J-Series Pickup Trucks

The J-Series Pickups was a full sized pickup truck produced from 1963 until 1987 under several model designations during its production years.   The J-Series Pickup truck model numbers were used to identify the trucks wheelbase and GVW and had changed over the years.

From 1963 until 1964 a 3 digit number was used to identify wheelbase and GVW (gross vehicle weight) of the vehicle. Models were available with a 120" and a 126" wheelbase and most models were available in Thriftside (narrow box), Townside (wide box) and cab & chassis models.  Early models were know as Gladiator pickups.

J-100		panel delivery
J-200		1/2T 5000 GVW (120" wheelbase)
J-210		1/2T 6000 GVW (120")
J-220		3/4T (120")
J-230		1T cab & chassis or stake bed only (120")
J-300		1/2T (126")
J-310		3/4T (126")
J-320		1T (126")
J-330		1T cab & chassis or stake bed only (126")

In 1965 Jeep changed the model number to a four digit number with the exception of the J-100 panel delivery truck.  In 1967 the two wheel drive models were dropped.  In 1970, the Gladiators received the same style grill as the Wagoneer, which was the first styling change since its introduction. 1971 marked the end of the 3000 series and in 1972 the "Gladiator" name was dropped and the J trucks were simply called Jeep trucks.

J-2500		1/2 ton 5000 GVW (120")
J-2600		1/2 ton 6000 GVW (120")
J-2700		3/4 ton 7000 GVW (120")
J-2800		1 ton 8600 GVW (120")
J-3500		1/2 ton 5000 GVW (126")
J-3600		1/2 ton 6000 GVW (126")
J-3700		3/4 ton 7000 GVW (126")
J-3800		1 ton 8600 GVW (126")

In 1970 three new Gladiators models were added to the line-up.

J-4500		1/2 ton 5000 GVW Townside only (132")
J-4700		3/4 ton 7000 GVW Townside only (132")
J-4800		3/4 ton 8000 GVW Townside, cab & chassis or stake bed (132")

In 1974 the model designations were changed to only reflect vehicle load capacity rather than load capacity and wheel base.

J-10		Model 25 being the 1/2 ton 119" WB
J-10		Model 45 was the 1/2 ton 131" WB
J-20		Model 45 was the 3/4 ton 131" WB
J-30		1 ton cab & chassis or stake bed dually

 

Drive Train

Engines

• Kaiser 230 OHC I6 "Tornado"(63-66)
• AMC 327 V8 "Vigilante" (65-66)
• AMC 232 I6 (67-70)
• Buick 350 V8 "Dauntless" (67-70)
• AMC 258 I6 (71-end of J truck production)
• AMC 304 V8 (71-73)
• AMC 360 V8 2 bbl. (71-end)
• AMC 360 V8 4 bbl. (74-end J-xx models)
• AMC 401 V8 4 bbl. (74-end J-xx models)

 

Transmissions

• Warner AS-8F 3 speed auto (63 only)
• GM TH400 (64-79)
• Warner T-89 3 speed man. 2WD & 4WD >5600 GVW
• Warner T-90 3 speed man. 4WD up to 5600 GVW
• Warner T-98A 4 speed manual with 6.32 1st gear
• Warner T-18 4 speed manual
• Warner T-18A 4 speed manual with 6.32 1st gear

Transfer Cases

• Dana 20 (63-79)
• Borg-Warner Quadra-Trac single & dual range models (73-79)

Front Axles

Front axles were closed knuckle Dana 44 until the J-xx. (Wagoneers used Dana 27A's until '74).

Rear Axles

Rears were Dana 44 in 1/2T, Dana 60 in 3/4T and Dana 70 dually in 1T. Standard gear ratios were 3.90 with optional 4.27 & 4.88 in 1/2 & 3/4T models. 1T models came with 4.88 and had 5.89 as an option. Power-Lok limited slips were optional in all models (rear only)

 

External Links:

• Colorado Full Size Jeep Association
  A site dedicated to Wagoneer, Cherokee, J-Series Wagoneers, Cherokees and J-Series Pickups All Full Size Jeeps (FSJ)
   
• Project Invasion By Terry Howe
  Project Invasion is a 1975 Jeep J-10 pickup that is being built to accomplish two goals. During the week, the truck will be a work truck to drive around town. During the weekends, the truck needs to be ready to hit the high mountain passes for camping and exploration.  Read More...
   
• JEEP GLADIATOR CONCEPT
  The Jeep Gladiator is a lifestyle pickup with all the capability of the famed Wrangler. It's authentically Jeep, featuring the historic box side-mounted spare of past models. This "flexible utility truck" features an open-air canvas top, an expandable truck bed, and a stowaway rear seat cushion. This is rugged functionality found only in Jeep.
   
• Jeep Introduces Gladiator Concept Truck at 2005 NAIAS
  About.com's review of the Jeep Gladiator Concept Truck - The Gladiator has an open-air canvas roof, removable doors and a fold-down windshield, all features that allow its occupants to feel in touch with the outdoors. Its expandable truck bed and extra storage compartments enhance the concept's cargo carrying abilities. ...more ...
   
• The Jeep Gladiator concept car (2005) review from Allpar.com
  The Jeep® Gladiator converts the Wrangler into a pickup truck, bringing up memories of Comanches past. read more ...
   
• Jeep Gladiator Concept - Automobile Magazine's Review
  "Gladiator" was the name of Jeep pickups in the 1960s, but this concept actually harkens back further to the more militaristic Jeep Truck of the 1950s. ... read more
   
• J-Series Pickup Quick Facts