This Rare Jeep is The Coolest, Forgotten Performance SUV NO ONE Remembers!

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Meet the Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.9 Limited, the ultimate sleeper SUV from the 1990's
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#Jeep #grandcherokee

[@codered7453]

Please do all us Jeep ZJ guys a favor and put it up against your homeboy's 'vette on the strip. I think that we'd all like to see that race.

[@throttleblip1]

Exactly

[@yz250ftony]

I have a 95 5.2 ZJ and an 04 z06. The vette is taking the 5.2. now an older c4 or a c3...yeah I could see it with a good running v8 ZJ. Mines taken out many n/a ricers years ago lol much butt hurt. Intake, exhaust, ignition, built trans with shift kit, tcase swap, and I removed a lot of weight. Back seats, spare tire, 3 skid plates, and hitch.

[@yz250ftony]

Sadly, the local strip shut down officially 3 days ago. Vette ran a 12.35. a ZJ with a 408 stroker can do that.

[@codered7453]

@yz250ftony TFL has a guy with a black C4 and 350 tpi, that I wanted to see the ZJ run. The vette does around 16 +/- at 5000 ft altitude if I remember correctly so the 5.9 should do that if it's running as it should. I also have a '95 ZJ (4.0) with some unconventional factory components on it, and it runs very well indeed so I'm always interested in seeing Jeeps run other vehicles. Keep your ZJ alive and well and enjoy it. Too bad about the dragstrip, a few of ours in Eastern NC have shut down too here lately. Take care man.

[@yz250ftony]

@@codered7453 5.9s run 14s I think... it's been a while. 5000'...just add a few seconds. They're all good motors in the ZJ, just depends what you want out of it. There's power options for the 4.0s now. Stroker and turbo kits. My dad bought mine new in 94, it's not leaving the family. I've been in it for most of its 233kmi and it's running fine, no electrical issues. They're pretty solid and resilient

[@NickTarterOKC]

I absolutely love these V8 ZJs, both the 5.2 and the 5.9. They are little monsters and are way underappreciated in the car enthusiast world.

[@mikecooper85]

I used to have one with a 3.5" lift on 33" tires. it was a beast with lots of torque. No issue spinning the mud terrains on dry pavement. I'm pretty sure a good tune-up will restore your power.

[@troutmaster5543]

I had a white 5.9 for 6 years. Ran like a beast. Always had enough throttle to do whatever I wanted.

[@joecosta4200]

This brings back memories. A friend of mine had this exact same jeep. Was a monster and typical US SUV luxury oftge time. I had same body style with the smaller 5.2 V8. Awesome outside of gas mileage of course lol.

[@sybsygstgstsgysg5330]

You should tell him it ended up on youtube

[@Bloodbain88]

I'm currently driving the 5.2 Jeep ZJ. Horrible gas mileage. Surprisingly fast. Dead reliable. I love it.

[@sidneysanders5726]

Everything you see on that jeep down to the chrome tip is all factory, my only gripe is the 249 vicous coupler full time transfer case, mine went out and acts like a part time 4wd that's fully locked and it bucked and binded when going around corners, I swapped mine out for a select Trac 242 with 2wd 4hi part time 4hi full time neutral and 4lo. They come from the factory with 3.73 limited slip rear Dana 44HD, a really nice 10 speaker sound system, unique leather seats, it was a all around practical suv. Also if you look under the hood at the crankshaft pulley, if it's a one piece design, you have a genuine 5.9L V8. It's externally balanced, the 5.2 has a 2 peice crankshaft pulley and it's internally balanced. The transmission is a unique set up, it's the same 46RE from the dodge ram, but since it's in a jeep, the starter bolts up on the opposite side, the transmission is pretty stout. I think that's about it, Oh, they also only made 14,000 of those and I think, maybe 2,000 of them were stone white. So you and I have the rare color ones.

