The Jeep SJ Wagoneer was a classic vehicle produced from 1962 to 1991 by various manufacturers. One of the interesting models was the pickup version of the SJ, such as the 1982 Jeep J20 found in a Wyoming junkyard with a snowplow mount still attached.
Wyoming receives a significant amount of snow in winter, making four-wheel-drive plow trucks like this J20 in high demand. While the blade is missing from the Fisher plow assembly on this truck, it likely moved a substantial amount of snow during its working life.
In 1982, AMC offered a factory-installed Snow Boss plow system for the J-Series, Wagoneer, or Cherokee, but the owner of this particular J20 opted for an aftermarket setup.
Originally known as the Gladiator, the Jeep SJ pickup went through various name changes before becoming the J-Series until its discontinuation in 1988. The ¾-ton versions like the J20 were badged as J-20s, while the ½-ton models were J-10s from 1974 onwards.
This specific J20 was initially sold new in Denver, Colorado, as indicated by the 2013 license plates still attached to the vehicle. It likely spent most of its time plowing snow in the Centennial State before ending up in the Wyoming junkyard.
Powered by a 360-cubic-inch AMC V8 engine producing 150 horsepower and 205 pound-feet of torque, the J20 featured a four-on-the-floor manual transmission with an extra-low “granny” first gear. Alternatively, a three-speed automatic transmission was available as an option.
The AMC 360 engine continued production even after Chrysler acquired AMC in 1987, with the last units rolling off the assembly line in 1991. The J-Series pickups were produced by Chrysler as 1988 models before being discontinued to avoid competition with Dodge trucks.
Overall, the 1982 Jeep J20 Pickup offers a glimpse into the history of classic American trucks and their utility in snowy regions. The rugged design and powerful engine make it a reliable workhorse for plowing snow and handling rough terrain. With a rich heritage and a loyal following among Jeep enthusiasts, the J20 remains a sought-after collectible for truck aficionados.