J-Series Pickups¶

J-200 Pickup

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

From 1963 until 1964 a 3 digit number was used to designate the 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.

Model	Type
J-100	panel delivery
J-200	1/2T 5000 GVW (120" wheelbase)
J-210	1/2T 6000 GVW (120")
J-220	3/4T (120")
J-230	1T cab & chassis or stake bed only (120")
J-300	1/2T (126")
J-310	3/4T (126")
J-320	1T (126")
J-330	1T cab & chassis or stake bed only (126")

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, its 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.

Model	Type
J-2500	1/2T 5000 GVW (120")
J-2600	1/2T 6000 GVW (120")
J-2700	3/4T 7000 GVW (120")
J-2800	1T 8600 GVW (120")
J-3500	1/2T 5000 GVW (126")
J-3600	1/2T 6000 GVW (126")
J-3700	3/4T 7000 GVW (126")
J-3800	1T 8600 GVW (126")

In 1970 three new Gladiators models were added to the line-up.

Model	Type
J-4500	1/2T 5000 GVW Townside only (132")
J-4700	3/4T 7000 GVW Townside only (132")
J-4800	3/4T 8000 GVW Townside, cab & chassis or stake bed (132")

In 1974 the model designations were changed to only reflect vehicle load capacity rather than load capacity and wheel base.

Model	Type
J-10	Model 25 being the 1/2T 119" WB
J-10	Model 45 was the 1/2T 131" WB
J-20	Model 45 was the 3/4T 131" WB
J-30	1T cab & chassis or stake bed dually

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. (?)

(There were other 3 speeds available during J-truck production, but I don't have those details.)

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

Production Information¶

Year	Serial Number Range	Production
1963	xxx - xxx	ppp
1964	xxx - xxx	ppp
1965	xxx - xxx	ppp
1966	xxx - xxx	ppp
1967	xxx - xxx	ppp
1968	xxx - xxx	ppp
1969	xxx - xxx	ppp
1970	xxx - xxx	ppp
1971	xxx - xxx	ppp
1972	xxx - xxx	ppp
1973	xxx - xxx	ppp
1974	xxx - xxx	15,524
1975	xxx - xxx	13,958
1976	xxx - xxx	16,188
1977	xxx - xxx	17,252
1978	xxx - xxx	20,495
1979	xxx - xxx	18,966
1980	xxx - xxx	6,839
1981	xxx - xxx	8,048
1982	xxx - xxx	6,113
1983	xxx - xxx	4,705
1984	xxx - xxx	3,082
1985	xxx - xxx	1,953
1986	xxx - xxx	1,515
1987	xxx - xxx	1,153

Serial Number Locations¶

Serial numbers are located on the . . .