The 2 (3, 4, etc.) crank thing is generally caused by a leaky check valve in the fuel pump. The extra crank thing is just giving the fuel pump more time to get fuel back up into the engine after it drained out and back into the gas tank via the leaky check valve inside the fuel pump.
We used to say replace the fuel pump assembly with a replacement from Bosch (other brands don't hold up) but Bosch no longer sells the entire fuel pump assembly which includes the fuel sender, fuel pressure regulator, etc.
So now you have to do a little extra work and replace the fuel pump itself inside the fuel pump assembly. Not hard, just a little extra time is needed.
Mudweiser, this is the correct fuel pump for your '97....
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000BZL922/?tag=wranglerorg-20
Don't make the mistake of going with a store brand or online brand since you can find the entire assembly for the cost of the Bosch fuel pump. They don't hold up long enough to make the cost savings worth it. I've replaced several Wrangler TJ fuel pumps over the years and the one time I used an off-brand, a Spectre, it lasted all of 13 months. It failed one month out of warranty.
Until you can replace the fuel pump, save your starter motor by doing this before turning the ignition switch to Start. Cycle the ignition switch on-off-on 4-10 times, pausing 2 seconds each time it's in the On position before turning it off & back on again. That will give the fuel pump more time to get fuel back up into the engine so it will start normally. The check valve's job is to keep fuel in the fuel rail on top of the engine for fast starts. Once it starts leaking the fuel instead drains down out of the engine and back to the gas tank.