1981 Jeep CJ8 Scrambler
For Sale, Available
$45,000
VIN: 1JCBM88E6BT054902 | Odometer: 27,023 Miles Shown | Location: Dover, Pennsylvania 17315
Steel Blue Exterior with Polished Accents
Period-Correct 1981–1982 Phoenix Graphix Decals
Black Vinyl Interior with Bucket Seats
Black Bedliner Interior Tub, Truck Bed, and Underside
33" x 12.5" BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 Tires
15" x 8" American Racing Baja Polished Wheels
AutoSound 740 Bluetooth-Enabled Digital Media Receiver with Metra Hide-Away Antenna
Select Instruments Centra-Pod Speaker Enclosure with Kicker 5.25” Speakers
Air Conditioning
GM 5.7L 350ci V8 Engine with Electronic Fuel Injection and Howell Stand-Alone Harness
GM Turbo-Hydramatic 350 3-Speed Automatic Transmission with Lokar Shifter
Dana 300 Dual-Range Transfer Case
Rough Country N3 Front and Rear Shocks
K&N X-Stream Air Flow Assembly
Rugged Ridge Heavy-Duty Tie Rod, Drag Link, Steering Box Brace, and Steering Stabilizer Bracket
Power Steering with SkyJacker 9000 Steering Stabilizer
Power Front Disc and Rear Drum Brakes
EXterior Gallery
Interior Gallery
Engine, Undercarriage & details Gallery
Classic 4x4 is proud to present this frame-off restored and modified 1981 Jeep CJ8 Scrambler, ready to turn heads and conquer any terrain. Recently, the Scrambler underwent a comprehensive mechanical inspection and refurbishment, along with a cosmetic restyle, performed by the well-respected 4x4 experts at Mount Zion Offroad.
Finished in steel blue with polished accents and retro Scrambler decals, it commands attention wherever it goes. Inside, the bucket seats and door panels are finished in black vinyl with black stitching. Black bedliner complements and protects the interior tub, truck bed, and tub underside. Modern comforts and drivability upgrades include a Bluetooth-enabled digital media stereo, air conditioning, electronic fuel injection, an automatic transmission, power brakes, and power steering.
Frame-Off Restored and Modified
1981 Jeep CJ8 Scrambler
Power comes from the replacement GM 5.7L 350ci V8 electronic-fuel-injected gas engine, paired with a GM Turbo-Hydramatic 350 3-speed automatic transmission and a Dana 300 dual-range transfer case. The Dana 30 front and AMC 20 rear axles deliver legendary four-wheel-drive capability.
This frame-off restored, modified and recently refurbished 1981 Jeep CJ8 Scrambler is a true tribute to the legacy of classic Jeeps — seamlessly blending vintage charm, rugged 4x4 capability, and modern enhancements.
Whether you are a serious collector, an enthusiast seeking a vintage-looking modified example, or someone who appreciates a trail-ready icon, this CJ8 Scrambler represents a rare opportunity to own a standout piece of automotive history.
History
Introduced by AMC Jeep in 1981, the CJ8 Scrambler was produced through 1986. The CJ8, referred to as the Scrambler, was a long wheel base version of the CJ7, featuring a 103.5-inch wheelbase, a removable half-cab hardtop, and a pickup-style bed. Only about 27,792 units were produced during its short production run. This makes Scramblers among the most iconic and collectible Jeep CJs, celebrated for their rugged simplicity and timeless design.
This 1981 Jeep CJ8 Scrambler was produced at Jeep’s Toledo Complex in Toledo, Ohio. It was acquired by the previous owner in 2015 and underwent a frame-off restoration and powertrain modification in 2018. Acquired for the current owner’s collection in 2025, it received a comprehensive mechanical assessment and refurbishment, along with a cosmetic restyle, performed by Mount Zion Offroad.
The Scrambler holds a clear Pennsylvania title in the current owner’s business name and is located in Dover, Pennsylvania. The transfer of funds and documentation will be securely facilitated by our pay and title partner, KeySavvy. The odometer reads 27,023 miles; true mileage is unknown.
Exterior
The exterior presents nicely, reflecting the frame-off restoration, with the body and frame both refinished. The steel body was refinished in steel blue, the frame in black, and the truck bed, underside, and interior tub in black bedliner. Polished trim, bumpers, and wheels complement the exterior. A period-correct 1981–1982 Phoenix Graphix Scrambler decal kit was added under current ownership. A custom-fabricated, bed-mounted spare tire carrier replaces the factory swing-out tire carrier. A small area of cracked paint on top of the hood, a small area of chipping paint on the half-cab hardtop, and normal wear and tear are shown in the gallery.
