Description

The J-Series Pickups was produced from 1963 until 1987. J-Series pickups have used various model designation schemes over the years. All of the models are what we would consider a full size pickup today. Early models were know as Gladiator pickups.

From 1963 until 1964 a 3 digit number was used to designate wheelbase and GVW 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.

In 1965 they switched over to a four digit model number except for the J-100. In '67 the two wheel drive models were dropped. In 1970, the Gladiators got the same style grill as the Wagoneer, it's first styling change since its introduction. The 3000 series was dropped in 1971. The "Gladiator" name was dropped in 1972 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.

Drive Train

Engine

Several engine options have been used in the J-Series pickups over the years including:

• 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)

Transmission

Transmissions options included:

• Warner AS-8F 3 speed auto (63 only)
• GM TH400 (64-79)
• Warner T-89 3 spd. man. 2WD & 4WD >5600 GVW (63-?)
• Warner T-90 3 spd. man. 4WD up to 5600 GVW (63-?)
• Warner T-98A 4 spd. granny man. (all J-xxx & J-xxxx GVWs, 63-?)
• Warner T-18 4 spd. man. (?)
• Warner T-18A 4 spd. granny man. (?)

Transfer Case

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

Front Axle

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

Rear Axle

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. Powr-Lok limited slips were optional in all models (rear only)

Production Information

Serial Number Locations

Serial numbers are located on the . . .

Contributors

Thanks to Pual Weitlauf for sending me nearly all of J-Series pickup model, drive train, and production information.

Some additional production information was gleaned from JEEP - the Unstoppable Legend.