If you're looking to uncover the original factory specifications and equipment for a new or used Jeep model--whether you're an owner, buyer, seller, or just an enthusiast--a build sheet is an invaluable resource. Every modern-era Jeep (1998 or later) utilized a build sheet during the manufacturing process. A Jeep's build sheet lists exactly how the vehicle was equipped when it left the factory, including options, packages, paint codes, axle ratios, and more.
While some automakers offer free access to build sheets or original window stickers, availability can vary. To simplify the process, we've created a Jeep Build Sheet by VIN tool that allows users to enter a Jeep's VIN and retrieve the corresponding build sheet when available. If the automaker doesn't provide a build sheet for free, we'll check if a free original window sticker is offered instead. Window stickers contain much of the same information, though they are not as detailed as build sheets. And in cases where neither option is available, we've partnered with a trusted service that can recreate the window sticker using official factory build data. The FAQ below covers everything you need to know about Jeep build sheets--how to find them, what they include, and why they matter.
A Jeep build sheet is essentially the vehicle's "birth certificate" - a document that details exactly how a Jeep was configured when it rolled off the factory floor. It lists all the factory-installed components, options, and specifications for a particular Jeep. In other words, it tells you what engine, transmission, axles, paint, trim, packages, and other features were included from the factory. For owners and enthusiasts, the build sheet is a gold mine of information about their vehicle's original configuration.
Why is it important? For owners, a build sheet confirms what equipment their Jeep came with, which is useful for maintenance or ordering correct parts. For collectors and restorers, the build sheet is invaluable in verifying a vehicle's authenticity and originality - it proves that a rare option or package is factory-original and was not added later. This can affect a Jeep's historical value and collectible status. Even if you've modified your Jeep, keeping the original build sheet in your records is wise because it preserves the Jeep's original specs for future reference. The build sheet provides peace of mind and authoritative documentation about a Jeep's factory configuration, making it an important piece of paperwork for anyone interested in a vehicle's heritage.
Early Jeep Era (Willys and Kaiser): In the mid-20th century, Jeep build sheets were simple paper documents used on the assembly line. During World War II and the Willys-Overland era, build records were kept for military Jeeps, but these were basic and often not retained long-term. In the 1950s-60s under Kaiser Jeep, build sheets (sometimes called "line setting tickets") were typically printed paper sheets listing all parts and options for a vehicle. These were often tucked into the vehicle itself or attached during production. For example, on vintage Jeep CJs it was common for the factory to hide the paper build sheet under or inside a seat cushion. This paper detailed things like engine type, transmission, axle ratios, paint color, and optional equipment via codes or abbreviations. Many owners of classic Willys and Kaiser-era Jeeps have found these brittle sheets under seats or carpets decades later - though more often than not, they've been lost or disintegrated over time.
AMC Era (1970-1986): When American Motors Corporation took over Jeep in 1970, the practice of using paper build sheets continued. AMC Jeep build sheets were printed and usually left in the vehicle (common hiding spots were under the passenger seat, under the carpet, or behind interior panels). These "vehicle order" sheets had coded boxes for various options. For instance, a 1970s Jeep Wagoneer's build sheet might use abbreviations like "PB" for Power Brakes, "PS" for Power Steering, "TSW" for Tilt Steering Wheel, etc. Owners restoring classic AMC-era Jeeps sometimes discover these sheets and use them to guide accurate restorations. However, once a Jeep left the factory, those paper sheets were not archived in a centralized database. Record keeping was mostly through manual processes, and many of AMC's records did not survive or were not passed on when Chrysler later acquired Jeep. This means if the physical paper didn't stay with the Jeep, getting the build details decades later can be challenging.
