Wrangler Pickup Returns 'Scrambler' Name to Jeep Lineup: Report

Steph Willems
by Steph Willems

In the early 1980s, the Jeep CJ-8 Scrambler was so cool, even Ronald Reagan owned one. A lengthened CJ-7 with a pickup bed just large enough to be usable, the Scrambler ended its six-model-year run in 1986, just as the more conventional Comanche was entering the market.

Jeep’s found itself without a pickup variant since the Comanche’s exit in 1992 — a grievous omission for hard-core Jeep aficionados — and no amount of four-door Wrangler Unlimited is going to satisfy the crowd until something with seven slots sprouts a bed.

Well, the reveal of the Wrangler-based pickup remains just over a year away, but a new report tells us what to expect. Based on the next-generation Wrangler arriving late this year, the pickup variant sports a longer wheelbase and a familiar name: Scrambler.

Satisfied?

According to sources who spoke to Jeep Scrambler Forum (sister site to JL Wrangler Forums), Jeep intends to resurrect the Scrambler name for the new model, which goes on sale in early 2019.

Besides sounding cool and being part of Jeep’s long and storied history, the Scrambler name fits for other reasons. Like before, this Wrangler pickup is a stretched-wheelbase version of its host model. According to information found in FCA’s dealer system computers, the Scrambler (which carried the official “JT” moniker) sits atop a JK Unlimited frame that’s lengthened by 33 inches, bringing its length to 205 inches.

Other images found in the dealer system show the Scrambler sporting upgraded heavy-duty Dana 12-bolt axles and differential. Jeep assumes would-be owners have hauling and towing in mind.

As for powerplants, the 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 (with engine start-stop) discovered in the regular Wrangler’s options list also appears here, sans other engines. This means both Wrangler and Scrambler come with the torque-rich EcoDiesel motor. As for other Scrambler powertrains, it doesn’t look like the dealer system has all the categories filled out. It lists neither the Pentastar V6 or Hurricane four, nor any transmissions. A work in progress, it seems.

The system does list three top options, and yes, they’ll be removable. Expect the availability of a black three-piece hard top, a body-color three-piece hard top, and a black three-piece black Sunrider soft top. Finally, the ability to haul a small load of gravel with the wind in your hair!

We’ve seen various renderings of the 2018 Scrambler for some time now, and the two-door version always looked the most fetching. Well, steel yourself for bad news. According to a source who spoke to Jalopnik, it looks like this pickup’s a four-door-only proposition. Ahead of the bed, the Scrambler is pure next-gen Wrangler Unlimited, the source said.

[Image: © JLWranglerForums]

Steph Willems
Steph Willems

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  • Ermel Ermel on Aug 23, 2017

    I have no use for a pickup. No use for a crewcab. No use for an offroader. No affection for Jeep. But I like this.

  • Golden2husky Golden2husky on Aug 23, 2017

    I recall a kid in high school getting a new Jeep w/pickup bed in the late 70s but I'm pretty sure it was called a "Golden Eagle"...

    • Art Vandelay Art Vandelay on Aug 23, 2017

      I think golden eagle was a trim package that could be applied to a CJ or Scrambler.

  • MaintenanceCosts It's not a Benz or a Jag / it's a 5-0 with a rag /And I don't wanna brag / but I could never be stag
  • 3-On-The-Tree Son has a 2016 Mustang GT 5.0 and I have a 2009 C6 Corvette LS3 6spd. And on paper they are pretty close.
  • 3-On-The-Tree Same as the Land Cruiser, emissions. I have a 1985 FJ60 Land Cruiser and it’s a beast off-roading.
  • CanadaCraig I would like for this anniversary special to be a bare-bones Plain-Jane model offered in Dynasty Green and Vintage Burgundy.
  • ToolGuy Ford is good at drifting all right... 😉
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