Steel Blue Body with Black Frame and Black Bedliner Truck Bed, Underside, and Interior Tub
Polished Trim, Bumpers, and Wheels
Period-Correct 1981–1982 Phoenix Graphix Scrambler Vinyl Decals
Black Custom-Fabricated, Bed-Mounted Spare Tire Carrier
33" x 12.5" BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 Tires
15" x 8" American Racing Baja Polished Wheels
The Scrambler sits confidently on a leaf-spring suspension with Rough Country N3 shocks, wearing 33" x 12.5" BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tires mounted on 15" x 8" American Racing wheels — delivering a vintage look with all-terrain capability.
Interior
The interior presents beautifully, balancing vintage aesthetics with modern upgrades and conveniences. The fold-forward bucket seats and door panels were reupholstered in black vinyl. The tub floor and bulkhead were refinished in black bedliner. The original and rare center console remains. Brushed mushroom shift knobs and polished dash instrumentation complement the interior. Modern comforts include a AutoSound 740 Bluetooth-enabled digital media receiver with Metra Hide-Away antenna, a Select Instruments Centra-Pod speaker enclosure with Kicker speakers, and air conditioning. A small crack on the upper dashboard pad, chipping paint on the half-cab hardtop, and normal wear and tear are shown in the gallery.
Black Vinyl Fold-Forward Bucket Seats and Door Panels
Black Bedliner Tub Floor and Bulkhead
Brushed Mushroom Shift Knobs and Polished Dash Instrumentation
AutoSound 740 Bluetooth-Enabled Digital Media Receiver with Metra Hide-Away Antenna
Select Instruments Centra-Pod Speaker Enclosure with Kicker 5.25" Speakers
Air Conditioning
Mechanical
The modified powertrain delivers reliability and capability with modern drivability. The replacement electronic-fuel-injected GM 5.7L 350ci V8 gas engine and Turbo-Hydramatic 350 3-speed automatic transmission were installed under prior ownership during the restoration, then refurbished under current ownership. The original Dana 300 dual-range transfer case, Dana 30 front axle, and AMC 20 rear axle were retained and refurbished under current ownership. A detailed list totaling $41,421.68 of refurbishments performed by Mount Zion Offroad under current ownership is available in the gallery. There are no known mechanical deficiencies.
Engine: GM Small Block Chevrolet 5.7L V8 with Electronic Fuel Injection and Howell Stand-Alone Harness
Transmission: GM Turbo-Hydramatic 350 3-Speed Automatic with Lokar Shifter
Transfer Case: Dana 300 with Advanced Adapters Transmission Adapter
Axles: Dana 30 Front and AMC 20 Rear
Suspension: Rough Country N3 Shocks with Leaf Springs
Steering: Power Steering with SkyJacker 9000 Steering Stabilizer and Rugged Ridge Heavy-Duty Tie Rod, Drag Link, Steering Box Brace, and Steering Stabilizer Bracket
Braking: Power Vacuum-Assisted Front Disc and Rear Drum Brakes
Intake: K&N X-Stream Air Flow Assembly
Exhaust: Custom 2” Aluminized Dual Exhaust
Refurbishment Under Current Ownership
Fuel Tank, Pump, Sending Unit, Filter, and Plumbing from Tank to Throttle Body
Brake Booster and Master Cylinder
Rough Country N3 Front and Rear Shocks
SkyJacker 9000 Steering Stabilizer
Rugged Ridge Heavy-Duty Tie Rod, Drag Link, Steering Stabilizer Bracket, and Steering Box Brace
Hunter Hawkeye 4-Wheel Laser Alignment
Hunter Tire and Wheel Road Force Balancing
BFGoodrich 33" x 12.5" All-Terrain T/A KO2 Tires
American Racing 15" x 8" 19mm Offset Baja Polished Wheels
Gorilla Hub Covers and Small-Diameter Spline Duplex Lug Nuts
AutoSound 740 Bluetooth-Enabled Digital Media Receiver with Metra Hide-Away Antenna
Select Instruments Centra-Pod Speaker Enclosure with Kicker 5.25" Speakers
Phoenix Graphix 1981–1982 Silver Scrambler Decals
Howell Throttle Body Injection Stand-Alone Harness
K&N X-Stream Air Flow Assembly with Spectre Performance Air Cleaner Studs
Intake Manifold Gaskets
PCV Valve and Hose
Radiator Hoses and Heater Hoses
Novak Transmission Mounts
Transfer Case Pan Gasket and Speedometer Cable O-Ring
Lokar Cable Shifter with 16" Lever and Brushed Mushroom Knob
Twisted Shifters Brushed Transfer Case Shift Knob
Bedliner-Coated Transmission Cover
Fairchild Shifter Boots
Front and Rear Axle Breathers
Rear Differential Cover Reseal
O.A.P. Air Conditioning Condenser
Air Conditioning Lines and R-134a Recharge
Automatic Transmission Brake Pedal Assembly
Questions?
Ready to Buy?
Classic 4x4 is advising, marketing and representing the sale on behalf of the current owner and will assist with all questions, inquiries and nationwide transportation. Kindly contact Classic 4x4 at 973-222-0135 or hello@classic4x4.com.