Did Jeep make an OEM bumper mount swing arm tire carrier in 1997? If yes, does anyone know where to find one?

 

I believe they did, but it is very hard to find. eBay or junkyard is probably going to be your best bet, and I believe the 84-96 tire carrier will work with the 97+

 

Never seen one or even heard of such a thing and if they did, I doubt it would support the weight of anything but a stock size tire.

 

There were 2 factory styles, both of which were 96 and older body style. One works off a bracket through the rear bumper and the other works off the rear bumper and the outside of the passenger rear qtr panel.

So, could this be a bolt on setup for your 97+ xj?
short answer is no because of the bracket that mounts flush with the fiberglass hatch.

Could you adapt this setup to your 97+ xj with some ingenuity? Yea definitely, if you can find a complete pull off setup.

I had a 94 RHD xj for a little more than a year with the factory swingout that worked off the bumper only and while it was cool, It rattled and it pulled on the hatch which made the body lines a little off. I only had a factory tire on it but wouldn't consider anything real big/oversized. All the force is pulling your hatch in/out which is fine for factory but wouldn't be good long term with a big tire setup.

For the cost, simplicity, strength and functionality of something current aftermarket i think youd be better off