The Jeep Truck builds upon its 73-year tradition as an iconic pickup. Based on the iconic Wrangler model, its sleek yet functional appearance ensures long-term customer satisfaction.
It offers class-leading capabilities in its bed, and with proper equipment can tow more than most crew-cab midsize trucks. Furthermore, its highway ride quality exceeds most competitors.
History
From its beginnings as the Willys-Overland Jeep 4×4 Truck in 1947 until production of its last full-size Jeep pickup, Comanche, in 1992, Jeep trucks have long pushed the limits of capability. From dizzying ground clearance to impressive towing capacity, Jeep’s trucks inspire drivers to step into uncharted territory and explore beyond known borders.
Once Commando production had concluded, Kaiser Jeep changed to their Gladiator series of pickup models and began offering various configurations of them: narrow box Thriftside bed and wide box Townside beds as well as stake beds, wreckers and chassis-mounted campers.
In 1981, the CJ-8 Scrambler pickup was introduced. This model continued from where its predecessor left off and provided drivers with four-cylinder and inline-six engines as well as an AMC 401 V8. At this same time, Comanche was also unveiled, featuring its step-side bed design and hard or soft roof options compared to larger counterparts.
Engines
The Jeep Gladiator stands out as one of the most capable trucks driving through Coweta County. This midsize pickup can tow up to 7,650 pounds when equipped with its towing package; an incredible feat considering it uses a standard 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine.
Gladiator models feature a 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6, capable of producing up to 260 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque from the factory – plus there are available aftermarket tuning options that can increase these numbers even further.
Gladiator engines are specifically engineered for optimal performance and fuel efficiency. Their 60-degree V-6 DOHC design features four valves per cylinder using lightweight aluminum alloy to help reduce noise, vibration and friction (NVH/Friction), with durable crankshaft connecting rods made from forged steel for increased durability, as well as rugged off-road use forged-aluminum oil pans for greater off-road capability.
Transmissions
Jeeps can carry a significant amount of gear, so it’s critical that their cargo beds can withstand off-roading abuse. One way of doing this is with a heavy-duty, all-steel 5-foot bed designed specifically to take abuse. Furthermore, this cargo bed includes three tailgate positions.
Jeep truck owners can choose from an extensive selection of transmissions and transfer cases, with many engine builders favoring the GM 4L60E four-speed automatic recommended by many engine builders for use with LS engines. It fits all such engines that feature an SBC bolt pattern in their bellhousing.
The New Process transfer case, commonly referred to as the “Dana 300,” can also be used with LS-series engines; however, this requires using an alternate spline number on its input gear and checking its clocking settings; stock clocking usually stands at 23deg; however, some aftermarket adapters provide for various clocking options.
Safety
When purchasing a jeep truck, it is essential that it comes equipped with the latest safety features. Many manufacturers utilize cameras and sensors to help drivers mitigate risks; for instance, some provide features which alert when another vehicle enters your blind spot or warn when other traffic may pose potential threats.
Jeep also includes front and side airbags to protect both head and torso in an accident, in addition to seatbelt pretensioners and stability control for added safety measures during overlanding, which can help decrease the chance of rollovers.
However, the Jeep Wrangler performed poorly in IIHS small overlap front driver side testing due to partially rolling over during testing, leading the Institute to lower its rating from good to marginal and increase injury risks for its occupants. By contrast, 2023 Jeep Gladiator outdid its predecessor by having high scores across most crashworthiness areas as well as an advanced airbag system featuring multistage front driver airbags and side curtain airbags for improved crashworthiness ratings.