Brute Conversion

[Oman Jeep]

Originally Posted by CNY

Well, the passenger space loss seems obvious.

I guess you're right on the cargo space. Even with the seats out, the TJ is crappy for space.

I was thinking more of useful space.

At least with a hard top, or add-a-trunk you can carry a toolbox, straps, etc. With a tiny open bed, you can't securely hold anything, and there's going to be no interior space for storage.

Passenger space lost? I haven't had my rear seat installed in about 18 months so far.

With the "tiny" 6 ft bed (forgive me for thinking that was the standard) all you need to do is fabricate a tonnau cover and you've got security. A frame with some aluminium sheet metal would not be difficult - it's not like you've got contours to deal with.

Alternatively you could do lockers on the bed-sides. Depends on the size of the object you want to "secure".

As for interior space, you've got the space behind the seats...

I would love to Brutify my Jeep - with the AEV cargo rack on the back and a Maggiolina roof tent on top of the rack, locking storage in the bed-sides, extended fuel range, two spare tires, water tanks, fridge freezers, spare parts, extra batteries, and everything you could possibly need for a true Expedition rig.

But of course it's not for everyone. If it was, it would have been built that way in the first place.

[ltdanyj]

Originally Posted by tjwrangler911

The JT is never going to see production. Jeep already said it won't because it will have to compete with the dakota or something like that. They said that's not a market they want to get into any time soon.

Yup... Sure... Never see production.... Talk to you in about 6 months....

Dan

[jeepster]

Originally Posted by Oman Jeep

Passenger space lost? I haven't had my rear seat installed in about 18 months so far.

With the "tiny" 6 ft bed (forgive me for thinking that was the standard) all you need to do is fabricate a tonnau cover and you've got security. A frame with some aluminium sheet metal would not be difficult - it's not like you've got contours to deal with.

Alternatively you could do lockers on the bed-sides. Depends on the size of the object you want to "secure".

As for interior space, you've got the space behind the seats...

I would love to Brutify my Jeep - with the AEV cargo rack on the back and a Maggiolina roof tent on top of the rack, locking storage in the bed-sides, extended fuel range, two spare tires, water tanks, fridge freezers, spare parts, extra batteries, and everything you could possibly need for a true Expedition rig.

But of course it's not for everyone. If it was, it would have been built that way in the first place.

Yeah the brute isn't for everyone...as far as 'Space' the bed is 59"x72" which I believe is about the size of a Ford ranger bed. If the JT was built I would have gone with that as the body and bed is one piece and it looks like the Cab bulkhead is connected to the removable hardtop giving the option of putting on a full soft top or bigger hard top and rear seats for a truely flexible vehicle...but alas it doesn't exist yet. A 4dr JK would be great except that the roll cage would impede loading large items and the folding seats might not be durable for heavy loads. Heck if I could fabricate the Brute with 5ft bed and space behind the seats for jump seats I would do it but right now I will work with the kit as the extra passengers aren't a need for me...more than two they can drive me

If I can figure out a good front bench option for three I would install one, I plan on the same thing OMAN...looking to see if I could do a Pace edwards bed cover with contractor rails, an Autohome magnolia safari and a tiregate....all part of stage two. Right now I am running a 4 inch short arm kit as that is what was on the jeep when I bought it...plan on either a good coilover kit or Airock with longarms. The powerstep I believe is the standard wrangler size...more for convenience as I spend most my time on the road and a bit short on inseam. I doubt much that they will survive any hard offroading so they will be modded in the future with quick release attatchments and power disconnects.

Thanks for all the comments

[Oman Jeep]

I plan on installing an "off" switch for the powersteps... don't want to deploy them when I'm high centered on a dune. Other than that - I've seen the ones on the Cadillac Escalade and if the TJ ones are similar - I have no real concerns.


As for suspension - I'm drooling over AiRock and Nth degree suspension - but for now I'm extremely happy with my Bilstein 5150 shocks and 4" short arm kit.

All I can say is - I don't know why anyone would settle for lesser shocks. I wish I'd done it years ago. I can now fly down rough tracks and it just soaks it up. I love it.

[jeep jake]

my jeep dealership said the same thing, that it would compete with the dakota, so there not going to put it in production.

[Bitzorock]

Nice work on the Brutes..

They are cool to look at.

I just have one question..

Is there a roll bar inside?

I would be afraid to wheel that.

but I like it.

[Mopar Fan]

Originally Posted by Bitzorock

Nice work on the Brutes..

They are cool to look at.

I just have one question..

Is there a roll bar inside?

I would be afraid to wheel that.

but I like it.

The original roll bar is retained.

[That1guy]

Originally Posted by ltdanyj

Yup... Sure... Never see production.... Talk to you in about 6 months....

Dan

Well Its been a year.

[Pvt_Joker]

i just read through this whole thread
THANKS THATONE GUY

[CanadianCon]

Now this is a whicked brute!

04 Rubicon Converted into a Brute
08 Viper Red Paint
Nth 3" Long Arm Suspension (modified for Brute and Portal axles)
5.7 HEMI, 545, 241OR
Highline Kit
PortalTek axles with all steering and suspension integration engineering done by AEV for proper road manners. THIS VEHICLE WAS DESIGNED SO THAT IT CAN BE DAILY DRIVEN.
Warn 12000 lb front winch, 9500 rear
AEV modified rocker guards
AEV Rear Rack
Hutchinson CTIS military wheels
40" Goodyear MTRs (I know it has BFGs on in the pictures)
5.66 gear ratio
Wilwood Brakes
Ridiculous amounts of ground clearance and flex (the tire shown lifted in the air is about 44" off the ground.)

[That1guy]

Originally Posted by Mrangers2

i just read through this whole thread
THANKS THATONE GUY

[tjsahara1979]

Originally Posted by dcjpe

It looks best on an Unlimited, although you can still do it for a TJ.

x2. I just went on the site. A regular TJ just looks too short with it

[Pvt_Joker]

Originally Posted by That1guy

I read it without realizing it was a year old, sorry i was tired when i posted that.
oops now i see your weren't the one to bring it back

[Erik T.]

I always thought a Brute kit for the JK wranglers would be easier than with the TJ due to the longer wheelbase. Especially if you butcher a four door up.