History of the J10 Jeep
by Rob Wagner
The Jeep J10 J-Series pickup truck was produced by AMC from 1974 to 1983 and featured the Honcho, Golden Eagle and 10-4 trim packages. An older version, the Gladiator, was manufactured from 1963 to 1973 and is virtually identical to the subsequent J-Series pickups. All trucks shared the same body work of the Jeep Wagoneer and Cherokee from the cab forward, and were offered with step-side or traditional slab-sided bodies.
Older Brother
The Gladiator was not classified as a J10 but a J-Series 200, 300, 2000, 3000 and 4000. It was identical to the post-1973 J10 models.
Identity Crisis
The Honcho, Golden Eagle and 10-4 were never model names for the J10, although the Honcho designation ultimately became the J10's common moniker.
Size
The J10 was offered with a 7-foot bed on a 119-inch wheelbase or an 8-foot box on a 131-inch wheelbase.
10-4
The more obscure J10 was the 1970s trendy 10-4 model, which made the most of the CB trucker craze of the era. It was named for the "10-4" trucker sign-off and equipped with an optional CB radio and trucker style body graphics.
Outdoor Image
The J10 was offered with extensive pin-stripping, bold graphics, a roll bar and even an interior clothed in Levi's jeans.
Many Donors
Late in its production run, the J10 was using a General Motors steering column, Ford air conditioning, a Motorcraft ignition, a Chrysler transmission and Chevrolet transmission mounts.
Writer Bio
Rob Wagner is a journalist with over 35 years experience reporting and editing for newspapers and magazines. His experience ranges from legal affairs reporting to covering the Middle East. He served stints as a newspaper and magazine editor in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Wagner attended California State University, Los Angeles, and has a degree in journalism.
