Return of the Jeep Scrambler

History of the Jeep CJ-8 Scrambler (1981–1986)

The Jeep CJ-8 Scrambler started production as a stretched Jeep CJ-7 in 1981 and remained in production until 1986.

Most notably, the Scrambler served its life under the hand of Former-President Ronald Regan on his California ranch, sporting a half top and integrated pick-up–style bed. The Gipper was so enchanted with the Scrambler that soon, in Alaska, the United States Postal Service started using CJ-8’s with full length high-roof hard top, and used a hinged “barn-door” instead of a tailgate.

While only 230 of these were produced for the United States, they were sold in large numbers to Venezuela and Australia as the CJ-8 Overlander.

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Unfortunately, in 1986, the CJ-8 was discontinued by AMC-Jeep and the name was left to collect dust.

Jeep Scrambler Revival: The Jeep JT Pickup (2019)

Thirty-three years later, Jeep is reviving the Scrambler namesake for the new Jeep JT Pickup, with promises of uncompromising brutishness and utility. While the 2019 Jeep Scrambler hasn’t been publicly released yet, there are a few details that have been pulled from engineers and test mules seen around Detroit.

Key Features Expected in the 2019 Jeep Scrambler

Removable hard-top
Fully-boxed steel frame
Solid beam axles Front and Rear
3.0L V6 VM-Motari diesel engine
8-Speed automatic transmission and 6-Speed manual transmission
5-Link “Quadra-Coil” suspension
Full-Time 4WD “Quadra-matic” Transfercase

Scrambler vs Small Pickup Competition

Needless to say, the new JT Scrambler Pickup should be a a show stopper, and is set to shake up the small pickup market. Toyota and General Motors should be watching with eager anticipation as this competition drops on their already released Tacoma and Colorado models.

What card does Ford have up its sleeve with the pending release of the Ranger and Bronco models?

Jeep Scrambler vs Competitors

Below is a comparison of the upcoming Jeep Scrambler (JT Pickup) against the small pickup competitors it is set to challenge:

Feature / Model	Jeep Scrambler (JT Pickup)	Toyota Tacoma	Chevy Colorado	Ford Ranger	Ford Bronco (SUV)
Engine Options	3.0L V6 Diesel (VM Motari), 6MT / 8AT	2.7L I4, 3.5L V6, 6MT / 6AT	2.5L I4, 3.6L V6, 6AT / 8AT	2.3L EcoBoost I4, 10AT	2.3L EcoBoost I4, 2.7L V6, 10AT
Drivetrain	4WD “Quadra-matic”	RWD / 4WD	RWD / 4WD	RWD / 4WD	4WD
Suspension	5-Link “Quadra-Coil”	Independent front / leaf rear	Independent front / leaf rear	Independent front / leaf rear	Independent front / coil rear
Body Style	Pickup	Pickup	Pickup	Pickup	SUV
Unique Feature	Removable hard-top	Proven reliability	Versatile trims	Turbo efficiency	Off-road heritage

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Why was the Jeep Scrambler discontinued?

A: The CJ-8 Scrambler was discontinued in 1986 by AMC-Jeep due to low sales and market shifts.

Q2. Did Ronald Reagan own a Jeep Scrambler?

A: Yes, Reagan owned a Scrambler on his California ranch, making it one of the most famous Jeeps of the era.

Q3. What is the difference between the Jeep Scrambler and the Jeep Gladiator?

A: The modern Scrambler (JT Pickup) was released in 2019 and later branded as the Jeep Gladiator, offering more modern utility while honoring the Scrambler name.

Q4. What engines were available in the new Jeep Scrambler?

A: The 2019 Scrambler offered a 3.0L V6 diesel engine with both 6-speed manual and 8-speed automatic transmission options.