I think 1997 had a horn cover that integrated the buttons. You need to be sure you have the right buttons for your model year. I had to source some on ebay for my '04. I have a set of 1998 buttons. They are different shapes for the different model year's wheels and worse, different resistances! So no matter what, the buttons and clockspring will have to be from your specific model run.
Here is a photo of a set from a 1998. I am selling them when I get time. PM me if interested guaranteed to work for a '98. Check for other years.
I was able to add cruise control to my early 1997, using the original 97 TJ PCM, and a 03-06 style steering wheel off a Grand Cherokee (I'm not sure of the exact year). My instrument cluster is currently one from a 2001 XJ, which fully functions on my 97 TJ.
I was able to modify the control pads to work with the 97 PCM, by replacing two of the resistors, removing the default "None" position resistor, and bridging over the CANCEL resistor to create a dead short when closed.
Position | Original Value | Modified 1997 Value |
None | 19k | Open (remove resistor for open circuit) |
ON | 440 | 980 (ideal replacement target is 909 +/- 10%, but 980 works like a charm) |
SET | 5.5k actual (documented to be 4.1k) | 6.6k (replace existing with 6.6k resistor) |
RESUME/ACCEL | 15.4k (documented to be 8.35k, but OEM resistor was already 15.4k) | 15.4K (leave existing resistor unchanged) |
CANCEL | 1.15K | 0 (close circuit by bridge the existing resistor with a wire) |
COAST | 2.5k | 2.5k (2.9K +/-10% is ideal target, but 2.5k works fine) |
Modding the controls isn't too hard if you're handy with a soldering iron.
For those similarly inclined to use the newer steering wheel, the easiest approach for the clockspring would be to use an 03-06 TJ clockspring, or matching XJ clockspring with cruise, as it should fit right into place on the steering column. I took the more difficult path of using a newer Grand Cherokee clockspring that supports both cruise and radio controls, which requires 7 total contacts (Airbag=2, cruise=1, radio=2, horn=1). To use the later Grand Cherokee clockspring required taking a Dremel to the face of my steering column to shape it to accept the larger clockspring. It can be done successfully, but unless you're dead set on radio controls, I would suggest the easy route and just use a clockspring that supports cruise and drops right in place (or just use the older wheel as is typical).
For the servo I used one from a 1999 Grand Cherokee, which uses the same connector as the TJ. Works great.
Not one single cruise control-related wire was in place on my early 97, including the absence of a BR/YL sensor ground wire in the cab. I was able to run the sensor ground wire (BR/YL) from the battery sensor (on the bottom of the battery mount) and extend that for my steering wheel control sensor ground.
The brake/stoplight switch itself was also missing contacts for the CC circuit, so replaced it with one from a 98. The 98 switch shaft was actually too long, so I had to trim it to fit. I used pins 3 and 4 from the female plug off an XJ and added them to my existing brake/stoplight harness.
A lot of work, but the end result works great!