I would suspect worn steering components, or front wheel drive components. Have this inspected as it could be a dangerous situation.
Bad Struts
if it is making a loud knocking noise it is about to go out If when you put it in to gear, it jumps in to it and the car starts to move instantly then the converter may be shot.
No transmissions are interchangable in this model.
YesYes
No.
1295
The engine computer.
check rack and pinion. sounds like it needs to be replaced.
No. A 1997 does not use a coil rail.
1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee Service Manual click here http://www.megaupload.com/?d=VNJ4PXVP
Yes. Only Front for driver and right front passenger
yes, they are located in front rigth side under the bumper