SPECIFICATIONS

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The 5.9L Limited ZJ (1998)

A Deep Slate 1998 Grand Cherokee 5.9L (Note hood louvers and mesh grille inserts)

The Grand Cherokee 5.9-Liter Limited was produced in limited numbers only for the 1998 model year, having more luxury and performance than that of the regular Limited and sold under the trim '5.9 Limited'. A similar trim was introduced in Europe under 'LX' trims (not 5.9L). There are only 15000 worldwide. Although it is not very expensive in North America, it is significantly pricer in the Middle East and Asia because of the low quantity. It housed a Magnum 5.9 L V8 engine displacing 360 cubic inches with an output of 245 hp (183 kW) and 345 lb·ft (468 N·m) of torque, going from zero to 60 mph (100 km/h) in only 7.3 seconds (Motor Trend measured this at a significantly faster 6.8 seconds see Motor Trend, January 1998, page 51.), making it the quickest SUV available that year. The straight-line performance of the 1998 Grand Cherokee 5.9 has been surpassed by Jeep only with the 2006 introduction of the 6.1 L SRT8 HEMI Grand Cherokee. The 1998 Grand Cherokee was Motor Trend's 4x4 of the year in 1998. Their rarity and performance make them highly sought after (see, e.g. the Grand Cherokee Forum on www.jeepforum.com and Jeeps Unlimited? .com, as well as the Speed Freaks Forum on Jeeps Unlimited? .com)

Other features separated the 5.9 from the standard Limited model including:

• functioning heat-extracting hood louvers
• a mesh grille insert
• unique five-spoke alloy wheels
• black-wall tires
• an improved premium 180 watt, 10 speaker infinity stereo system,
• a rear speaker bar, roof mounted with 4 speakers in 2 locations
• softer calf leather trim,
• leather door inserts,
• leather shift handle, e-brake and transfer case handle,
• wood trim around the transmission shift handle base
• a full-leather spare tire cover with multiple pockets
• a center leather armrest in the rear seat
• a lower-profile roof rack that eliminated squeaking problems found on the base 5.2L limited
• monochromatic trim
• molded rocker panels

The Grand Cherokee 5.9 further included additional performance-enhancing features including:

• stronger transmission than the 5.2L with a heavier output shaft
• standard Dana-44A(ALUM. HOUSING) rear differential with traction lock
• electric fan
• high-output alternator
• freer-flowing exhaust with 3 inch pipes and a wide polished stainless steel exhaust tip

The 5.9 Limited was not available in all the regular Limited colors. It was available only in Deep Slate, Stone White, and Bright Platinum.