I bought a complete and running 96 XJ so the 97 + dash would just be extra $$$
besides, i really like the dash setup i have right now, the reason that I'm swapping the dash is my MJ's dash is cracked and rotted and the XJ's is in great condition.
the PO really did a number on the wiring harness.. i.e. one of the marker lights had a socket that was completely different hot glued to the back of the housing.. so that may tell you something. i myself had to completely bypass the stock stereo harness and lay all new wires for everything, including the ground because he decided that he was going to "FIX" that in a similar fashion..
bottom line, i'm sick of running into his versions of "FIXING" things all over my truck, so a harness out of an XJ that was a two owner vehicle both owners in the family that i know and one was an old man that babied the jeep back and forth from golf and the local walmart, sounds like a better route
not to say newer is always better.. sometimes its the only option that will alow you to keep your sanity