1997 Jeep TJ Sport from North America - Comments

My exhaust header cracked at 25000 miles. Dealer replaced (again at 50000 miles) maybe that's why they went back to a cast iron header.

Electrical short at 50000 miles, traced problem to wire routing problem out of the junction box next to air filter box.

Fixed myself, dealer said that they have never had that problem, looked at newer model and again they had changed it.

Plastic topped radiator has leaked since I can remember.

Ripped my spider gears to shreds in my Dana 35 rear differential.

Would find water in passenger floorboard after running air conditioner for a time on humid days, dealer said it was windshield seal, changed it and still had problems. I investigated the problem myself and discovered a very interesting thing, the air conditioner shroud drain runs straight forward through the firewall, the hole is twice the diameter of the drain, the condensation would drain run out and under and back into the cab. I sealed around the drain with RTV, and have not had the problem since. On reflection of what I did I believe the problem would be better addressed by sealing around the drain and adding an elbow to the drain to direct the water down without the possibility of migrating back into the cab.

Also had water that would be in rear floorboard, usually after a hard rain, drove me nuts trying to find that leak. Again the problem was not my top, after months of vacuuming the water out and scratching my head I figured it out, the rear tailgate door jamb is sealed at seams in the bottom corners, found the drivers side to have a hole in the sealant, thus allowing unfathomable amounts of water to seep through. I resealed the jamb and have been leak free ever since.

Top showing a lot of wear, not bad for 5 years and 127000 miles though.

At 126000 miles I had to replace one sway bar link, the old one had worn to the point it was knocking loudly over even small bumps. Not a problem, there are so many people who upgrade the suspension that it is not hard to find an accessory shop that would probably give you the links off of a new Jeep they have worked on.

I love my Jeep Wrangler. I tend to attribute most of my early problems to the fact that 1997 was the first year for the TJ s.

I enjoy taking this vehicle off road and putting the TJ through it's paces.

This Jeep has many miles on it and still feels tight in the steering and suspension.

I would definitely buy another one, although I would opt for the Dana 44 axles for sure.

Have 2002 Sahara, and twice have found water under passenger floor carpet. Have suspected same condition, i.e. water condensation in very humid condition, draining back into compartment, from shroud drain. Really appreciate your effort to find the cure, since local dealer is a bit inept. Have been driving Jeeps since 1969. Am really hooked. Each vehicle has passed the 200,000 mile mark. And I have three other Jeep drivers in the family... sons now out on their own... currently totaling five Jeeps in the family.

I don't know if the original author will read this comment, but, if so, please email me at mmitsch@compuserve.com. I have a 1993 Wrangler and am finding a leak after rain in the driver side floorboard. I repaired some rust from the area and am now chasing the leak. I've ordered a new windshield seal. Do you have any suggestions? Sounds like you've hunted leaks before. Mine is not air conditioned.

Exhaust manifold cracked after about 30000 miles.

Steering box changed after 40000 miles.

Currently having an electrical short problem with the stop lamps. Anyone have/had the same problem? Please email me at baume9@gmail.com - Thanks.

Hi. Just purchased a '97 TJ and it is my first Jeep. Need to get some advice from folks on tires; mine is needing some new ones. As well, can anyone tell me what the two holes underneath the rear carpet (one behind the driver's seat and one behind the passenger seat) are for? I have had some leaking on the driver's side rear, and the hole is the size of a 50 cent piece or bigger and you can see thru to the ground. The one on the passenger side rear is "covered" by the heat shroud from the catalytic converter and doesn't leak even though there is a hole there as well. Just was wondering. Mine has 218000 miles on it and we put almost a thousand miles on it in two weeks. We are having a blast in it. Wish I had known how much fun they are; I would have bought one way before now. Email me at tgsnod@nexband.com if you can help me on the above questions. I appreciate any and all advice.