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Jeep Wrangler TJ - AEV Brute Conversion Part 4

Part IV: Ready to Rock
By Christian Lee
Photography by Christian Lee
Jeep Wrangler Tj Aev Brute Right Side View
With the AEV Wrangler Brute conversion complete, we gained an additional 24 inches of wheelbase and a 6-foot, stamped-steel pickup bed. On-road handling was greatly improved, and the extra wheelbase also benefits off-road performance. Additionally, the new truck bed will finally allow us to take enough gear for extended trail adventures.

Jeep Wrangler Tj Aev Brute Dirt Trail

Jeep Wrangler Tj Aev Brute Quadratec Fender Flares
Quadratec supplied a set of rear fender flares. A Gen-Right Crawler fuel tank was also installed on the Yellow Brute.

Jeep Wrangler Tj Aev Brute Left Rear View
Our Project Yellow Brute is able to twist through the tight stuff just like our factory-wheelbase Wrangler would, and there's still ample space to stuff the tires in the rear wheelwells. Note how the factory taillamps are cleanly integrated into the rear bed corners along with the stock fuel filler and cap. The Brute rear bumper features protective corner hoops, and the tailgate uses stainless latches. AEV also offers a cool tailgate license-plate mount (not pictured).
Jeep Wrangler Tj Aev Brute Right Front View
1 Day Paint & Body in Downey, California, sprayed a matching yellow once the conversion was complete. The front Bulletproof bumper holds a Warn 9,000-pound winch and is also sealed to hold air from the Kilby onboard air system.
Jeep Wrangler Tj Aev Brute Turning Radius
The Brute's turning radius isn't as tight as it is with the factory wheelbase, but we could still pull off most off-road maneuvers and even made a multipoint U-turn on a tight trail. We also experienced a greater perceived stability in off-camber sections, but it could have just been an increased confidence driven by the sight of a macho 6-foot truck bed behind the driver seat.

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Jeep Wrangler Research
Jeep Wrangler The all new Jeep Wrangler is a good car, with practical styling to fit your lifestyle. Fuel efficiency is important and the 2010 Wrangler with a 18.6 gallon main unleaded fuel tank 15.5 capacity gets 17 mpg, and can seat 4 people comfortably. You may also be interested in the Jeep Liberty and the Ford Escape.

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