[Guest]

I am attempting to replace my 68 ford truck that has served me for years to haul items my jeep was unable to. I am trying to decide if I want to go with a newer 4x4 or something like a scrambler or jeep truck. I really like the scrambler Idea, but I wanted to tap some of the knowledge in this forum before I comit to anything.

My needs are:
Must be 4 wheel drive
has to be able to handle a 16 foot tandem trailer with 5000lb load
Must be adaptable
Parts must be readily availble
Must have some power (I am used to a 390 with 4 speed)

I was hoping that you folks with experience with these vehicles might be able to tell me if either the Scrambler, or Jeep Truck would be able to handle the above mentioned requirements.....


95 Wrangler mostly stock, but Seeing what we can do about that...

 

[Guest]

I would suggest a J20 which is a 3/4 ton pickup and look something late 70's early 80's.
A Scrambler came with a four banger from the factory with a 258 as an option. I doubt a CJ8
would be able tow according to your needs unless you could find one with a 360, 44 front
and 60 rear or do all the swapping yourself. I towed my CJ8 with my CJ7 and it was hair
rasing to say the least and it has 258, 4.56 gears and 33's. Scramblers are cool but so
are J20's IMO.

Lee

/wwwthreads_images/icons/laugh.gif

 

[JEEPN]

I agree with Panther. A Scrambler is not up to the task of towing 5,000 lbs, even after you beefed the drivetrain. The frame just isn't up to the task. A J20 or J4000 would be a nice truck and suitable to your needs. I am patrial to the Scramblers, but I think you'd be asking way too much for what you're looking for. The parts are still readily available and they came with the larger motors as well. Good luck in your endeavors. Now if you put a Scrambler body on the J20 frame, you'd have the best of both worlds...

JEEPN
'81 CJ-8 Scrambled!
GM151/SM465/NP205/7" Lift/33" Swampers/D44's F&R 4.10's & Lockrights

 

[Guest]

I can't make a suggestion on what to get but I can tell you that a stock Scrambler will not handle a 2 1/2 Ton trailer. I own an 84 CJ8, with I6, T5, that I tow a small (1 ton) trailer with, and it is about the max I would reccomend. First of all the manufacturers ratuing is max 2000 lbs,with 200 lb tounge weight, not only are the axles and springs not up to more weight but more importantly the brakes would not be up to the task. Ya gotta be able to stop better than you go !! Stock motors and manual trans are not strong enough either. A TF auto might be an allright trans if you installed an additional cooler. I'm not saying that a Scrambler couldn't be modified to handle that load, but the cost of upgrading the brakes, a stonger rear axle with a gear change (gotta regear the front too), much stronger rear springs, installing a V8, and most likely a trans change, would not be cost effective. If I had to tow that load I'd get a 3/4 ton truck with a towing package. CTjeepnut

 

[Guest]

I'll agree that the CJ8 isn't up to towing that trailer.
I do like the J20 idea, and don't want to seem like a traitor to Jeeps.
But..............
I am a firm believer in overkill, so a full size 3/4 ton or 1 ton extended cab truck is definately my tow vehicle of choice.
My "work" vehicle is a GMC Z71. It's a regular cab half ton, and I find myself wishing it were bigger most of the time (until I have to park here in LA)

_____________________
John
95.5 YJ with "stuff"
http://SonsofThunder4x4.com

 

[Guest]

I will probably take that advice,, and look at a truck insted of the scrambler. now finding one that is sitting in a barnyard and forgoten. Then I can get started. Couldn't buy something that was already in good shape,, that just wouldn't be any fun. If anyone has any good leads let me know.... thanks

95 Wrangler mostly stock, but Seeing what we can do about that...

 

[130]

What about a full-size Cherokee or Grand Wagoneer? These came with TH400 transmissions, and AMC 360 engines. Also a pair of D44 axles (and you could easily swap a D-60 into the rear.) I've seen one with the entire roof and side windows chopped off and zebra striped and it looked sweet. I belive they had made some sort of frame to hold a tarp as a soft-top...?

 

[130]

What about a full-size Cherokee or Grand Wagoneer? These came with TH400 transmissions, and AMC 360 engines. Also a pair of D44 axles (and you could easily swap a D-60 into the rear.) I've seen one with the entire roof and side windows chopped off and zebra striped and it looked sweet. I belive they had made some sort of frame to hold a tarp as a soft-top...? Where are you located? my friend just bought a J-20 that needs work (lots of it) that he would probably sell for what he paid- $500. Located in Bradenton, Florida, bottom of Tampa Bay.

 

[Guest]

Indiana, but florida may be doable, if he is interested a few pic's would be appriciated......

95 Wrangler mostly stock, but Seeing what we can do about that...