J - Series Trucks
The J-Series Pickups were a full sized pickup truck produced from 1963 until 1987 under several model designations during its production years. The J-Series Pickup truck model numbers were used to identify the trucks.
From 1963 until 1964 a 3 digit number was used to identify the wheelbase and GVW (gross vehicle weight) 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.
The Jeep J-Series ranged from the Honcho to the Gladiator.
The Gladiator name was abandoned in 1970, after which the pickup line was know as the J-Series through 1987.
The J series Honcho was the truck equivalent of the wide-track Cherokee Chief. Built on the J-10 platform, it had a burly stance, with fender flares and off-road tires on 8x15 spoker wheels. It came in several variations over it’s 1976-1982 life. The two main differences were in the bed styles, the step-bed Sportside, or the Townside. The shape changed over the years and different options were added or depricated from the package.
The J-20 was the higher GVW (gross vehicle weight) rated truck in the lineup, ranging in capacity from “heavy” half-ton over one ton capacity and even duel rear wheel configuration. In the J-series years there were also J-30 series trucks produced. A handful of 1988 models were produced before the plug was pulled on the big Jeep pickups.
In1976, a Honcho cost added $699 over a standard custom level J-10 shortbed. The Laredo package replaces the Honcho in 1983.
The Jeep J-10 Gladiator was a full-size pickup truck based on the Wagoneer, with the same platform, front end styling and powertrain as its SUV sibling. The J-10 series trucks were Jeeps’s light-duty, half-ton lines and came in several wheelbase lengths and in capacities that took them up to near three-quarter ton capacity. A handful of 1988 model J-series trucks were produced befor the plug was pulled on the big Jeep pickups. The Gladiator name was abandoned in 1970, after which the pickup name was know as the J-Series through 1987. In 2004, a new Gladiator concept vehicle was introduced as a prototype for the future Jeep pickups.
