Some folks strike gold when they hunt for a used 4×4, and this 1982 Jeep Scrambler is proof. It was discovered on Craigslist by Austin Harrah of Bloomfield, Indiana. Austin, the President and CEO of Hi-Lift Jack Company, bought the Jeep in the fall of 2015 from a family in Evansville, Indiana. At the time, it was lightly modified with a winch, 31-inch tires, and a third row of seating. Best of all, the Jeep was rust-free, making it an ideal starting point for a build.
The Jeep was originally from Colorado, which explained its lack of corrosion. The Indiana family used it as a travel vehicle, towing it behind a motorhome. When Austin purchased the Scrambler, it was still running its presumably original 258-cubic-inch I6. One of his first upgrades was a Holley Sniper fuel injection system, but the engine never ran particularly well and had a knock.
Like many builds, this one began with a short list of planned upgrades and quickly snowballed into a full-blown rebuild.
5.3-Liter LS V8, Atlas 2 T-Case, And More
The I6 was removed and replaced with a GM 5.3-liter LS V8 sourced from a 2005 model year truck. At the time of purchase, it had a bad water pump along with a few other issues, so he had it rebuilt. Power upgrades come from Texas Speed & Performance and include cylinder heads, a camshaft, and headers. Fuel delivery is handled by a Holley Sniper electronic fuel injection system.
Cooling duties fall to an LS conversion radiator paired with a 15-inch electric fan. A fan-equipped Derale Atomic-Cool remote cooler is mounted beneath the Jeep and manages both engine oil and transmission fluid temperatures. Fuel is supplied by a custom 15-gallon tank protected by a Hi-Lift skid plate. An sPOD power management system under the hood controls the accessories.
Bolted to the engine is a rebuilt 4L80E four-speed automatic transmission. It’s backed by an Advance Adapters Atlas 2 transfer case with 3.8:1 low range gearing. It’s fitted with heavy-duty outputs and controlled by Advance Adapters cable shifters.
Locked 1-Tons, Disc Brakes
When it came time to upgrade the axles, the decision was made to go all in with a set of Dynatrac Dana 60 axles. The axles were sourced from a Wrangler JK owned by Austin’s wife. Each axle is fitted with ARB Air Lockers (fed by an ARB twin-motor compressor mounted in the cargo area), disc brakes featuring dual-piston calipers, and 5.38:1 gears.
Braking performance is further improved with a hydroboost system. Steering is equally sorted, with PSC Motorsports components making it easy for Austin to point the Scrambler’s tires exactly where he wants them.
Struts Up Front, Leaves In The Back, 40s
Up front, the Scrambler runs a custom three-link suspension paired with 14-inch-travel ORI struts. Each link is built from 1.750-inch-diameter, 0.250-inch-wall tubing and fitted with Heim joints at both ends. Out back is a leaf spring setup using Jeep Cherokee XJ application leaf springs, Skyjacker shocks, and Daystar polyurethane bump stops. The leaf springs are rotated 180 degrees, stretching the rig’s wheelbase by 5 inches.
The added ride height clears 40×13.50R17LT Nitto Trail Grappler tires mounted on 9.5-inch-wide Raceline beadlock wheels.
Body Armor And A Winch At The Ready
Outside, the Jeep’s upgrades protect and enhance the Scrambler while preserving its timeless look. Many of the parts come from GenRight Offroad, including aluminum front tube fenders, Wrangler LJ application rocker guards, rear fender flares, and aluminum rear corner guards. The corner guards came as blanks and trimmed to fit the Scrambler.
Additional exterior upgrades include a Warn XD9000 winch spooled with Freedom Ropes Freedom Winchline synthetic rope, JCR Offroad Wrangler TJ application half doors, and a Bestop soft top. Motobilt bumpers cap both ends of the rig. The Jamaican Beige paint was applied by a local shop, and the graphics were styled to echo classic CJ-era stripes.
Interior Features
Inside, the Scrambler keeps its classic vibe while adding upgrades for comfort and usability. A custom center console sits between the seats and houses the shifters, an sPOD touchscreen, and two 12-volt power sockets. The dash features four USB ports, a Fusion marine-application head unit, a Holley EFI digital dash, and control microphones for the Midland GMRS and Uniden CB radios. The radio units are tucked inside the center console.
Passengers sit in PRP Roadster low-back suspension seats. Safety comes from a six-point rollcage built by Austin’s brother-in-law, Robbie Hostetter, who also handled most of the fabrication and general work on the Scrambler.
The Bottom Line
Austin’s Scrambler is a work in progress and soon it’ll have many more mods including full skidplating and hydro-assist steering.
What are Austin’s favorite mods? He says, “So far, the LS Swap and front suspension. These two upgrades allow it to drive flawlessly at interstate speeds, in comfort.”
His least favorite mod? “I haven’t really found it yet. The only complaint so far is the stereo isn’t loud enough at highway speeds.”
Photos by Ken Brubaker and Austin Harrah
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