Jeep J-Series

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.

Model Numbers
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. In 1970 three new Gladiators models were added to the line-up. In 1974 the model designations were changed to only reflect vehicle load capacity rather than load capacity and wheel base.

Drivetrain
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)

This page uses GFDL content from http://www.offroaders.com/tech/jeep/Jeep-J-series-pickups.htm