[@paultynan8705]

Very few moonroof delete. Less than 500

[@DrHavok1]

they all deserve the 242 swap

[@TomaszbtdZiobrowski]

in poland we call it "niner" and it is quite well known in 4x4 circles

[@NEEDMORECOW8ELL]

That's what 5.9 owners call them here but nobody else knows about them lol

[@justinborysenko3885]

We (my parents) had one in Gold Hill CO. Best memory they were flying to Germany and we left Gold Hill late. It’s an hour plus to DIA airport and we have less than 1.5 hours until flight. I said “we can make it. If you pay my ticket if I get one we will get there. Close your eyes be quiet” we made it with 30 minutes

[@stephenconway2468]

I had a '97 with 5.2 engine. It was a great beast. I remember that a truck was stuck coming up our hill with a horse trailer (full) half in a ditch. I backed my beast up, tied a good tow rope to the truck and pulled both up that hill without breaking sweat. It was super.

[@natewj1077]

I have one currently, in black, I'm thrilled to hear someone got one that'll take good care of it. Mine isn't in the greatest shape either, but it's solid. All I'd like to see, is you fix 'er up, and enjoy it. No need for crazy mods, except for maybe a good sounding exhaust, they sound very good. I hope you enjoy yours as much as I have mine!

[@lisandro12349]

I own a 97 Orvis edition with the 5.2. Love it. I do all the work my self and I love the Interior from the Orvis. Best version ever for me.

[@kelleredward6153]

This series kicks butt. Thanks for doing this. I LOVE the ZJ. Chrysler nailed it with this car. And the 5.9 was the king of the crop. Looking forward to more zJ action!

[@carsnstuff1344]

I havent forgotten about these. I owned 3 of them, 2 Silver 1 white. My white one had the Select-Trac swap so it was RWD unless I put it into 4WD. They sounded great, super comfy and pretty reliable except for the difs. Chugged premium fuel at the rate of 14 mpg.

[@Eldomibori]

I had a 1998 limited with the 5.2. I loved that ride so much. It rode so nice for an SUV from the 90s

[@nb7466]

My friend had that exact jeep. It launched so hard we broke the driver seat. What also was weird was that it took premium fuel.

[@justjoeoutdoors3499]

The heat issue is a blend door issue, should be an easy fix. And you have to mention what all wheel drive system it has because they used some different ones in the grand Cherokees! You've got a gem, they're great vehicles

[@vdubccvr6guy904]

5.2 and 5.9 only came with full time 4wd

[@motov8-garage832]

I have an 02 with blend door problems, done a little research so far on fixing it. Seems like a pain and plastic must be cut and then plastic welded back together. Plus the blend doors kinda pricey. If I un hook the battery terminal amd then hook it back up sometimes the heater will start working..the other 98% of the time only the AC works. I took off the glove box to manually change the blend door to get heat and it kind of worked, I get heat out of the driver side and middle vents bit cold air out of the passenger side..? I asume there must be another set of blend doors somwhere. This things great in the summer with ac but winter sucks. Driving with bibs and ski gloves lol.

[@gregferris9378]

1992 GMC typhoon. This was the performance Hot rod of the day.

[@zachbrown328]

This is a cool GC! You should do a mini series with upgrades to paint, mechanics etc to bring it back to its original state and film it all. BTW, Brendan is doing an awesome job! Keep that guy around.

[@decoteau89]

I've had all 3, 4.0, 5.2 and a 5.9 limited. I miss them so much. My 5.2 and 5.9s were absolutely awesome and would get down off road.

[@dalejones4322]

Really great jeep. That 360 engine was awesome. Thirsty but awesome. Great video guys

[@BudeR01]

The blower motor resistor and pigtail wire harness are known for melting together, it’s under the passenger side dashboard, if you search KZbin there’s a video a guy made that has a part # , it’s actually GM , the corvette parts actually cross reference with the niner , anyway make sure you check that plug for the blower motor so it dosent catch fire!!

[@gabrielchristopher9625]

I too drooled over these back when I was in high school. Love to see these classics highlighted.

[@vladikholovko]

I had a regular limiter with the 5.2 and loved that thing. I'm kind of jealous that you got the 5.9 for so cheap...