Chrysler and Beyond (1987-Present): Chrysler acquired Jeep in 1987 and eventually modernized the record-keeping. By the late 1980s and early 90s, build information started to be stored on computers, but it wasn't until 1998 that digital record-keeping for all Jeep build data became standard practice across the board. In the late 1980s and early 90s, build sheets might still be printed for factory use, but Chrysler began transitioning to electronic build records. The paper "broadcast sheets" gradually phased out as the primary record, replaced by digital databases. By the DaimlerChrysler and later Fiat Chrysler (FCA) era, practically every Jeep's build information was logged in a central system at the time of production. Under Stellantis (current era), this continues - build sheets are now entirely digital. Owners no longer find paper build tickets stuffed in their new Wrangler or Grand Cherokee; instead, the complete build data is stored in Jeep's vehicle database and can be retrieved with the VIN. This evolution from fragile paper to robust digital records means newer Jeeps have build sheets that are easier to obtain and less likely to be lost over time.
Paper vs. Digital Records: The key difference over time is that older Jeeps relied on paper build sheets that were often tossed after assembly or hidden in the vehicle, whereas modern Jeeps have digital build sheets. A paper build sheet from the 1970s was a computer printout with rows of option codes that assembly workers used - if you have a vintage Jeep, finding this original sheet can be like finding buried treasure. In contrast, a modern digital build sheet is essentially an electronic report you can request or download, listing all the equipment in plain language.
Today, Jeep build sheets are stored digitally in the manufacturer's database. Every Jeep built in the modern era (roughly 1998 onward) has its build data tied to its VIN in a central system. What does this mean for owners? It means you can retrieve a list of your Jeep's factory-installed equipment by simply entering your VIN on an official website or requesting it from Jeep.
A modern digital Jeep build sheet (often called a "Vehicle Equipment Listing") will typically show: the vehicle's year, model, trim level, engine and transmission, exterior color, interior trim, axle details, and all standard and optional features that were included when it left the factory. Unlike the old paper sheets that showed cryptic codes, the digital build sheet you get as an owner usually presents information in plain English descriptions. For example, instead of a code like "DSA" or "AJ1," it will list something like "Anti-Spin Differential Rear Axle" or "Convenience Group Package" if those were part of your build. It essentially mirrors the content of the vehicle's original configuration without the pricing information.
Modern build sheets are stored on FCA/Stellantis servers and can be accessed by dealerships and customers. They are often available as a PDF or web page for convenience.
Note that the consumer-facing build sheet lookup may list all features by name but might not include the internal option "sales codes." For instance, if your Jeep has the "Trailering Package," the sheet will state that, but it might not show the actual code like AHX that the factory uses for that package. This doesn't matter for most people because the goal is to know what equipment the Jeep has, not necessarily the code.
Another aspect of modern build sheets is accuracy for the era of the vehicle. For Jeeps built after 1998, the digital records are very accurate and complete because they were entered at production time. For some Jeeps in the early-to-mid 1990s (during the transition to digital) or late 1980s, the data may or may not be available digitally - but many earlier records were back-entered into the system. In fact, Jeep's parent company noted that while only vehicles built from 1998 onward were guaranteed to be in the digital system, many older build records (even some early '90s and late '80s models) were converted from paper to digital so owners can sometimes find those too. In such cases, be aware that equipment descriptions can vary due to changes in coding over the years.
Getting a build sheet for your Jeep can be a straightforward process, especially for newer models. Below are methods for both modern and classic Jeeps:
For Modern Jeeps (1998-present, 17-digit VIN):
Find your VIN: Locate your Jeep's 17-character VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). It's typically on the driver's side dashboard (visible through the windshield) and on the driver's door jamb. Make sure you copy it exactly.
Use Sites Like Build Sheet by VIN which offers VIN decoding and build sheet info pulled from official data.
Alternate Official Route - Contact Jeep: If the online lookup isn't working or you prefer personal help, you can contact Jeep Customer Care or your local Jeep dealership. Provide the VIN and request the factory build sheet. Dealerships have access to the Jeep database and can print out the Vehicle Build Report for you. Likewise, Jeep's customer service (via phone, email, or chat) can often email you a copy of the build sheet on request. This is an official document directly from Jeep, showing the same information as the online tool.
For Classic Jeeps (built before ~1998 or with shorter VINs): Older Jeeps can be trickier, but here are some steps and tips:
Try the modern VIN Lookup First: Even if your Jeep is older, it's worth entering the VIN in modern lookup tools. Some pre-1998 Jeeps do appear if their records were converted to digital. Success is hit-or-miss - but owners of early '90s Wranglers and late '80s Cherokees have reported getting their build sheets online. If the VIN is only 13 characters (pre-1981 standard), the modern system will likely not recognize it and this build sheet source won't work. But if you have a 1981-1987 Jeep (early 17-digit VIN era), give it a shot; you might pull up a full or partial listing.
