1983 Jeep CJ8 Scrambler

Details

This custom 1983 Jeep CJ8 Scrambler is powered by a 5.3L V8 engine (GM LS1) and backed by a remanufactured automatic transmission (GM 4L60E) that sends power to all four wheels via a Dana 300 dual-range transfer case. This Jeep’s custom aluminum body was re-painted in matte green using a special Trailcoat protective material. The inside of the Jeep was coated in black using the same material and given custom black vinyl seats. This highly modified truck has been upgraded to accommodate the transplanted powertrain, including a Dana 44 axle, rebuilt Ford 8.8 rear axle and Dana transfer case, suspension lift, custom exhaust, roll cage, bumpers, dash, and LED headlights. See the full list of modifications below. The truck shows 4,702 miles on the odometer however true mileage is unknown. The Jeep has spent time in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Florida, and now resides in Aspen, Colorado.

This Jeep is in solid condition, as displayed by third-party photos and inspection. The exterior shows minor scratches and surface rust on the underside of the truck that is consistent with the mileage of the vehicle. The inspection does report that some fluid is leaking from the transfer case, and the AC doesn’t blow as cold as it should. The interior still shows well, with minor wear to be expected based on mileage. Mechanically, the vehicle is running and driving appropriately. Carfax reports that it was registered in 1991 with a salvage title prior to its restoration, as well as accidents reported in December of 2016 under current ownership and 2023, with damage reported to the side or rear of the vehicle. All subsequent damage was repaired. Included in the sale are a full hard top with half doors, a receipt for the restoration, and one set of keys. 

This Jeep is being sold through a CLASSIC.COM Pro and is located in Aspen, Colorado and can be found for sale at auction at fourbieexchange.com.

About the model

The Jeep Scrambler CJ-8 was a long-wheelbase version of the CJ-7, introduced in 1981 and manufactured through 1986. It featured a 103.5 in (2,629 mm) wheelbase and a removable half cab, creating a small pick-up style box instead of using a separate pickup bed. CJ-8s used the traditional transfer case with manual front locking hubs to engage the four-wheel drive. Most had either a four or five-speed manual transmission, but a three-speed automatic transmission was an option. The term "Scrambler" comes from an appearance package with which many CJ-8s were equipped, which included tape graphics and special wheels.

Features and Specs

• 4,702 miles shown (Total mileage unknown)
• 5.3L V8 engine (rebuilt GM LS1)
• GM 4L60E automatic transmission (Remanufactured)
• 4WD
• Rebuilt Dana 300 twin-stick dual-range transfer case
• Rebuilt Dana 44 front axle 
• Rebuilt Ford rear axle
• Warn locking hubs 
• Power disc brakes
• Power steering
• Fuel injection
• Cold air intake
• Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac tires
• 1 Piece removable hardtop with sunroof and rear sliding windows
• Half-hard doors with soft upper windows

Known Modifications

• Ford 8.8 rear axle
• Suspension lift
• M/T wheels
• Matte green Trailcoat exterior, black Trailcoat interior
• Black vinyl seats 
• Aluminum body with “Crawler style” enhanced clearance flat fenders
• Body matching Xtreme Tops
• LED headlights and auxiliary driving lights
• Custom full roll cage
• Custom dashboard with Speedhut Gauges
• Custom exhaust
• Custom front and rear bumpers with rear spare tire carrier
• Custom stereo with Pioneer head unit
• Transfer case skid plate
• KryoFlow radiator

Service History

• 2015 Built powertrain and modifications by Novak Conversions 
• 2016 current owner took possession 
• 2022 Oil change, neutral safety/start switch replaced

Ownership History

• 1991 Registered in New Jersey with a salvaged title
• 2015 Registered by a dealer in Pennsylvania
• 2016 Registered new owner in Florida
• 2016 Registered current owner in Aspen, Colorado
  • 2016 accident reported 
  • 2023 accident reported to side and/or rear

Known issues

• Fluid leaking from the transfer case
• AC is not fully functional
• Upholstery wear is consistent with mileage and age
• Air filter needs cleaned

Due Diligence

• Third-party photos 6/29/2023
• Third-party inspection found here 5/15/2023
• Carfax 6/29/2023

Included in the sale

• Full Hardtop with Half Doors
• Receipt for the restoration and modifications
• 1 set of keys