[@777jones]

Pretty sure this wasn’t forgotten. Famous and legendary.

[@candycorn04]

My brother had a '98 Jeep GC with the 5.9. He ran a 14.96 at the strip. Quite fast for only 245 hp and considering the weight.

[@radanovics]

This is now my favorite TFL channel. Resonates so well with me, especially Brenden. Keep it up!!!

[@bendino9016]

took a ride in one of these babies when i was like 12, and ill never forget how crazy fast it felt back then on some hilly backroads, and the body roll was scary around turns while hooning. good times.

[@humblesophos]

I remember feeling that when i slammed the peddle on the first LR i drove…looking back it was nothing special but at the time it felt incredible and scary to go that fast in a ute haha

[@doncnunez6231]

Had a1998 TSi Grand Cherokee limited 5.9 Black/black Grey pinstripe, Stop to stop nothing could touch it, Some lady yacking on a cell phone blew a stop sign and T-Boned me and totalled my baby in 2005 with only 72K miles. Miss my GC !!

[@tyleranderson2673]

The TSi did not come with the 5.9 v8 as an option

[@3wheelmannc860]

I had a 5.2 and it was awesome...Just not very fuel friendly. I had a chance to buy a 5.9, but I did not want to take a second job for the extra fuel. Both Grand Cherokee's were fantastic in the day. I really liked the body style and everyday ride quality.

[@necrodh]

I still driving both and the 5.2 is not that bad, i been using big 4bangers and v6 and they consume fuel as a v10 and thos cant compete in a drag acceleration vs the 5.2

[@jesus-go7us]

to be honest check the gas mileage between v6 4.0 v8 5.2 and the 5.9 is almost the same no big diference an i love my 5.9 8 inch lift on 37 is the best is a monster.!

[@DoitYHWH]

@@jesus-go7us sounds BEAUTIFUL do you have any photos online I could check out.

[@jesus-go7us]

@@DoitYHWH i dont have pictures online but i can send you some pictures to your imail adress if you want

[@gearjunkie3402]

Here's a tidbit of information for you. I worked at an AMC Jeep dealership when these came out. Before they came out they built a prototype with a 340 cubic inch engine. They gave it to Brock Yates and he brought it to my dealership a few times. I talked with him several times . It was way faster than the 5.9L .

[@eriklambert3809]

I had a 2001 Dodge Durango R/T awd. Loved it despite the gas mileage

[@JeepAndBass]

My 94 5.2L pulls off a 0-60 in just around 7.9 seconds completely stock with 90kmi on it. So I can imagine the 5.9 doing better if it was a bit younger.

[@JG-me5bd]

Same here I had a 94 5.2 Full Time 4X4, In the rain at the Light Mash the throttle and your Gone No tire slip... I Miss my Jeep..

[@jordanburchett7057]

130k on my 5.9 had it for the last 5 years amazing ride.

[@michaelangelos5117]

I drive the 1997 5.2 L. V8. Tows 5000 lb. Awesome vehicle!.

[@saunders017]

Would love to see you guys do a light restoration of this thing

[@Adam-nv9zo]

My high-school girlfriends dad bought one of these new, and I got the privilege of driving it a good bit when it was new. For its time, this thing was fast for sure.

[@hamaquatics6853]

I have a 98 5.9 ZJ. I used a programmer on it and now it's estimated at 300hp 400 torque. It also improved the gas milage from a possible 16 mpg to almost 24mpg highway. I've had 16 years and will not give it up. it's my daily driver. Only problem is when I step hard on the gas pedal the gas gauge visibly moves. But what a thrill.

[@speedracerjeff]

Lies lol….Your 5.9 doesn’t have anywhere near 300hp, esp from a handheld tune… preloaded handheld tunes are junk. I own a 5.9 Ram and 5.7 Ram and there is no contest, the 5.9 is pathetically slow. I really don’t understand all the hype and 5.9 fanboys, I’ve driven faster 4.7s…

[@hamaquatics6853]

@@speedracerjeff Well, you are entitled to your opinion. After the tune I felt the difference in horsepower and verified improved gas mileage. I am very happy with the upgrade. And for me that is what matters.

