Three problems related to clutch pedal/linkage have been reported for the 1997 Jeep Wrangler. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
The clutch pedal quit working and the throw out bearing was broken.
Clutch pedal fell off while driving 55 mph. Clutch pedal attachment to clutch cylinder has a plastic grommet which broke and caused clutch pedal to fall off. Neither dealer nor Jeep customer service would assist in procurring replacement grommet, consumer was told that the old style has a pin connection instead of plastic.
Exhaust manifold cracked 6/21/01, local Jeep dealer had no recall, not under warranty. I was in the process of finding a better aftermarket replacement manifold when on 7/19/01,while stopped w/ engine running, the plastic hydraulic line for the clutch melted from the excessive heat, and caught on fire.