Didn't really have a choice to get it home but it kept pegging on 19 every now and then. Had to go 29 miles on the alternator so it probably screwed up everything it was going to screw up. Everything still seems to work fine but this is a bit concerning. I know 97+ models have an external regulator but I'm wondering if the bad battery didn't just freak it out and make it go into non regulated mode?

 

A bad battery won't cause that level of over charging.

Do you have a check engine light? If so, gotta read and post codes.

Regulator for your 97 is inside of the computer. I'd verify first that the problem is not the alternator itself before trying a salvage yard computer.

 

Only the check gauges light came on when It pegged out. I have another computer sitting here for it if I have to but I don't see the alternator going berzerk like that cuz of a dead battery. The gauge might even be faulty considering absolutely nothing else seems to be wrong with the Jeep after overcharging several times like that

 

Verify voltage at the battery with a multimeter. Compare to what you're seeing on your gauge. Only takes a minute.