Jeep J8

The Jeep J8 was announced by Chrysler LLC at the 2007 Defence Systems & Equipment International show, in London, UK, September 2007. The J8 is based on the four-door Wrangler Unlimited with design upgrades for military use.

For the J8, the Wrangler's frame, axles, brakes and suspension have added beef along with heavy-duty bumpers and tow shackles. Leaf springs have been used in the rear suspension giving enough support for comm gear, weapons systems or armor plate. An integrated air intake and filtration system with a hood mounted snorkel increases fording capability and defends the engine from dust or sand. The press release claims the J8 can operate in sandstorm conditions for up to five hours.

Both a four-door and a two-door pickup version are offered to international government and military buyers from production at a joint venture with Arab American Vehicles Company (AAV) in Cairo, Egypt, starting in 2008. A second joint venture with Automotive Industries Ltd. (AIL) of Nazareth, Israel produces the J8, but called the Storm 3 for that market. As currently configured, the J8 is not offered in the United States.

Close up of hood mounted air intake (snorkle), Jeep J8. Photo courtesy Chrysler LLC.

Today in WW II: 9 Jul 1940 Battle of Calabria [Battle of Punta Stilo, the toe of Italy] fought between the Italian Royal Navy and the British/Australian Royal Navies, 30 miles [48km] east of Punta Stilo. More ?

9 Jul 1943 US-British invasion of Sicily begins [night of 9-10 Jul].
9 Jul 1944 British and Canadian forces capture Caen from the Germans, a critical post-D-Day objective in Normandy, France.
9 Jul 1944 US forces reach the northern end of Saipan, finding thousands of Japanese civilian men, women, and children who commit suicide by leaping off the cliffs rather than be captured.
Visit the Olive-Drab.com World War II Timeline for day-by-day events 1939-1945! See also WW2 Books.

Jeep J8 Chrysler Wrangler Unlimited

Length	173.4 in ***
Width	73.9 in ***
Height	70.9 in ***
Weight	4,269 lbs ***
Engine	2.8L 4 cyl 158hp turbodiesel (295 lb-ft torque)
Transmission	5 speed, automatic
4WD system	Jeep Command-Trac
Payload	2,952 lbs
Towing max	7,716 lbs
Fording depth	30 inches
Body options	Two door cab with cargo body Four door multipurpose body
Other	Right or left hand drive

*** Spec for Wrangler Unlimited.

Jeep J8. Photo courtesy Chrysler LLC.

The first production Jeep J8 completed at the Arab American Vehicles Company (AAV) assembly plant in Cairo, Egypt, 13 November 2008. Photo: AAV.

Storm 3 during tests in Israel by Jeepolog.com, April 2009. Photo: Jeepolog.com