Contact FCA Historical Services: For vintage Jeeps (Willys, Kaiser, and AMC-era), Chrysler's historical archive might be able to help - though manage your expectations. Jeep's parent company has a department for historical vehicle records. You can write to FCA Historical Services in Detroit (address: FCA Historical Services, 12501 Chrysler Freeway, CIMS: 410-11-21, Detroit MI 48288) with your VIN and request any available build record. There have been success stories where they found old build data, but in many cases you may get a reply saying Jeep build records from the pre-Chrysler era were not passed on and no longer exist. It's still worth a try for a very old Jeep, especially if you're restoring a rare model. At the very least, they might send you generic specs or an options list for your model year, which can aid your research.
Search Your Vehicle Itself: If official channels come up empty, the next best thing is to play automotive archaeologist. As mentioned earlier, classic Jeeps often had the paper build sheet placed somewhere in the vehicle at the factory. Common hiding spots include under or inside the seats (especially the front passenger seat on old CJs), under the carpet or floor mats, behind door panels, or tucked above sun visors. Remove the passenger seat and check the springs or underside - enthusiasts have occasionally discovered a folded, yellowed build sheet there. Similarly, check under the rear bench or in crevices behind interior panels. If you do find a physical build sheet, handle it carefully (they tend to be very fragile after decades) and consider photographing or laminating it for preservation.
Decode the VIN and Tags: All Jeeps have a VIN, and many have additional identification tags (like a body plate or door tag) that include codes for paint, trim, axle, etc. While a VIN from before 1981 won't give as much info as a modern VIN, you can still decode basic details: model year, manufacturing plant, model type, and engine in some cases. Websites and Jeep clubs often have VIN decoder charts for older VIN formats. Additionally, look for a data plate under the hood or on the door that might list the paint code, trim code, or axle code. These can be cross-referenced against old Jeep service manuals or online resources to piece together some of your Jeep's original configuration.
Leverage Enthusiast Communities: Classic Jeep communities (online forums, Facebook groups, and clubs) are an excellent resource. If you have, say, a 1974 CJ-5 or a 1968 Jeepster, chances are someone on a forum has gone through the process of researching one. They might have copies of factory brochures, option code lists, or even old dealership ordering guides. Enthusiast websites like CJ3B.info (for older Jeeps), forums like EarlyCJ5.net, or specialty clubs (Willys clubs, Full Size Jeep associations) often have archives of information. While this isn't an "official" build sheet, you can often reconstruct most of your Jeep's build options by comparing notes with other owners and reference materials. For example, if your 1970s Wagoneer has a certain trim package, club members might know what equipment that package included.
Professional Services and Archives: In some cases, there are third-party archives. For example, build records for military Jeeps (Willys MB/Ford GPW in WWII) might be found in military archives by serial number. Some companies like Kaiser Willys (a parts supplier) can't give you a build sheet, but they do offer restoration parts and sometimes guidance on original specs for old models. There are also automotive historians who, for a fee, will help track down info on classic vehicles. These routes can be time-consuming or costly, so they're usually last resorts.
Once you have a build sheet in hand (or on screen), the next step is understanding all the information on it. Decoding a Jeep build sheet can range from extremely easy (for modern sheets with plain text) to a fun puzzle (for old handwritten or coded sheets).
Modern Build Sheets (Plain English): If your build sheet is a printout from Jeep's database (for example, a PDF listing all your options by name), there's not much to decode - it's already written out. You'll see sections for things like: Engine, Transmission, Paint/Trim, Packages, Exterior Features, Interior Features, Functional Equipment, Safety, etc. Each item should have a descriptive name. For instance, it might say Engine: 3.6L V6 24V VVT Engine (Code ERB) and Transmission: 6-Speed Manual NSG370, or Axle Ratio: 3.73. The sheet might list sales codes in parentheses or alongside the descriptions in some cases. Sales codes are typically a combination of three letters and/or numbers that the manufacturer uses internally. In the example above, "ERB" could be the sales code for a specific V6 engine. However, many of the owner-accessible build sheets omit the codes and just give you the descriptions. If you're curious about what your Jeep has, you can read it like a menu of features - no translation needed.
