Report: Jeep’s new pickup revives Scrambler name, will have a diesel option

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Updated Sep 26, 2017
1982 Jeep CJ-8 Scrambler pickup1982 Jeep CJ-8 Scrambler pickup

Jeep’s long-anticipated pickup, which is scheduled to roll out next year as a 2019 model, will be called the JT Scrambler and will be available with a diesel engine, according to jeepscramblerforum.com.

The forum reports that it learned about Jeep’s new truck through the FCA dealer system.

“The JT Scrambler and the JL Wrangler will share the 3rd generation 3.0-liter V6 turbo diesel engine with engine start-stop. This has been widely rumored and we’re happy to finally put it to bed,” the forum reports.

“It should be noted that the system did not show the updated 3.6-liter V6 Pentastar or 2.0-liter Hurricane Turbo engine to be part of the JT vehicle family. Neither do any of the transmission options listed for the JL Wrangler, so the system was almost surely not fully baked.”

The forum reports that the JT Scrambler will have a removable roof and will include at least three top options: black 3-piece hard top, body color 3-piece hard top, and premium black Sunrider soft top.

After looking over spy photos and CAD files, which are displayed on the site, the folks at jeepscramblerforum.com believe that the JT Scrambler will be 205 inches long, or 33 inches longer than the four-door JK Unlimited.

After studying an image of the truck’s axle, forum members believe that the pickup may be getting new Dana 12-bolt axles, “which will add strength over the current JK Wrangler’s Dana 44 axle. This is sure to bolster the truck’s payload capacity and tow rating.”

Jeep’s original Scrambler pickup, also called the CJ-8, was produced from 1981 to 1986. Buyers could opt for a four- or five-speed manual transmission or a 3-speed automatic. Engine options included a 82-hp Pontiac 151 4-cylinder or 110-hp AMC 258 straight six.