I was always under the impression that the orvis package was the fully loaded optioned up jeep. I know they all came with the skid plate and up country package correct? Am I able to run the Vin somewhere to find out if it has the locking rear end. Also this one has no sunroof and a casette player and part time 4x4, I thought they were all fulltime?

 

The problem with all jeeps is if they were ordered by an original owner, they could be built any way the buyer wanted. Most dealers still have a "build your own" option.

 

grand cherokees never came with locking rear ends, only limited slip.

 

this^
my uncle ordered a new JK and they printed his name on the owners manual. pretty cool

 

If you take your VIN to the parts counter of your local Jeep dealer they will print out your build sheet. It shows everything that is/was on your Jeep when it was built. It shouldn't cost you anything.

Here's information I found concerning the Orvis' suspension:

"From '93 to '95 the UpCountry (code AWE) suspension was available on both Limited and Laredo model Grand Cherokees. In '96 it was available on the Laredo only, and not on the Limited. In '97 and '98 UpCountry was again available on the Limited. Exceptions to this are the Orvis models from '95-'97 which included the UpCountry suspension as standard equipment, and the '98 5.9 Limited, for which UpCountry was not available from the factory."

more...

"The Orvis (1995–1997) was a Grand Cherokee Limited package that featured an exterior color scheme of Moss Green, or in 1997 the (less common) Light Driftwood, with roan red and maize side strip accents (1995). Moss Green paint accents on the road wheels (matching the moss green body color) and the special "Orvis" brand badging were the only significant exterior visual differences. In performance, the 5.2 V8 engine became standard, but was available with a 4.0 inline 6-cylinder engine. Also, all Orvis editions were installed with tow hooks and the Up-Country suspension group. However, the interior was special. Two-tone green and tan leather seats were complemented with roan red accent piping and Orvis insignia. There was a slight difference between the 1996 and 1997 years' interior compared to each other. The 1996 had a black dash where the 1997 had a tan dash, The Orvis Edition luxury trim package was optional on the Limited version, and when equipped with all the other options was the most expensive of all the Grand Cherokee versions until 1998 when the 5.9 Limited was introduced.
Production numbers of the Orvis Editions are:

• 1995: 10,020
• 1996: 2,341
• 1997: 2,733

[end quote]

John

 

There is at least one website that will give you a freebie build sheet with the VIN. I looked it up on google. Sorry didn't bookmark it

 

You can get a print out of everything your vehicle came with here. >->Contact Jeep

 

makes up for all of the electrical problems?

 

Not all of them had electrical problems. My '97 ZJ Limited V8 Orvis didn't have any at all.

 

Would have to say your 1 of the fortunate one's then. I've had different models of chrys. products over the years and each 1 had various electrical problems some minor some nearly set the vehicle on fire???????

 

We are splitting hairs here but I knew the 1998 limited 5.9 had the trac-loc rear. I was mistaken in thinking that the orvis may as well.

 

I had several '85 & '86 GLHTurbo's that had issues with their fusible links, but other than that, I've never had any electrical issues with Chrysler products over the years from my first one-a '65 Ply. Valiant to my current '04 Jeep WJ.

The Trac-Lok was an option available on all ZJ's.

 

Then how come when I go to car-part.com to search for a trac-loc rear end for my zj with a dana 44 and 3.73 gears, there are none to be found anywhere? Serious question, I want to buy one now but looks like I'm going to buy an aussie locker instead cuz I can't find a boneyard one.

 

I can't answer that, or who manufactured the Trac-Lok for Chrysler back then. Try checking at the dealer, they should still carry it.
I read the D44a's aluminum center section was the basis for the Viper's rear axle. I thought this was interesting, considering how many say it's so weak.