1983 Jeep Scrambler Rebuild

This project began nearly two decades ago…

Over the past three years, I’ve been “resto-modding” a 1983 Jeep CJ8 Scrambler in my garage.

This project has been a long time coming. Back in 2005, I noticed the Jeep sitting in a driveway, clearly untouched and undriven for years…

I upgraded my Scrambler’s powerplant from the factory AMC 258 inline six to a Chevy 6.0L LQ4 V8.

Engine

I decided to rewire my entire Jeep because the factory wires and harnesses were corroded and dirty, or downright obsolete.

We rebuilt the “bulletproof” stock Dana 300 transfer case and added twin stick shifters.

My CJ8 came with a T5 five-speed manual transmission. Since I was putting far more horses under the hood, I decided to install an NV4500.

My NV4500 was a classic junkyard find from a 1992 GM 2500 pickup with 4WD — and unknown mileage.