[@beebridge2306]

@@hamaquatics6853 I stand by your comment 100%. I'm an original owner of a Slate Niner . My mods got me 13.9 qtr mile and 20mpg. I may not have a dyno slip to prove anything but I have timeslips, trophies and cash winnings. Sleepers Rule!!!!

[@TheMnfrontierman]

Thank you for the ZJ love man, thank you.

[@josegutierrez3486]

I would love to see you refresh it. My best friend's dad had one and I drove it. I really like it.

[@chrishuff6646]

Look into the blend door actuator for your heat issue, the one I had go bad had gears inside it that had broke over time

[@tonydowd8566]

Love my 99 Grand Cherokee 4.0. 01 engine installed with Mellon torque cam, 12 port Bosch injectors and a set of Bank's headers w/duel Flowmaster mufflers.

[@sidneysanders5726]

I have one that same color! Love it! It's literally the granddaddy to all hot rod suvs!

[@marcmoukarzel4070]

Hello Brendan. Nice Jeep! The side steps are NOT factory regardless what trim the ZJ is. As for your climate control, if you want to save some money you could check the side of the center console from the passenger side and somewhere over there you have manually access and change the air from hot to cold and vice versa. Not sure what to look for exactly but it can be done I know that for a fact because I have a 1998 ZJ with the 5.2 and I have the same issue. The car mechanic always switches the temperature for me. Hope this helps! And TFL keep up the good work!

[@Dirtyace1414]

I had 2 of these over the years and LOVED them. Now I have a Trackhawk and love it as well. Sometimes I wish I kept my old 5.9.

[@jumbojumbo7175]

still have one and love it! super comfy seats , exhaust soundtrack and go anywhere at will - just fantastic! love em and they will take you to the moon

[@robervin9107]

I think Brendon is magnificent awesome review

[@wb5jysman]

This really brings me back! I crushed dudes dreams with this jeep back in the day!

[@WhoDatDiggityDog]

Love the auction videos!

[@colbyinman]

Holy crap! Sexton Jeep in Harriman. I grew up there! Their slogan was " get yer nexton at sexton" 🤣🤣 My cousin also founded Earl Duff Subaru which is one of the oldest Subaru dealers in the country. That Jeep would have been on the lot when my dad bought his 98 Ram 1500

[@stayve.]

ZJ’s are dope. Been fixing one up on my channel and love it

[@AnonYmous-ic5kd]

I bought a 5.9 in August. I've handled a few mechanical gremlins and it's got a few more but I'm loving it.

[@gpl3465]

Beautiful G Cherokee, had one back in 98, loved the sound. Select track, awesome in Canadian snow. Exterior sand color. Awesome sound system.

[@Formerlywarmer]

I’ve recently noticed these. Bought one in deep plate about 6 months ago and it’s coming along nicely. Really cool Jeep

[@04dram04]

I love to see you restore the little touches on this

[@nye307]

Congrats on the purchase!

[@FaithxPre]

i got the 97 5.2 and it was free from my dads friend. I never really wanted it but i started driving it and fell in love.

[@deaddog3500]

I can feel tears in my eyes, the great ZJ. THANK YOU GUYS

[@mefford2692]

Refreshing to see the OG slaying SUV being brought up.

[@johnnyjohnson7128]

The chevy typhoon was there before that with more power and AWD, it didn't have a towing capacity but it was out performing Ferraris at the time

[@spartanchirho]

Shes a beauty!!! I had a 95 limited with the gold badging and saddle leather interior. I loved that thing. The transmission went out at around 150k, otherwise it was solid. The only thing I didn't like was the gas pedal was stiff AF....I hope you restore this beauty!!!!

[@Urgento22]

I'm looking forward to the off-road test with this Jeep

[@adamkloster9438]

Love to get a 5.9 Limited someday but the ole ‘96 5.0 explorer be doing me good for now. Both excellent SUVs, but I personally think the 5.0 explorers are more slept on. Love these old SUV videos recently!

