There hasn’t been a pickup version of Jeep’s down-and-dirty off-roader since the Scrambler of the early ’80s. But there is a way to build your own with an $8995 kit from the aftermarket company American Expedition Vehicles (AEV).
This is not, however, one of those weekend projects that you can knock off with the help of a few friends. Not only does the body have to be separated from the frame, it needs to be cut in half so the supplied rear body can be welded on.
A removable fiberglass top completes the cab. In addition, the frame has to be stretched 2 feet by cutting it at the midsection and welding in the included stringers.
AEV says the process takes about 60 hours. But the finished product looks factory-made, and the 6-foot bed is constructed from heavy-gauge steel—stamped in Detroit, which somehow amps up the manly factor. From inside the Brute’s cab, the cacophony of whistling wind and humming tires was a bit deafening, which is just like the standard Jeep the kit is made for: the 1997 to 2006 TJ Series Wrangler.
AEV has numerous other body and chassis enhancements that can do serious credit card damage. If you’re DIY-averse, you can always ship your Wrangler to Michigan and have AEV do the work.