1997 Jeep Wrangler Renegade Custom
$24,997
Year
1997Make
JeepModel
WranglerOdometer
167,866Engine
2.5L Inline-4Fuel Type
gasolineTransmission
manualDrivetrain
4×4VIN / Chassis #
1J4FY29P9VP526568Seller
Skyway ClassicsLocation
Bradenton, FLSeller Stock #
SN3302Title Status
cleanThe 1997 Jeep Wrangler Renegade sits right in the middle of the TJ generation's first year of production, and that timing matters. Jeep introduced the TJ in 1997 after a decade of the YJ, and the most important change was the return of round headlights and, more significantly, the switch from rectangular leaf springs to a coil-spring suspension at all four corners. That coil-link setup gave the TJ meaningfully better articulation than its predecessor right out of the box, and it's a big part of why the TJ became the platform that serious off-road builders chose throughout the late 1990s and 2000s. The Renegade was a Special Edition package offered by Jeep in 1997 that added specific exterior graphics, distinctive badging, and color-coordinated trim elements — it wasn't just a sticker package, it was a factory-designated appearance and equipment group that set this Wrangler apart from a base Sport trim on the showroom floor.
This particular 1997 Jeep Wrangler Renegade has been built well beyond factory specification. The previous owner invested in hardware that costs real money and takes real knowledge to install correctly — Detroit Lockers front and rear, a front winch, a custom steel bumper, and oversized mud-terrain tires. This is not a Jeep that was lifted and dressed up for looks. The Detroit Locker differentials alone signal serious intent. Those are automatic, positive-locking differentials that mechanically lock both axle shafts together under load, which means both wheels on each axle are driven simultaneously when traction is needed. That is a purpose-built trail tool, not a weekend wash-and-show accessory.
Features List
- 2.5L Inline-4 Engine
- 5-Speed Manual Transmission
- Lift Kit Installed
- Oversized Interco Mud-Terrain Tires
- Aftermarket Fuel Wheels
- Front Winch Mounted - Custom Front Bumper
- LED Light Bar
- Soft Top Convertible
- Tan Leather Interior
- Tachometer
- Renegade Edition Badging
- Rear D-Ring Shackles
- Spare Tire Mounted Rear
- Power Steering
- Factory Air Conditioning (ice cold)
- Premium Aftermarket Stereo System
- Detroit Locker Front Differential
Mechanical
Under the hood is Jeep's 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder, backed by a 5-speed manual transmission. The 2.5 is not the 4.0-liter inline six that many TJ buyers gravitate toward, but that's not the liability it might seem. The four-cylinder is lighter over the front axle, and when you're running Detroit Lockers at both ends with a lift and mud-terrain tires, you have already addressed the traction equation through hardware rather than horsepower. The manual gearbox keeps the driver connected to the terrain and allows precise throttle and gear management on technical trails — exactly what this Jeep is set up for.
The mechanical highlights here are the Detroit Lockers installed in both the front and rear differentials. Detroit Locker is one of the oldest and most respected names in locking differential technology. Unlike a limited-slip, a Detroit Locker does not rely on friction or electronics — it mechanically locks the axle shafts together when torque is applied, ensuring both wheels on that axle receive power regardless of surface conditions. Running them front and rear means this Wrangler has full mechanical four-wheel drive grip in the truest sense. On mud, rock, sand, or any surface where one wheel might otherwise spin freely, both wheels dig. That combination is what separates a built Jeep from a stock one, and it's expensive to do properly. Power steering keeps the oversized tires manageable on and off road.
The front winch is mounted on the custom steel bumper and provides a critical recovery tool for remote trail use. A winch is only as useful as the anchor points around it, and the rear D-ring shackles provide exactly that — solid recovery points that can be used with a tree saver strap, another vehicle, or a ground anchor. Factory air conditioning is present and reported to be functioning well, which is worth noting on any 27-year-old Jeep that has seen trail use.
Exterior
The 1997 Jeep Wrangler Renegade wears a deep green exterior that photographs dark and works well with the tan and brown two-tone body cladding that was part of the Renegade package. The factory fender flares, painted in the contrasting color, are intact and complement the lifted stance. The Renegade graphics run along the hood and body sides — these are the correct factory decals for this Special Edition, not reproductions or aftermarket add-ons.
The lift kit raises the ride height enough to clear the oversized mud-terrain tires, which are mounted on aftermarket Fuel wheels finished in black. The Interco tires visible in the photos have an aggressive tread block pattern designed for self-cleaning in loose terrain. A matching spare is mounted on the rear of the vehicle on the factory swing-away carrier. The custom front bumper is finished in a textured coating that matches the body cladding tone, and the LED light bar is mounted low and forward for functional trail illumination without the fragility of lights mounted on a roof rack.
The soft top is tan, consistent with the interior color, and appears to be in presentable condition. The soft top on a TJ is a straightforward design — zip-down rear windows, fold-forward front header — and replacement tops are widely available if a future owner ever wants to refresh it.
Interior
Inside, the 1997 Jeep Wrangler Renegade has a tan and brown interior with leather seating. The door panels are tan, consistent with the Renegade package's interior color scheme, and the overall condition visible in the photos is good for a vehicle of this age and intended use. The tachometer is present, which is the correct gauge for a manual transmission Wrangler and useful for trail driving where managing engine rpm is part of the skill set.
The aftermarket stereo system represents a significant investment — reported at $5,000 — and while audio equipment is a matter of personal preference, a system at that price point typically involves component speakers, an amplifier, and a head unit with modern connectivity. Factory air conditioning is operational and reported to blow cold, which is a genuine convenience on a dark-colored Jeep in Florida heat.
The soft top interior experience in a TJ is open and simple by design. There's no attempt to make it feel like a sedan, and the Renegade package doesn't change that. What it does have is function and durability built into the structure, with recovery gear, lockers, and a winch that mean this is a Jeep you can take somewhere difficult and drive home from.
Conclusion
The 1997 Jeep Wrangler Renegade is a TJ that has been built with purpose rather than appearance as the priority. The Detroit Lockers front and rear, the winch, the custom bumper, the D-ring shackles, and the oversized mud-terrain tires represent a coherent build philosophy — this is a recovery-capable, mechanically locked, trail-ready Wrangler. The Renegade Special Edition badging and graphics are factory correct, and the green exterior with tan and brown two-tone cladding presents well. The 5-speed manual transmission, functional air conditioning, and premium stereo make it livable on the street between trail days. For a buyer who wants a TJ that is already sorted and ready to use, this one has had the expensive work done.
Call Skyway Classics at 941-254-6608 to schedule a time to see this 1997 Jeep Wrangler Renegade in person or to ask any questions about its history and build.
Disclaimer Information found on the website is presented as given to us by the owner of the car, whether on consignment or from the owner we bought it from. Some Photos, materials for videos, descriptions and other information are provided by the consignor/seller and is deemed reliable, but Skyway Classics does not warranty or guarantee this information. Skyway Classics is not responsible for information that may incorrect or a publishing error. The decision to purchase should be based solely on the buyers personal inspection of the vehicle or by a professional inspection service prior to offer or purchase being made.
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