1981 JEEP CJ8 SCRAMBLER CUSTOM SUV

Details

Launched for 1976 and produced through 1986, the CJ7 represented the ultimate civilian-market evolution of the basic go-anywhere, do-anything military Jeep. As the CJ7 Jeeps approached the end of their production life under AMC, the extended-wheelbase CJ8 debuted in 1981. Featuring a 103-inch wheelbase and a removable roof, the CJ8 offered plenty of style and utility in one convenient package and was commonly known as the 'Scrambler,' based on the appearance package displayed on many CJ8s. A CJ8

was owned by former U.S. President Ronald Reagan and used by him on his California ranch. The Alaskan branch of the U.S. Postal Service also used a right-hand-drive, automatic-transmission version of the CJ8, which included a full-length steel hardtop and a barn door opening at the rear. A slightly revised version sold widely in Australia and Venezuela. Only an approximate 28,000 CJ8s were produced through 1986. This first-year CJ8 continues to benefit from a frame-off, nut-and-bolt restoration and build with photo documentation. Beginning with the sandblasted and POR-15 treated frame, the Scrambler features increased ride height with a new 6.5-inch lift kit and new Bilstein shocks. Rebuilt axles deliver the power with 4.56 gearsets, rear Detroit Locker differential, and new WARN lockout hubs. New disc brakes and stainless-steel lines provide stopping power. New driveline, body and engine mounts are other quality touches. Finished in Dark Gray Metallic with black accents, the Scrambler's tub was sprayed with Speedliner, and 3/16-inch body armor was installed by Poison Spyder. The Scramble remains true to its AMC-era roots with far more power than stock delivered by a built Jeep 401ci V8 engine fitted with Chevrolet connecting rods and equipped with a 4-barrel carburetor, HEI ignition, Hedman headers, aluminum valve covers, air cleaner and clear-coated engine block. An aluminum radiator provides cool running and a Flowmaster exhaust removes spent gases. Other top-notch features include custom front and rear bumpers, a new Smittybilt winch, new glass and weatherstripping, Bestop seats, a Smittybilt locking console and 20-inch Fuel Krank wheels mounting 35-inch tires. Accompanied by a photo album of the restoration and build, this CJ8 Scrambler is quite possibly the vehicle AMC should have built in the 1980s. From the Mile-High Collection.