Dash Design: 97 & 98 vs All Other Years

SSTJ

SSTJ

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Anyone know of anything about the 97 and 98 dash that makes it different (in any way) from the dash of other early year TJs? I know there were changes between 02 and 03 (like the stereo, etc.), but I'm interested in any changes between 98 and 99.

For instance, when did the pull-out headlight switch change to the blinker stalk? Edit: Nope, that was later.

Edit: Or what about the part of the frame that has to be trimmed away when installing pods in the dash speakers? Did that change in the early years?
 
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Only change I know of is AC control panel going from sliders to knobs starting at 99. The multi function switch change happened between ‘00 and ‘01 (‘01 had the new one and also a new style 5-pin flasher relay vs the older 4-pin). This also changed the fog light switch style/location since the ‘01 MFS incorporated the fog light switch into it.
 
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My ‘97 ignition switch requires that a separate button behind the switch be pushed in order to remove the key. Not sure when that feature was changed.
 
KuppaT said:
My ‘97 ignition switch requires that a separate button behind the switch be pushed in order to remove the key. Not sure when that feature was changed.
Click to expand...

My 97 does not have that, and at least one other 97 i've driven didn't either. Mine is a March 97, the other was a (I believe) March 96. Both were Lapis Blue, so maybe it was a color-specific thing. ;)

The headlight pullout is present on both 2000's I've had, but I've obviously not driven every 2000.

I thought the HVAC control changed in 98, meaning that 98's had the dials but I'm sure there are counterexamples to that. (interestingly the screw placement used to hold the HVAC control changed from 2002 to 2006)
 
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What about the part of the dash frame that has to be trimmed away when installing pods in the dash speakers? Did that change in the early years?
 
SSTJ said:
What about the part of the dash frame that has to be trimmed away when installing pods in the dash speakers? Did that change in the early years?
Click to expand...

It may have changed 00-01 when they offered the "7 speaker" sound system. Not sure on that though.
 
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SSTJ said:
What about the part of the dash frame that has to be trimmed away when installing pods in the dash speakers? Did that change in the early years?
Click to expand...

I know it was before 06 and after 99.

Vtx531 said:
It may have changed 00-01 when they offered the "7 speaker" sound system. Not sure on that though.
Click to expand...

I didn't even know there was such a thing, did they cram two smaller speakers into that spot or something?
 
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