If you do see codes (or if you have a dealer printout that includes them), you might notice codes like Willys Edition Package (AAC) or Customer Preferred Package 24S (24S). These alphanumeric codes correspond to option packages or individual options. Decoding those might require a reference list. Chrysler/Jeep has published sales code lists over the years, and enthusiasts often compile them. For example, code DGJ on a Jeep build sheet is known to indicate the 5-Speed Automatic W5A580 Transmission on certain models, AJR might indicate a specific Quick Order Package, etc. If you're interested, you can find PDF lists of Chrysler/Jeep sales codes that explain each code's meaning, but for most people this isn't necessary unless you're deep into the details.
Classic Jeep Build Sheets (Codes & Abbreviations): Older build sheets (the kind you might find under your seat or obtain from archives) often require more decoding work. These sheets were usually a grid of abbreviations and codes printed in columns. Each code represents an option or specification. The key to decoding is usually to find a reference guide from that era. Here are some common codes and how to interpret them, using a 1976 Jeep as an example:
Two-Letter Codes: Many are intuitive. For instance, "PB" = Power Brakes, "PS" = Power Steering, "PW" = Power Windows. A Jeep with PB and PS on its sheet had power-assisted brakes and steering.
Three- or Four-Letter Codes: These can be acronyms. E.g., "HDC" = Heavy Duty Cooling, "TSW" = Tilt Steering Wheel, "HSR" = Heavy Duty Springs (Rear), "AC" = Air Conditioning, "RWD" = Rear Window Defogger, "SBAR" = Stabilizer Bar, "SKPL" (or just "SP") = Skid Plate, "LGC" = Locking Gas Cap, "SSW" = Sport Steering Wheel, "WG" = Woodgrain Trim (on wagons). These are actual examples decoded from a '70s Wagoneer build sheet by enthusiasts.
Axle and Transmission Codes: Older sheets might list axles by a code or a model number. For instance, "354" might have been used to denote a Dana 44 axle with 3.54:1 gear ratio, etc. Transmissions might be coded like "T15" (for a Borg-Warner T-15 manual) or an abbreviation like "AUT" for automatic. Often the build sheet will have a section where it lists ENG, TRAN, AXLE with codes or numbers. Cross-referencing these with a service manual can decode the exact components.
Paint and Trim: Paint and interior trim are often given as codes. Jeep might use a code like "9B" for a certain exterior color and "X1" for an interior fabric. The build sheet usually has a box for paint and trim. You'd need the factory color chart or dealer book from that year to decode these (for example, code "7B" might correspond to "Jade Green Metallic" - this is just illustrative). Trim codes would tell you the material and color of the seats (e.g., vinyl vs. cloth, color code). Resources like old dealership brochures or enthusiast sites often have these code translations.
Using References: If you're faced with a sheet of non-descript codes, don't worry. Enthusiast forums, old parts catalogs, and factory service manuals are your friends. Many Jeep service manuals include a section with sales codes and descriptions. Additionally, online communities have probably decoded most common codes already - a quick search or question posted in a forum for your Jeep's era can yield answers. For example, someone restoring a 1974 CJ-5 could ask, "What does code 4C on my build sheet mean?" and another member might reply, "That's the code for the 4.27 axle ratio option," etc. Over time, fans have built up reference tables for these.
It's easy to confuse a build sheet with a window sticker (or Monroney sticker), because both list information about the vehicle. However, they serve very different purposes and contain somewhat different information. Here's a breakdown of the differences:
Purpose: A build sheet is an internal document (or data record) used by the manufacturer to build the vehicle. Its primary purpose is to instruct factory workers what parts to install and to record the vehicle's configuration for future reference. A window sticker is an external, consumer-facing label required by law to be affixed to a new car for sale. Its purpose is to inform buyers about the vehicle's specifications, standard and optional equipment, pricing, and regulatory info (like fuel economy and safety ratings).
