I spoke to two separate dealers today who both spoke to two separate factory reps. Here's what the factory is telling dealers in North Carolina:
All models and model variations are available for order (limiteds, V8s etc). The only 1999 Grand Cherokee orders that the factory will be holding back will be models equipped with Quadradrive. Models that are equipped with this 4wd system will not hit the road until around Christmas.
My dealer has personally driven and delivered a V8 limited already. This model, however, was not made too order. It was factory spec.
Here is one other piece of news. The 1999 JGC will be available in a color called "Patriot Blue." This color will not be available immediately, but will be phased in during the middle of the model year.