1985 Jeep CJ-8 Scrambler 4.2 5-Speed

Description

The 1985 Jeep CJ‑8 Scrambler represented the final full production year of Jeep’s distinctive long‑wheelbase CJ pickup variant. Introduced in 1981, the CJ‑8 was essentially a stretched CJ‑7 featuring a 103.5‑inch wheelbase and a compact pickup‑style bed, designed to appeal to both recreational drivers and light‑duty truck users.

By 1985, Jeep offered the Scrambler in base and updated Renegade and Laredo trims, replacing earlier SR and SL Sport packages. The model retained its rugged part‑time four‑wheel‑drive system, Dana 300 transfer case, and available 2.5L four‑cylinder or 4.2L inline‑six engines (as seen here), continuing the CJ tradition of dependable off‑road capability.

This 1985 Jeep CJ-8 was reportedly refreshed by a previous owner and wears later-model Jeep "Mango-Tango" paint, black rubber fender flares, Weld Racing wheels, a Badland 12,000-pound winch, and auxiliary off‑road LED lights. The seller also replaced the seats. Under the hood is a 112-horsepower 4.2L inline‑six engine mated to a five-speed manual transmission.

This refreshed CJ-8 is now offered with a CARFAX history report, a full soft top, a bimini top, and Florida title in the seller’s name stating the odometer "exceeds mechanical limits".

Highlights

• One of 2,015 Jeep CJ-8 Scramblers built for the 1985 model year, according to the CJ-8 Scramblings owners’ forum

• Refreshed under previous ownership

• Refinished in Jeep "Mango-Tango" paint (originally black) with a black canvas top

• 4.2L inline-six engine with two-barrel carburetor, rated at 112 hp and 210 lb-ft. of torque

• Five-speed manual transmission

• Part‑time 4WD system with 4L, N, 2H, 4H transfer case

Factory Equipment

• Chassis number (1JCCF88E2FT101539) indicates standard Scrambler model (88)

• Roll bar

• Bucket front seats and rear bench seat

• 85-mph speedometer and 6,000-rpm tachometer

Modifications

• Upgrades under previous ownership:

  • Refinished in Mango-Tango exterior/interior paint (originally black)

  • Black rubber fender flares

  • Weld Racing wheels

  • Badland 12,000-pound winch

  • Auxiliary off‑road LED lights on both sides of winch and across the top of the windshield

  • Wood-rimmed three-spoke steering wheel

  • Kenwood stereo head-unit with detachable face plate and Kenwood speakers

  • Artificial turf bed mat

• Replaced seats with black vinyl upholstery under current ownership

• Aftermarket step rails and bedside hand rails

Servicing

• November 2025: New DieHard battery

• Replaced clutch under current ownership

• BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM2 35x12.50R15LT tires

Documentation

• CARFAX history report

Known Imperfections

• Dent, missing paint (touched-up), and bubbled paint on driver’s front fender

• Dent, cracked paint, and bubbled paint on passenger front fender

• Paint chips on hood, roll bar, step bar, and bedside handrails

• Wear/curb rash on wheels

• Scuffs on fender flares

• Crack on dashboard near fan control

• The included CARFAX history report lists the following (see report for full details):

  • November 1993: Accident reported: damage to left side

  • July 1996: Accident reported: damage to rear

  • September 1996: Accident reported: damage to front

  • March 2016: Accident reported: severe damage to front, left-front, right-front

  • "Exceeds mechanical limits" title issued beginning in 2008

Ownership History

This 1985 Jeep CJ-8 Scrambler was purchased by the seller in February 2018. The accompanying CARFAX history report begins in January 1993 at 110,000 indicated miles and lists Florida registration since.

Included Items

• Rear-mounted spare tire

• Full doors

• Full soft top

• Bimini top