Content - Equipment and Options: Both the build sheet and window sticker will list the vehicle's equipment, but they do so differently. The build sheet is exhaustive in listing all installed components (including things not obvious to consumers). The window sticker also lists features and options, but usually in a more summarized way. For example, a Wrangler's window sticker might describe the axles generally as "Dana 44 axles," whereas the build sheet might specify them with precise codes "M220" (rear axle) and "M210" (front axle) which are specific variants of the Dana 44. Essentially, the window sticker might use more marketing-friendly or generic terms ("3.6L V6 Engine" on the sticker vs. "Engine Code ERB - 3.6L 24V VVT V6" on the build sheet, for instance). Both documents confirm the major equipment, but the build sheet often drills down into finer detail or internal code names.
Content - Pricing and Legal Info: Pricing is a big difference. The build sheet never shows prices - it's not concerned with cost, only configuration. A window sticker, on the other hand, will show the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of the base vehicle, the price of each added option or package, the destination freight charge, and the total MSRP. It's essentially a pricing invoice for the consumer. The window sticker also includes things like EPA fuel economy ratings, emissions information, safety ratings, and warranty details - none of which appear on a build sheet. These are mandated items for consumer information.
Format: A modern build sheet retrieved by an owner might just be a plain text printout or PDF with a list of items. An old build sheet might be a plain paper with codes. A window sticker is a formatted sticker (typically with the automaker's branding) and sections for standard equipment, optional equipment (with prices), and other info. If you look at a Jeep window sticker, you'll see sections labeled "Standard Equipment" (which lists all the things included at the base price), "Optional Equipment" (with package names and prices), and then separate boxes for fuel economy, safety ratings, and manufacturing information (like the VIN, the assembly plant, and the domestic-versus-foreign parts content percentages). The build sheet focuses just on the mechanical and option content.
Availability and Longevity: A build sheet is generally an internal record; today you have to request it or look it up - it's not handed to customers by default. A window sticker is provided on the vehicle when new (and many people remove and keep them when they buy the car). If you buy a new Jeep, you get the window sticker on the window; you typically don't see the build sheet unless you ask. Years later, the build sheet can still be obtained from Jeep's system (for modern vehicles) even if you lost the window sticker. Conversely, recovering a lost window sticker is harder - sometimes you can find it online if the car is fairly new, but once a vehicle is older, the official window sticker usually isn't readily available unless someone saved it. Enthusiasts sometimes seek both for completeness.
The build sheet is a complete internal checklist of what the Jeep was built with (great for technical reference and verification), while the window sticker is a consumer label highlighting the car's features and how much they cost (great for seeing the original price and consumer-facing features). Both documents complement each other. For example, a collector might use the build sheet to verify that a Jeep has a rare option package, and use the window sticker to see the original price of that package and the overall vehicle price. If you compare them side by side, you'll notice the window sticker might be missing some minutiae that the build sheet has (like "MOPAR Battery 700 CCA" might be on a build sheet but not on a sticker), and the build sheet won't show that the base Jeep started at $XX,XXX dollars or that it got 17 MPG city - but the window sticker will.
It's also worth noting the timing if you're tracking a Jeep being built new: the build sheet is generated as the vehicle is being built or shortly after (it's how dealers and the factory know the build is completed), whereas the Monroney sticker is generated right at the end of the line when the car is ready for shipment. That's why, for those ordering a new Jeep, the build sheet becomes available online a bit before the window sticker does.
Tracking down a build sheet for an older Jeep can present several challenges. Here are some common issues and obstacles, especially for Jeeps from the 1940s through the 1980s, and ways to cope with them:
Lost or Destroyed Records: The biggest hurdle is that many older records simply no longer exist. Jeep changed hands multiple times (Willys to Kaiser, Kaiser to AMC, AMC to Chrysler) and record-keeping wasn't always passed along, e.g. AMC-era build records were never handed over to Chrysler, so they don't have them in the files. In practical terms, if you have a 1975 CJ-5, Jeep (Stellantis) likely has zero info on it in their databases - those build sheets are long gone unless you find one in your Jeep. Kaiser-era records from the 50s/60s similarly were not comprehensively preserved. So, unlike e.g. GM or Ford where some archives exist, Jeep's continuity was broken by corporate ownership changes, and a lot of data was lost in the process.
