jeep in our group, and I routinely have the least amount of trouble getting up obstacles even with my open diffs. I'm either a much better driver than my pals (possibly, but seems unlikely) or my ratio results in less tire spin? IDK. Just an observation.

 

[Jgedwardsv]

For headlights, the Toyota kit is a great buy for the money.

https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/toyota-lights-on-your-tj-cheap-quality-led-alternative.52840/

Search the internet Toyota dealers for 81110-60P70.

I just saw one dealer advertising $16.49, but I didn’t look at the shipping cost. Last year I got a set for my TJ for around $30 shipped.

I just called my local Toyota dealership - $23.06 per headlight, they'll be available for me to pick them up tomorrow. Progress continues!

 

[Jgedwardsv]

Strangely I also purchased a stock 97 TJ with the 2.5L and 5 speed manual, just a day after you did. Also new to the forum although this is my 6th Jeep, 5th Wrangler, but first TJ.

Here’s a pic of mine, seems to be all stock except for the wheels.

I like that rig. I wish I had stuck around looking for a red one - my dad had a red CJ7 when I was little.

There was a nice looking red one on the cape, but it was more expensive than the one I bought, further away, and the frame was likely suspect.

 

[Tronner]

I just called my local Toyota dealership - $23.06 per headlight, they'll be available for me to pick them up tomorrow. Progress continues!

It should be a a kit with both headlights in it!

Mine came in today, excellent quality on the parts, will install them tonight after work

 

[Jgedwardsv]

It should be a a kit with both headlights in it!

Mine came in today, excellent quality on the parts, will install them tonight after work

The guy in parts said he wasn’t sure if it was 1 or 2 headlights, so he grabbed 2 of the 15 in the warehouse. If it’s 2 for $23.06 even better! Looking forward to seeing what yours look like installed- I have to wait until the weekend since we have big rain coming tonight and tomorrow.

 

[KennethS]

Yep, that part number is for the kit with 2 headlights, 2 bulbs, the wiring harness, and a bag full of cable ties.

I'd take both of the kits he pulled at that price.

 

[tiltonb]

I picked this up on July 29th.

 

[hear]

People are gonna hate on the kevlar but I love it.

 

[cliffish]

The guy in parts said he wasn’t sure if it was 1 or 2 headlights, so he grabbed 2 of the 15 in the warehouse. If it’s 2 for $23.06 even better! Looking forward to seeing what yours look like installed- I have to wait until the weekend since we have big rain coming tonight and tomorrow.

Oh yeah, the rain came through Long Island today/eve. Very heavy and hard.

 

[Jgedwardsv]

Oh yeah, the rain came through Long Island today/eve. Very heavy and hard.

It was 2 headlights for $24.51 with tax. Cannot beat that deal. Just threw them on, looks so much better.

 

[Jgedwardsv]

Best $24.51 ever spent. They work flawlessly.

 

[KennethS]

It was 2 headlights for $24.51 with tax. Cannot beat that deal. Just threw them on, looks so much better.

What? You didn’t buy both boxes the parts guy pulled for you?? You’re gonna regret that..

 

[Jgedwardsv]

What? You didn’t buy both boxes the parts guy pulled for you?? You’re gonna regret that..

They had 15, I’ll prob go back and get a backup.

 

[Moglocker]

What? You didn’t buy both boxes the parts guy pulled for you?? You’re gonna regret that..

Yep,always might use the backup harness!