[@kcp7042]

I loved the information screens these had! So basic compared to today’s standards. But told you what you needed to know.

[@imo8249]

My dad had one, it launched like a slingshot 👍

[@brossovitch]

I really wish I could buy a white 5.9 to go with my 5.2

[@ethanr7523]

I have a 1996 5.2 limited. Love mine, such a great vehicle. Tow package too

[@lifewithintergrity]

Loved mine. You could not get that thing stuck in snow if you wanted. I had snow up to the hood plenty of times and never even slowed it down. This particular one sounds like it definitely needs work, that is the factory exhaust too. The suspension was amazing in these too.

[@mikeprez6562]

I remember this Jeep well. I still have the window sticker somewhere and it was about $50,000 back then. Sticker price that is. I love that Grand Cherokee with the 5.9 definitely has some fun times.

[@antoniusp3295]

THIS is what I was looking for. Ended up finding my '92 5-speed XJ Laredo. I'd gladly trade for one of these (which I know ain't gonna happen) or at least pull that monster of a motor out and stuff it in my lil box. It's a gorgeous piece overall, and I'm glad you got one!

[@markcoopers1930]

Sounds like you're owed a 7-second Jeep. Maybe an engine out rebuild project for the winter?

[@bigjoewebb]

I had a 97 with the 5.2, it was a good rig, but i REEEEEALLY wanted that 5.9!!!

[@333jsh]

Driving an identical one rn haha she's my daily

[@rileyfenstermaker2486]

My 4.0 is still built proof 360k on the dial and she still runs like butter

[@deaddog3500]

I have the same one as yours, And I'm surprised by how it still perform so well at 250k. This things are bulletproof and blessed

[@rileyfenstermaker2486]

@@deaddog3500 yeah it’s crazy when engineers made cars to last they’d actually do it now a days these new jeeps don’t hold up like the 90-earlier 2000’s ones

[@GregSplond]

I just got a 2003 Jeep Laredo V6 4x4 and I really like it. I am trying to fix the bugs at this point with the body scratches and a trans slip on 1st and a good detailing. I got it factory and was used as a hunting suv. I like your Jeep so if it was mine i would address the rust, then the paint, the heater / blend door, and the seat I guess in no particular order. Do people keep these up like to 400k and up? Is it just an issue with dropping a new engine or trans in them to keep them as a daily driver. I am just curious how long you can realistically keep Jeeps going and is it worth it.

[@RyanAumiller]

Those particular running boards were a factory option because that thing doesn't have the holes for the sideskirt brackets on the rocker or a piece of trim covering them. You sound like me a little over five years ago when I found my first 5.9 ZJ... Had another one within 6months.

[@captainchaos0666]

Cool video. Nice to know a car channel did their research. Also didn't know that this came out before the Shelby Durango.

[@donald2167]

👍🏻My daily driver is a 98 Stone White 5.9 with the sunroof. Dad bought it in 2000 and I got it 2 years ago, has 277k miles. All stock but a muffler. I love my 5.9

[@jameshowey9958]

Nice find. I just sold the last of my 5.9 ZJ yesterday and miss it already, but sometimes the deal is just to good to pass up.

[@thebulgarianguy8461]

Good video. I’m waiting for the day people realize that the v8 magnum has always been the more reliable and bulletproof option. No head gaskets issues, no broken exhaust manifolds and so on.

[@Supermountaineers]

I had this from the day it came out till 2006. Absolutely loved it. Traded it in on a 2006 trailblazer ss

[@11.9lsupercharged4]

The black and gold ones were gorgeous

[@ascendantrobin3230]

you guys are showing so much love for the ZJ’s and WJ’s lately 🥹🇺🇸 as long as the frame and suspension mounts arent rusted, everything is fixable. I would start by doing an engine tuneup, new plugs, air filter, oil change etc. replace transmission fluid+filter- awesome find Sir, and congrats its a classic! 😎

[@stevesoto4801]

Great find! Please keep it as original as possible!? Good clean examples are so hard to find! My Deep Slate example, that I purchased in 2000, and still own today (253,000 miles), pulled off a 15.1 second quarter mile...about twenty years ago. Not sure what it would do today!? Haha

[@thecokeman7037]

i have a 5.9 limited and had the same issue with the a/c and the problem was that some of the wiring had come loose in the a/c control. all it took to fix was some resoldering.

