1981 Jeep CJ8 Scrambler

Description

You don't see many CJ8 Scramblers running around, but when was the last time you saw one with a venerable 4-cylinder "Iron Duke" engine? Beautifully restored by expert hands, this 1981 Jeep CJ8 Scrambler is one of the best we've ever seen, and we have to admit that we didn't expect to see a 4-banger under the hood, let alone one that runs so darn well. But the truth is, it works remarkably well and after you see just how nice this truck is, you'll never wonder about the choice.

The Scrambler is an awesome combination of Jeep ruggedness and pickup truck practicality, and we love the cool period look this one offers. The light yellow paint is probably what it came with when it was new and someone spent a ton of cash getting it into shape. The flat-sided body is in excellent condition with none of the usual issues you see on neglected Jeeps, and since replacement parts for the unique Scrambler bed are not available, you know this one has led a pretty good life. There's some orange peel in the paint, which could easily be erased with a professional color sand, but even as it sits, it has a great shine and really, do you want your Jeep to be too perfect? Original-style decals recall the great years of the early '80s and there's a chrome bumper and grille up front to dress things up a bit. A full-sized tire carrier out back handles even the oversized rubber on this CJ and the bed has been treated to a spray-in bedliner, in tan this time, which really goes with the overall color scheme.

The interior is beautifully finished and appears to be mostly original. High-back buckets with cloth seat covers are comfortable for even long drives and plush tan carpets on the floor make this CJ feel a lot more civilized than its siblings. It's loaded with options like a tilt column, a center console, a sunroof, and power steering and brakes, so you're not really getting that stripped-down experience that most Jeeps offer. However, if that's what you like, the steel doors and hardtop are removable for open-air motoring. Original gauges, including a tachometer, are arrayed across the flat dashboard and the tiller is a familiar 3-spoke wheel with the Jeep logo in the center. Sorry, kids, no radio, but there's a slot where it might like to live if you're into upgrades of that sort.

Open the hood and you'll find a rather unusual 151 cubic inch inline-4, which was standard equipment on many CJ8s. Torquey and eager, it's a nice fit in the off-road pickup and while upgrades are always available, during the restoration they made the decision to keep this one 100% stock. So instead of an engine swap, you have a beautifully detailed engine bay that includes a factory air cleaner complete with intake hose, correct corporate blue engine enamel on the engine itself, and plenty of new hardware throughout. It starts easily and runs great, and with the 4-speed manual gearbox and 2-speed transfer case, there's always plenty of torque to get you through the rough stuff. It's also rather thrifty, so if gas prices are a concern, this Jeep will be refreshingly efficient. Slide underneath and you'll discover that it's just as clean here, with a new exhaust system, fresh shocks, and a heavy duty suspension, so it'll do anything you need a Jeep to do. There's no sign of abuse or neglect, and it has a fantastic stance with those big 15-inch wheels and 32x11.50-15 BFGoodrich off-road radials.

Interesting, unusual, and always popular, this Scrambler is unlikely to sit in the showroom for very long. If this is your kind of fun, this is one of the best we've seen. Call now!