Non-Standard VINs: Before 1981, VINs were not the 17-digit standardized format. Jeep used shorter serial numbers (often 13 characters in the 1970s, even fewer in earlier decades). Modern VIN lookup tools and dealership systems are built around the 17-digit VIN. If you give a 13-character VIN to a modern Jeep dealer, their system will likely reject it or come up empty. This VIN incompatibility is a technical barrier; workarounds are few, aside from looking for old-school decoding methods or hoping the company manually entered some old VINs in a database (which, as noted, they did for some years, but not all).
Partial or Inaccurate Data for Older Vehicles: In instances where an older Jeep's build info is found in the modern system, it might contain errors or confusing entries. This happens because Jeep reused certain sales codes over the years. As noted earlier, an AMC-era Jeep might have codes that, when read by today's system, link to a completely unrelated modern description. These kinds of glitches can make any retrieved build sheet data for pre-1990s vehicles a bit suspect. It's wise to double-check questionable items against reality (no, your 1986 CJ-7 did not have power rack-and-pinion steering, even if the printout oddly says so!). Generally, the core info (engine, transmission, axle ratios, etc.) will be correct; it's usually odd option names that can be misreported.
Missing Details: Even if you find the physical build sheet in an old Jeep, it might be damaged or partially illegible. It's not uncommon to find one that's water-stained, torn, or faded, given its age and placement. Decoding a half-missing line of codes can be frustrating. You may have to rely on inference (e.g., you see "PS" in one column and maybe "PB" in another, but the rest of the row is gone - you can reasonably guess it had power steering and brakes, but other options might remain a mystery).
Limited Documentation from Early Years: Go back to the 1940s (Willys MB or CJ-2A Jeeps) or 1950s, and "build sheets" in the modern sense weren't really a thing handed to anyone but the assembly line. Documentation for those tends to be limited to serial number records and maybe military build cards for the war-time Jeeps. Enthusiasts of military Jeeps often reconstruct vehicle details from unit records or remaining data plates. Civilian Jeep owners from the 40s/50s rely on serial number guides to know what engine or transmission a Jeep should have because individual build records are practically unobtainable.
Alternate Research Methods: Because of all the above, retrieving an older Jeep's build info may require alternate approaches. As discussed in the "How to Obtain" section, sometimes you just have to decode what you can (via VIN, axle tags, engine casting numbers, etc.) and accept that a complete official build sheet may not be available. You might have to create your own "build sheet" by compiling the data you gather. For instance, if you determine from the VIN and engine block stamp that your 1971 Jeepster Commando left the factory with a Dauntless V6, a 3-speed manual transmission, and a specific axle ratio, write that down as your record. It's not as satisfying as an original factory document, but it preserves the info. Networking with other owners of similar year Jeeps can fill in blanks too - they might share copies of their build sheet or invoice, which can reveal what options were possible or likely on your Jeep.
Patience and Realistic Expectations: Finally, one of the "challenges" is simply the legwork and patience required. It's not as easy as clicking a link when seeing build info for older rigs. And sometimes, no matter how much digging you do, you may never find that last piece of the puzzle. The trail might just be cold. It helps to keep the purpose in mind - if you're doing it to ensure an accurate restoration, you might decide to go with an educated guess for that missing detail (e.g., "I can't find my 1965 CJ-5's sheet, but almost all of them had the Standard trim seats in grey vinyl, so that's what I'll go with").
Retrieving older Jeep build sheets can be a challenging detective adventure. The lack of preserved records (especially from the Kaiser and AMC days) is the biggest obstacle. But with a combination of trying official channels (just in case), searching the vehicle itself, and leveraging community knowledge, you can often uncover 90% of what was originally there. And who knows - maybe you'll get lucky and someone before you stashed the paper build sheet in the glove box for posterity! Either way, every bit of information you uncover helps keep the history of your Jeep alive, which is what the quest for a build sheet is all about for many enthusiasts.
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