1997 Jeep Wrangler Renegade Lifted, Built, and Trail-Ready Why This Car Is Special The 1997 Jeep Wrangler Renegade sits at an interesting point in Wrangler history. This was the final full model year of the TJ generation’s first run of special editions, and the Renegade was one of the more purposeful packages Jeep offered during that era not a cosmetic trim level, but a nod to the Wrangler’s actual off-road identity. The TJ platform, which launched for 1997, represented a significant step forward from the YJ it replaced. Jeep brought back the round headlights that the YJ had controversially dropped, reestablishing the classic seven-slot grille look that traces back to the original military Willys. More importantly, the TJ introduced coil spring suspension at all four corners, replacing the YJ’s leaf springs. That change transformed the Wrangler’s on-trail articulation and made the TJ platform far more capable straight from the factory and far more responsive to the kind of upgrades this particular Wrangler has received. The 1997 model year was also the TJ’s debut year, which gives this Wrangler a specific appeal to enthusiasts who want the early production feel of a platform that went on to define a generation of off-roading. This example wears its Renegade badging on the hood and carries a green exterior that pairs well with the tan and brown interior a combination Jeep used intentionally to evoke a utilitarian, outdoors-ready character. The modifications on this Wrangler are practical and trail-focused rather than decorative, and the list of hardware tells you this vehicle was built to go somewhere, not just look like it could. Features List – 2.5L Inline-4 Engine – 5-Speed Manual Transmission – Lift Kit Installed – Oversized Mud-Terrain Tires – Aftermarket Fuel Wheels – Front Winch Mounted – Custom Front Bumper – LED Light Bar – Soft Top Convertible – Tan and Brown Leather Interior – Tachometer – Renegade Edition Badging – Rear D-Ring Shackles – Spare Tire Mounted Rear – Power Steering Mechanical Under the hood is the 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine, the base powerplant for the 1997 Jeep Wrangler Renegade. This is a carryover engine from the AMC lineage that Chrysler inherited when it acquired Jeep, and it earned a reputation for being straightforward and durable. With around 120 horsepower and 139 lb-ft of torque in stock form, the 2.5 is not a powerhouse, but it is honest, mechanically simple, and easy to work on. Paired with the 5-speed manual transmission, it keeps the driver engaged and gives direct control over gear selection on the trail which matters when you are picking your way through technical terrain and need precise throttle and clutch management. The manual gearbox also eliminates one more point of complexity in a vehicle that benefits from mechanical simplicity. The lift kit raises the body over the stock ride height, providing the clearance needed to run the oversized mud-terrain tires mounted on aftermarket Fuel wheels. The combination of lift and aggressive tire sizing is what separates a genuinely capable off-roader from one that just looks the part. Mud-terrain tires carry larger tread blocks with wider voids between them, which allows the tire to self-clean in loose dirt, mud, and rock critical when you are far from pavement. The Fuel wheels are a well-regarded aftermarket brand with a strong fitment history on Wranglers, and the black multi-spoke design complements the exterior color without competing with it. Up front, a custom bumper replaces the factory unit and serves as the mounting platform for the front winch. A winch on the front of a Wrangler is not a novelty item it is recovery equipment. When you are alone on a trail and the front axle drops into something unexpected, a winch is the difference between a self-recovery and a long wait for help. The LED light bar mounted at the front provides serious illumination beyond what stock headlights offer, us