I'm looking for some opinions (advice). I have an '88 4.0 that I've had since new. I gave it to my son..I have an opportunity to buy a "one owner" low mileage '98 5.9 that is in mint condition..My old 4.0 has been bullet proof..I don't know anything about the 5.9 and am curious about it's reputation..I was told the '98 "Limited Edition" was the only year it was built. It seems like a great buy, but I don't want one that isn't dependable and could be a problem. As always, any help is appreciated.

 

The 5.9 was used in many dodge trucks, as long as it was maintained it should do ok for you. I would pull the oil filler cap, check for sludge. Check the tranny fluid too make sure it doesn't smell burnt or look really dark. Honestly any motor if taken care of should serve you well.

 

They were the quickest AWD vehicles until the SRT8 Grand Cherokee Hemi came out, and can be pricey in mint condition. Go in a parking lot, and at slow speeds do figure eights with the steering at full lock. If the front wheels want to hop or chirp it would indicate the transfer case is headed for problems. Not a cheap rebuild, but a used unit is fairly cheap. Also check out all the electrical accessories as some '98 ZJ's were plagued with electrical gremlins that are hard to trace, and the odometer/key trick check for codes doesn't work on them. Have the codes checked at an auto parts store before buying.
But they have plenty of power, give a great ride with the all coil suspension, and make great tow vehicles.They do need premium fuel, but might run okay on mid-grade. JMO

 

I would buy it.

 

Lots of good info here.

x2 I want one.

 

I want one of these for a pavement princess soooo bad.

 

I have a 98 5.9 also and love it. there can be some little electrical gremlins as stated above but i have had very good luck with mine. It has 155k on it and i did just have the tranny rebuilt but the PO did not do any maintance on it or very little. It does run better on prem gas but as long as you are not towing or romping on it hard it will be ok on mid grade with out pinging. Cheap gas mine pings all the time so not an option for me.

 

I'd love to have one myself.
Mopar makes a combustion chamber cleaner that you can run through it to remove the carbon build-up that's causing that pinging or detonation. Other brands may also work at a cheaper price but I can't say. I'm not recommending that you stop using premium fuel, just saying that the carbon build-up has raised the compression slightly by making the chambers smaller, and causing hot spots.

 

Thanks for all the great info..I wasn't aware that Jeep had a 5.9..This thing is a real hot rod and could climb a tree if it could get traction.. I took it for a drive today and didn't want to take it home. The owner has given a friend first choice to buy it and is waiting for his answer...One thing is for sure..If I don't get this one, I'll be finding another one....Thanks again..

 

Yeah, they're nice vehicles and fun to drive with the power they have.

 

I'd buy it. Having full time 4wd and V-8 power is nice. I'm lovin' my Hemi Commander.