BUILD DETAILS

 

“A mega-build frame-off restoration of the tough Jeep convertible, 4X4 pick-up that is perfect as a daily driver, freeway cruising at 80 mph, rugged off-roading in Moab or taking the kids and dogs for ice cream with the top down on a Sunday afternoon. This truck (almost) does it all!”

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The Scrambler CJ-8 is the longer-wheelbase/pickup version of the popular CJ-7.

 

The CJ-8 is two feet longer and has a ten-inch longer wheelbase (at 103 inches) than the CJ-7.

 

This results in a much smoother ride and provides enough room for rear seats AND ample cargo space.

 

Having successfully restored and sold one of these unique trucks, Blacksmith Garage decided to build another modern version of the CJ-8 that we have named “ANV-JS2”.

 

We were lucky to find an amazing donor complete with many performance upgrades. It was completely disassembled before beginning a full BODY/FRAME-OFF restoration.

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CHASSIS:

The rust-free frame was stripped, sand blasted, epoxy primed with PPG DP90 and coated with Raptor Liner for durability.

 

ENGINE/DRIVETRAIN/AXLES:

We toyed with installing a new crate motor, but we loved the awesome sounding, high revving and fabulously torquey 4.2L in-line six so much that we decided to keep it!

 

The rebuilt motor was fitted with a Comp Cams camshaft (part #68-201-4), ARP head bolts and a new cylinder head before adding the Mopar Performance MPI kit.

 

We removed the valve cover and oil pan and our forensics revealed a clean and very well maintained engine. It had great oil pressure and great compression (3.2% variance across all 6 cylinders). Blacksmith Garage stripped, repainted and re-sealed it.

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Compression Readings by Cylinder

Cyl 1- 155 psi

Cyl 2- 156 psi

Cyl 3- 160 psi

Cyl 4- 160 psi

Cyl 5- 159 psi

Cyl 6- 155 psi

 

The engine is retrofitted with Mopar Performance Fuel Injection, and a C.A.R.B approved long tube header.

 

Complementing the engine is a Blacksmith Garage custom designed and built stainless-steel exhaust with a new Magnaflow muffler and new emission compliant catalytic converter.

 

The cooling system was upgraded with all new hoses, thermostat, and a high-capacity aluminum radiator.

 

ANV-JS2 is equipped with a 4.56 front differential and a Dana front axle with Warn locking hubs.

 

The stock rear differential was upgraded to a 9” Ford with matching 4.56 gear ratio and a spool style locker.

 

We also completely removed the factory wiring harness and replaced it with a new Painless Performance wiring harness.

 

TRANSMISSION:

We felt that the one ‘weak link’ of the stock (donor) CJ-8 was the original 4 speed manual transmission which limited the Scrambler’s top speed, off road capabilities and driving comfort.

 

The old 4-speed transmission was replaced with a new 700r-4 automatic using new Novak adapters, new torque converter, a new B&M floor shifter, a reburbished Dana 300 transfer case with twin stick shifters and new custom length Tom Woods drive shafts.

 

This all combines to create the best in off-road capability and highway driving comfort.

 

SUSPENSION/STEERING:

ANV-JS2 is fitted with 3” lift leaf springs which we sand blasted and refinished. We installed new polyurethane bushings. New Sky Jacker shocks were then installed to complete the package.

 

The steering box was upgraded to a new New Advantage unit with new OEM replacement tie rod ends.

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BRAKES/WHEELS:

ANV-JS2 is equipped with a rear wheel disc brake conversion with new rear pads.

 

We also Replaced the calipers, rotors and front pads on the factory installed disc brakes.

 

The 15x10 steel wheels were sandblasted and given a fresh coat of Black PPG paint and fitted with 35x12.50 r 15 BFGoodrich Mud Terrain tires.

 

EXTERIOR:

The old tub was replaced with a new steel tub from Rugged Ridge.

 

The front clip was sandblasted down to bare metal. It was rust free and no sheet-metal work was needed.

 

The half doors are new from Warrior Products.

 

The entire body was then covered in PPG epoxy primer. The exterior was given a show-quality paint job with PPG Enviro-base (Porsche) Python Green paint.

 

The inner tub and underside were covered in Raptor Liner for a hose-off, rugged and durable finish.

 

The body was then fitted with a 3” polyurethane lift.

 

New Rusty’s Off-road front and rear bumpers adorn the front and rear of the restored frame.

 

Mounted to the front unit was a new Stegodon 9500lbs winch with paint-matching synthetic cable.

 

Lighting in the front are new Sylvania LEDs and lighting in the back are new Metal Cloak LEDs.

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INTERIOR:

The cockpit from Innovative Custom Interiors features FULL GRAIN LEATHER with body color precision green stitching covering the front seats, tumble rear seats, original steering wheel, new shifter boots and new door cards.

 

The interior also sports a removable custom carpet kit from Innovative Custom Interiors.

 

We added a matching new black dash pad and a new Tuffy locking glovebox.

 

Also noteworthy is a complete set of new Dakota Digital ‘analog–style’ digital gauges, New Retro Manufacturing stereo and new Rockford Fosgate front and rear speakers and a new Cerwin-Vega subwoofer tucked under the rear seat.

 

A new Jeep-Air HVAC system is neatly installed under the dash.

 

Bestop supplied the new soft top which can be very quickly and easily removed altogether or simply stripped down to a bikini top. New Three-point safety belts in the Front and new lap belts in the rear.

 

The end-result is a frame-off ‘every nut and bolt’ refurbished or replaced resto-mod Scrambler.

 

It is perhaps the only one built out to this level.

 

It is a magnificent modern portrayal of the original scheme conceived by the original CJ-8 designers.