Here’s something you don’t see every day on craigslist, a 1973 Jeep J4000 pickup that looks like it’s spent its life doing exactly what it was built to do. Located with a $9,500 asking price, this one comes from the estate of its original owner and is described as having 93,861 original miles. For anyone into vintage 4×4 trucks, especially from the AMC era, that combination alone is enough to take a closer look. Thanks for the tip, Tony Primo!
According to the listing, this J4000 is powered by an AMC 360 V8 paired with a 4-speed manual transmission and 4-wheel drive. That’s a solid, no-nonsense setup for a truck like this, and the seller says it’s in “excellent mechanical shape” and could be driven anywhere. That’s a strong claim, but it does suggest the truck hasn’t just been sitting unused. It’s presented more as a working vehicle than a project, which is a big part of the appeal with something like this.
There are a few details that help paint a clearer picture. The seller mentions the truck spent time in Wyoming, and notes there is rust around the fenders. They point out that this can be seen in the photos, but don’t go deeper into how extensive it might be elsewhere. Inside, the bench seat is described as needing attention on the driver’s side, with worn foam and cover in that area. Beyond that, the listing doesn’t go into a full breakdown of interior condition.
One of the more interesting features mentioned is a set of what appear to be factory wood sideboards. The seller says they’re in good condition for their age and notes that they’re hinged, allowing them to unfold to roughly double their height. That’s the kind of period-correct accessory that adds a bit of character and makes a truck like this stand out even more.
From an enthusiast standpoint, these J-series trucks have been getting more attention lately, especially ones that haven’t been heavily modified. This one seems to land somewhere in the middle—it’s not being described as a restored showpiece, but it’s also not presented as something needing a full rebuild either. It sounds like a truck that’s been used, maintained, and kept going.
If you’re into vintage 4x4s, there’s something appealing about a straightforward setup like this. Manual transmission, V8 power, and a working truck vibe—it checks a lot of boxes without trying to be anything it’s not.
These trucks are badass!! Very stout!! Love to have one but prices keep goig upward on these!!
Did they use the NewProcess trans and t-case ?
That looks like it might be the Dana 20 transfer case. I don’t know what the 4-speed would be… my J10 came slightly later and came with a three-speed T150 from Borg-Warner. It’s probably a T18 or T19.
If you are going to get a non-Kaiser Jeep pickup, this is about the best you could have. It doesn’t have that phoney-baloney Quadratrac, has a 4 speed, front lock outs ( what gramps?), just a good old mechanical Jeep that will suck the fuel, I can smell it from here. But nobody in their right mind is going to buy this as a daily driver, and rightly so, it’s not meant for that. Maybe 4 miles of gravel road to get gas( and beer) and fill up the cans, or a load of wood from the “back 40”,, but really inefficient vehicles, you’ll see. Just get used to things failing on a daily basis, oops, there goes the drivers window, again, dang, no gauges, now the heater fan? No wipers? You get the point, that never happened with a Kaiser,,,just sayin’. It’s a “good ol’ Jeep”, like the good Lord intended, for sho’.
Howard,
I have to call you on this one. A pal picked up one of these about 5-6 years ago as a temporary, affordable work horse. He’s still using it regularly, as a work horse, though now on a permanent basis. His is a couple years newer with very similar rust issues, though in the time he’s had it you wouldn’t know any difference in the bodies condition.
Also that 360 isn’t so bad on gas. I had one in a 79 cherokee chief with a gm turbo 400 and a manual shifting transfer case with Warn locking hubs. It was a monster of a truck for me that was driven regularly through the 1990’s including lots of weekend highway miles. Never once did I complain about it drinking too much fuel, locally or out on the interstate.
Nice pick’em up. Maybe a little pricy but a lot less than a new tin can. This is a nice truck for somebody.
Another great weekend workhorse!!!! I doubt if that rack on the box is factory?? Possibly dealer installed?? Looks like it was designed to haul sheep or goats?? A little high on the price, but you can drag just about anything home with it. I will take Howard’s word on the original build quality, But if you are a tinkerer, NO problem.
These are tough trucks we had several and all of them were good workhorses , plow pull carry they did it all , this one is a nice one hope it finds a good home!
Call me old fashioned but, I love this truck! It is what a truck was intended to be. It’s also refreshing to see a Jeep product with dirt on it, and no Rubber Ducks stacked three deep on the dash!