Return Of The Warrior

Jeep hits the trail with the Wrangler JT Gladiator Pick-up

- Chris Collard

At the end of World War II, Willys Overland emerged as a major player in the U.S. automobile industry. Having produced more than 600,000 vehicles specifically for the war effort, its role as a peace-time manufacturer would need to expand. In 1947, the first Jeep “utility” truck rolled out of its Toledo, Ohio, facility and the rest, we will say, is history.

The Willys pickup was phased out in the 1960s and replaced by the full-size Gladiator, which claimed numerous “J” designations and enjoyed a 26-year tenure. The mid-size Comanche, introduced in 1982, ended production in 1994 and the seven-slot brand would be bedless for more than a quarter century. Jeep has since hung a few carrots in front of pickup devotees with their annual batch of concept vehicles. The J12 Scrambler, Nukaiser, and Crew Chief 715 prompted the $64,000 question—when was Jeep going to get back in the pickup game? Enter the ‘20 Wrangler JT Gladiator.

Chassis, Drivetrain, and Capacities

While most money would have been bet on Jeep simply stretching the 4-door Wrangler and dropping a bed on the back, the team in Toledo knew that being competitive in the truck market would require, well, building a truck. They worked with Ram to design a cassis worthy of solid payload and towing capacities, as well as Dana and Fox for upgraded axles and shocks. As is the case with the new-generation of Ram trucks, the frame is comprised of high-strength steel to reduce weight and increase rigidity.