Need RS suggestion

Your 96 Grand Cherokee's remotes do not have the range that an aftermarket remote will have, meaning you would have to be practically right next to the vehicle to remote start it. DEI makes an interface for your truck called the 455T, it will control door lock/unlock, arm/disarm, and domelight supervision by connecting directly to the vehicle's data wiring. It is a very easy piece to install and works well. You do not need any type of transponder bypass, but would have to interface with the factory alarm disarm if you were to not use the 455T. The factory keyfob will still work just fine even with the aftermarket system installed. You would not need to carry it though. As far as models go, my preference is DEI. DEI however does not warranty a do it yourself job. Maybe a Scytek unit would be the way to go if you are going to do it yourself. They will warranty the unit if you install it yourself. Hope this helps.

so does the 455T also do remote start?

Duh...a little reading is all it takes :)  So if I understand correctly, the 455T is a module which interfaces with the factory system, so then I can add say a 560XV to this system to control remote start.  Then i can take the lock/unlock leads from the 560XV module and connect them to the 455T INSTEAD of hunting and connecting to the factory wires.  Gee, this would make life easier.  So I basically need a 455T and another system to control the remote start, lock/unlock, etc.  Does this sound right?

You are correct. I would suggest looking into this brand as I have had great success with them. Great range and reliability and easy to install.

I will second the Ultra's as well, never had a come back with them.

Astro Starts, 903... great range, one button start /disarm... use factory fob for keyless and rs for starting.... inexpensive too!..Tire Proz Stillwater Mn

High End Restyling and Comlete Repair

I'm gonna disagree about ultrastart. Mind you, I haven't dealt with them for a few years, but I had nothing but problems with them. They had a nasty habit of spontaniously becoming alarms, even if the model you had didn't come with any security features. This was just a software glitch, but it made for lots of comebacks. progamming them sucked too. Unless they changed that. Scytek rocks tho.Northstart.....or start it your damn self.

Autostart is another good brand. They have a model called the AS-1221 that is kind of like the 903. 1500ft range, 2 buttons: start and stop, or start/stop and lock/unlock, depending on how you program it.Northstart.....or start it your damn self.