For decades, Jeep fans could only dream of adding a Wrangler-based pickup to their fleet. The last glimpse of a Jeep pickup was close to 30 years ago with the Comanche MJ and CJ10 a few years prior. However, the original Jeep truck was something that many had forgotten or were simply not aware of – the J-Series aka the original Gladiator. Production began back in 1962 and continued up until 1988. Based on the Jeep Wagoneer platform, this beast was the go-to all-around pickup at the time and even received some love from the United States Military who added it to their short list of fleet vehicles.
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But the Jeep pickup craze didn’t end in the 20th century. In fact, it only grew stronger; to the point that many began converting their Wrangler’s into pickups. Whether it be with aftermarket hardtops and bulkheads for the Jeep LJ, Mopar weld-on conversion kits for the Jeep JK Unlimited, or AEV’s Brute full truck conversion for the Jeep JK and TJ platforms.
Trucks never fell off Jeep’s radar; in fact, they had been teasing Jeep pickup concepts since the early 2000’s. Constantly featuring new concepts at shows and events such as Easter Jeep Safari. So, the hope for an official Jeep pickup truck was never lost.
In 2017, the rumors of Jeep trucks began circulating as they did every demi-decade. But for some odd reason, the latest rumors felt different, and we were more hopeful than ever.
In late 2018, our dreams finally came true when it was finally revealed at the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show.
Rumor has it that Jeep was torn between a few names – amongst similar platforms such as the Scrambler and Comanche; however, ultimately landed on the original Jeep pickup – The Gladiator aka Jeep JT (Jeep Truck).
It came with mixed reviews, as do most vehicles upon their release; however, the hype wasn’t short lived. This vehicle has been able to keep up with all of the other popular off-road platforms. Although its length may limit itself on certain trails, its versatility is unmatched.
Our Gladiator has been amongst our fleet since the initial release, but it’s never had a proper introduction. Meet Russell – our 2020 Jeep Gladiator JT. Fitted with all of the ARB goodies, some new and some upcoming – here’s how we built it.
PROTECTION
ARB Stubby Classic Front Bumper
ARB Rear Bumper w/Protection Tubes
ARB Body Mounted Rock Sliders
ARB Differential Covers
PERFORMANCE
Safari Snorkel
LIGHTING
ARB Intensity Solis LED Lights
OE Fog Lights
SUSPENSION
Old Man Emu BP-51 Suspension (Coming soon)
WHEELS & TIRES
BFGoodrich KM3 37/12.50/R17
Stealth Series Customs K5 17×8.5”
DRIVETRAIN
ARB Front & Rear Air Lockers
Max Tow Axles
BED
ARB Elements Fridge Freezer w/Slide
ARB Simpson III Rooftop Tent
Thule Xsporter Pro Bed Rack
LINE-X
RECOVERY
TRED Pro Recovery Boards
ARB Premium Recovery Kit
ARB Jack
ACCESSORIES
ARB Twin Air Compressor
ARB LINX Accessory Interface
Up Next:
The Ball and Buck CJ-8
ARB was a six-year-old business when the CJ-8 was introduced in 1981 as a limited release. In fact, it was one of the first models distributed Down Under...