Vehicle Description
Jeep has recently rolled out a Wrangler-based pickup prototype, but
the idea isn't new. This nut-and-bolt built 1982 Jeep CJ8 Scrambler
is proof of concept thirty years ago and is dressed in a bright
Tangelo Orange color scheme that works perfectly with the hot-rod
Jeep's burly 355 cubic inch V8 living under the hood. With this
4x4, you can go anywhere, carry everything, and do it in a hurry,
all with the confidence of having what might be the nicest
Scrambler at the Jeep Jamboree.
The CJ8 was a longer version of the CJ7, which had both the benefit
of increasing cargo capacity and improving the on-road ride. Only a
handful were built during six years of production, and the numbers
in 1982 didn't even break 3000, so finding one this nice today is
quite unexpected. This one has been rebodied with a fiberglass tub
and panels for optimum durability, and the House of Kolor paint it
wears today has an awesome look that is a lot flashier than you'd
expect for 1982 but works extremely well today. The doors and hood
fit well, a louvered hood insert is installed, and there's a
bikini-top for a little added all-weather comfort. This Jeep also
features a front bumper-mounted winch centered in-between auxiliary
LED lights and aggressive CJ flares for the fenders which allow
oversized tires and protect the bodywork when off road.
Powder-coated bumpers, a roll bar, an elevated rear-mounted
matching spare, and powder-coated step bars give it a no-nonsense
look that suits it well.
Unlike most CJs, the CJ8 Scrambler isn't just basic inside, but
does cater to the guy who understands that playing outside can be a
dirty affair. Fortunately, comfort and simplicity can live together
in the form of supportive Bestop weatherproof bucket seats (and
matching rear bench) over a neatly laid heavy-duty carpet. Have
fun, get dirty, quick clean and do it again, it 's the Jeep way.
Aftermarket Auto Meter gauges display in the center of the dash,
along with a column-mounted tach, and for the serious trial rider a
clinometer was installed directly under the centered switch panel.
An aftermarket center console provides some weatherproof storage
and a pair of cup holders (good luck with those on the trail!), and
there's a grab bar for passengers. You'll also note there are only
two pedals on the floor and a floor-mounted B&M shifter for the
3-speed automatic transmission, a relatively rare option but fully
appreciated in this Scrambler.
To go with its added size, this CJ8 Scrambler carries reliable
Chevy 355 cubic inch V8 under the squared-off hood. With plenty of
torque to move this 4x4 over any terrain, it makes pleasant V8
noises and is the perfect partner to the TH350 automatic
transmission and locker/titanium axles, making climbing around
off-road a low-stress proposition. Punched-up with a FiTech EFI
system, aluminum heads, a full MSD system, and an overall clean
look that suggests careful maintenance since it was built, and it
probably hasn't hit the trails yet in the 2,600 miles it's spent on
the road since the build completion. It also offers power steering
and hydroboost brakes to help out when the going gets tough, and a
soundtrack provided by shorty headers feeding a new Magnaflow
exhaust system underneath. Manual-locking hubs provide the ultimate
in reliability and traction, and the powder-coated and
paint-matched undercarriage shows the results of a full frame-off
restoration that was finished not too long ago. Will you even have
the courage to take this one into the dirt? The Fox shocks balance
the 4.5/5.5 inch lift, and the Scrambler sits on big blacked-out
alloys wrapped in oversized 35x12.5-15 Nitto Trail Grappler M/T
tires.
A neat footnote in Jeep history that's suddenly back in fashion,
this Scrambler is also a great collectable that can still go
anywhere, and you may never find a nicer one than this. Call
today!