[@paulieboots]

I have one. Its in the shop for a workup/diagnosis of transmission&rear differential issue. Something isn't working. These are sweet rides. I'm glad I own one. Definitely in about the same mileage and wear range of 200K plus. Considering sending the motor out for a complete rebuild. New transmission and a complete restoration. These things are notorious for death wobble. The 5.9 is definitely a great Motor. I'm considering high performance mods. Thanks for the video.

[@jeeb4x4]

One of the cars I own is a 95-96 Grand Cherokee Limited 5.2, made in Austria by Magna Steyr. It has a RH46 automatic, limited slip rear, and a SelecTrack (NP 242) transfercase with 2WD, full-time 4WD, part-time 4WD, and 4WD low range. In 2 WD, and CatBack exhaust, this GC is one of the fastest GC's from the 90's era! Many of the GC's used the NP 249 transfercase with only 4 WD options. Also the 5,9 had to drive with the 4 WD engaged all the time...😉😉

[@jaybird6540]

Had a 1997 JGC and it was hell of a truck loved the old V8

[@maxpeanutbutter5596]

I have one of those here in colorado its a blast to drive

[@BabyfaceChase]

I’ve seen one with an nv4500 manual swapped in. Freakin’ AWESOME.

[@stevenmitchell6347]

I have one in Stone White, the rarest color. Mine is also a Canadian model. 230,000 miles and still going strong! Yes, that is the factory stainless steel exhaust tip. The calfskin interior is vehicle specific, too. Exterior condition is typical as these are driven daily. Parts are readily available. I'll never sell mine!

[@mikeo8790]

I've got granite black 5.9 it's my dream Jeep I love it so much I spend every Sunday doing upkeep and driving around here central fla.. I know of 3 others here in my general area.

[@pauljohnson7723]

I remember. My Dad got one new, used to surprise many a fast car at the stoplight!

[@ricardoDLMMDF]

I have a black one here in Brazil, 5.9 98, I've had it for three years, I have difficulties with spare parts here in Brazil, other than that the car is wonderful!! a classic !

[@fenceman53]

Send to Out of Spec detailing to freshen up. They are in Colorado

[@mrfixit8640]

I want to buy that Jeep so bad!! following until you guys sell, I live in AZ and will drive to CO for that beauty.

[@tyleranderson2673]

Anyone throwing shade on this awesome 5.9 powered zj has obviously never driven one. This jeep could pull a stump out of the ground and snap your neck flooring it from a dig. Insane low end power and let’s not forget that it only weighed about 4k pounds, most suvs today weigh at least 500-1k pounds more. You could also get an additional 50 horses easy from the 5.9 with simple bolt-ons. Not to mention the stock exhaust tone was straight metal. One of a kind.

[@gunsandcars3648]

thats the one Grand Cherokee I always lusted after , had 3 , two 4.0 one 5.2 but never could find a 5.9

[@igotuapuncake1155]

these jeeps were amazing onroad performance wise but they are also really good offroad even without a big lift and tires

[@MrSdotbowman]

Decades ago my sister had one of these. We lived in upstate NY and she had traded in a 1996 thunderbird SC for a bright red 5.9 limited with black leather and gold wheels. I was about 10 and I thought it was the coolest thing and the sound when she started it sold it for me. Everyone thought I had a drug dealer picking me up from a school with the black windows. Sadly it only lasted about 8 months before transmission problems started.

[@starwolf621]

These are great! We bought one new, and had it for 17 years. Put over 300k miles on...

[@DHolmquistDesigns]

I had the 2wd 5.2 in high school and mannn was that thing was a tire roaster lol Later on I put in a limited slip, k&n, chip, and cut the cat off.. thing was a sleeper!