Engine Type
The Gladiator and J-4000 were available with a variety of engines throughout their production run. Initially, they were equipped with a 3.8-liter, six-cylinder engine that produced 140 horsepower. Later models were available with a 4.2-liter, six-cylinder engine that produced 112 horsepower, a 5.0-liter, V8 engine that produced 150 horsepower, or a 5.9-liter, V8 engine that produced 230 horsepower.
Transmission Type
The Gladiator and J-4000 were available with either a three-speed manual transmission or a four-speed manual transmission. Later models were also available with a three-speed automatic transmission. The transmission was mounted directly to the engine and drove the rear wheels through a transfer case.
Transfer Case
The Gladiator and J-4000 were equipped with a New Process NP208 transfer case, which had a two-speed range and allowed the driver to shift between two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive modes. The transfer case had a low range for off-road use and was controlled via a lever on the floor of the vehicle.
Front Axle
The front axle of the Gladiator and J-4000 was a Dana 44 axle, which was a full-floating axle with a maximum capacity of 4,500 pounds. The axle was mounted directly to the frame of the vehicle and used leaf springs for suspension.
Rear Axle
The rear axle of the Gladiator and J-4000 was a Dana 60 axle, which was a full-floating axle with a maximum capacity of 5,500 pounds. The axle was mounted on top of the frame rails and also used leaf springs for suspension.
Other Features
The Gladiator and J-4000 Series Pickup, also known as the SJ, were rugged and versatile pickup trucks that were designed for both on-road and off-road use. They were available with a variety of engines and transmissions, and featured a New Process transfer case, a Dana front axle, and a Dana rear axle, which gave them excellent off-road capabilities. The leaf spring suspension provided a smooth ride and could handle heavy loads with ease. Overall, the Gladiator and J-4000 were reliable and sturdy pickup trucks that were well-suited for a variety of tasks, from hauling cargo to off-road adventures.