With the new Jeep Gladiators showing up on showroom floors, consumers are eager to get into the 4×4 game. While this 1982 Jeep Scrambler CJ-8 is not the latest and greatest, it’s all original, un-restored and can help you stand out for cheaper than a new Gladiator. It has a current bid price of $12,600 and is located in Arlington, Texas. A VIN is listed, but no mileage. You can view more here on eBay.
There are some trade offs to not buying new. While this inline 6 cylinder does fire right up and run strong, it could use some refreshing. It has an optioned three-speed automatic transmission and four wheel drive selected on the floor. There might not be a whole lot of power behind it, as long as it can make it to Moab and crawl over stuff, you have earned your spot in the Jeep family.
The interior does have a few rust spots, especially on the floors. Based on the photos, nothing is detrimental or compromising to the integrity of the body. It can all be repaired. Even the underside is respectable considering the age. A few components have noticeable rust, but it is not awful. The leaf springs look to be in the worst condition, and would probably want to be replaced before off roading.
Even though it does stand out from all the newer Jeeps being sold, and it is much cheaper, it might take a serious amount of money to get it healthy enough to keep up. Thankfully, the Jeep community is strong and parts are numerous. If there is any hesitation, it would come in the form of, is original or customization better? That might be the hardest decision to make, after you buy it of course.
Like it. Update please…as long as you can make it to the soccer field and crawl over other cars at the Wal-Mart you’ve earned your spot in the Jeep family.
Curious about the long roof. I know CJ8s could be had with a long roof in international markets, but I thought civilians in the US could only get a half-roof. If that’s the case, then this is not “all original” as advertised.
If you were tight with your Jeep Parts guy/gal, they could order one for you but it usually cost at least a pony keg of Coors to get their attention back in that time spot.
There were at least a couple aftermarket mfg.s that made them too. Acme was probably the biggest.
You truly have reached your placement on the Jeep pecking order when you traverse the entire RubiconTrail from Georgetown to Lake Tahoe-successfully..
And if you can do it on the Jeep Jamboree in a CJ8, you’ll be catapulted to “OMG you’re a stud muffin” status!
It looks like the stock leaky valve cover was replaced with an aftermarket aluminum (probably Clifford) one. I did the same thing to my Dad’s Scrambler about 20 years ago. My sister got it when he passed and it now resides in SC.
Apropos of nothing, what happened to Jeep’s overhead cam 6? Went off to South America and never returned?
Sounds like a good question for AMCFAN and/or our other Jeep aficionados! I too wonder about that Spirit.
The 230 OHC Tornado six?
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=HMNr7oGxAAQ
CJ8 is only 1 to own in my mind. The glass top & winch helps, loose the tow bar (4 me). TX is a lill far but I could visit Dan’n his Traveler (is it still at Auto Craft Body?).
I have a CJ8 too. The 1964 Traveller is tucked away in our half-finished garage.