Lucas Bell 
Since Jeep announced that they would be returning to the mid-size truck segment with the Wrangler-based Gladiator, fans of the brand have rejoiced. While Gladiator owners are the first people to get to drive a Jeep truck in quite some time, they are anything but the first. The Jeep CJ8 Scrambler is an example of this heritage, and this restored 1982 model might be cool enough to take home over the modern version.
Offered up for sale on eBay Motors, this 1982 Jeep Scrambler CJ8 is one of just 7,759 sold that model year. Like many of these trucks that remain on the road today, this one has been heavily modified by its owner for more usability. At the heart of these modifications sits a 350 cubic-inch small block Chevy crate engine, complete with an old-school carb. A set of full length headers and a true dual exhaust are sure to let anyone around you know that there is something potent riding under the front hood. That power is routed through a TH400 three-speed automatic transmission and a two-speed 4×4 transfer case.
Other performance oriented changes include a beefed up G2 Dana 60 rear end, Bilstein shocks all around, power four wheel disc brakes, and a chunky set of Pro-Comp Xtreme Terrain tires. Visually there have been a number of changes made to bring the truck into the modern era, including the blackout treatment featured throughout. The added fender flares, wheels, rocker guards, grille guard, rear bumper and front bumper with its tubular bull bar have all been finished in black to give the truck a more sinister appearance. Inside there are some modern touches like an upgraded stereo, as well as some of the coolest faux alligator leather seats we’ve ever laid eyes on.
The asking price of $61,995 is pretty high, especially when you consider that other Jeep CJ8 Scrambler builds have fetched less money with arguably more desirable upgrades. At Barrett Jackson’s Palm Beach Auction in 2019, a 5.3L Vortec-powered Scrambler sold for $46,200. Perhaps this trucks odometer reading of just 5,713 miles will help carry it across the finish line.
