Mine is one of the first '97 TJs (purchased 5/96) and it has a 3/96 build
date. But I think they started production maybe in January or probably most
likely 2/96.

Jerry
--
Jerry Bransford
PP-ASEL N6TAY
See the Geezer Jeep at
http://members.***.net/jerrypb/
"Ed J." <ej_000@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:bhiih01275nfb80gtfr386n2et25d7sog6@4ax.com...
> Here's one for the Jeep historians in the group.
> I know that the TJ was introduced in 1996 as a 1997 model, but can
> anyone tell me WHEN in 1996 the first ones came off the line?
> Also, is there any way to determine from the VIN when it was produced?
> I don't think Jeep uses sequential serial #'s - do they?
> Reason I ask is because I have a 97 TJ who's doorjamb sticker says it
> was manufactured in August 1996. I'm wondering how early in the TJ run
> this one is.
> Thanks in advance,
> -Ed