AEV Brute Double Cab

[LakeLBJ]

I would just buy the Tacoma, because at that size the "Jeep" is too big and heavy, and save about $50k.

Of course, that is the logical choice. And, the Tacoma, properly equipped, would be just as good or better for overland travel. But that doesn't take away from the fact that this is a completely bad *** vehicle.

Basic Rubicon - $35k
Brute DoKa conversion -$20k
AEV Gear conversion (bumpers, hood, wheels, tires, etc) - $15k

As far as Hemi swap goes, a well publicized shop on the net charges about 23k, so I can't see how AEV would be any cheaper, they are probably more expensive.

Total with Hemi, 93k? A Tacoma with 20k worth of upgrades would probably be just as good of a vehicle.

But for those who have the coin, What a frickin sweet ride......

 

[haven]

From the AEV forum discussion about the Double Cab:

The SEMA vehicle is a prototype, so the production version will be changed in some ways.

The SEMA Brute Double Cab is equipped with
AEV 4.5" lift
Dynatrac axles
6.4L Hemi V8
A580 5 speed automatic transmission
New Process 241OR Rocktrac transfer case (same as the Rubicon uses)
37" wheels with Interco Super Swamper tires
AEV bumpers

http://forum.aev-conversions.com/showthread.php?t=3330&page=6

 

[JPK]

Of course, that is the logical choice. And, the Tacoma, properly equipped, would be just as good or better for overland travel. But that doesn't take away from the fact that this is a completely bad *** vehicle.

Basic Rubicon - $35k
Brute DoKa conversion -$20k
AEV Gear conversion (bumpers, hood, wheels, tires, etc) - $15k

As far as Hemi swap goes, a well publicized shop on the net charges about 23k, so I can't see how AEV would be any cheaper, they are probably more expensive.

Total with Hemi, 93k? A Tacoma with 20k worth of upgrades would probably be just as good of a vehicle.

But for those who have the coin, What a frickin sweet ride......

AEV's Hemi swap is cheaper. $20,750 on their website for the 5.7VVT, $27,999 for the 6.4VVT.

So roughly $90k with your assumptions (with 5.7VVT.)

I have an AEV 5.7 VVT powered JKU and the 5.7 is plenty. No need for the 6.4.

I hope like hell that AEV will convert existing Jeeps. I would love to find a 2011 in the sahara sand color for the conversion. That would bring down the all in nut about $5k to $10k.

Since I am one of the lucky who will get first crack at these, and they will begin building about mid-2012, I have about 9 months to get it together.

If you have driven an AEV Hemi Jeep and also a Tacoma, then you would no that there is just no comparison to be had. The end utility of the AEV Quad Cab and the Tacoma might be similar, but that is where it ends.

JPK

 

[jeep-N-montero]

Of course, that is the logical choice. And, the Tacoma, properly equipped, would be just as good or better for overland travel. But that doesn't take away from the fact that this is a completely bad *** vehicle.

Basic Rubicon - $35k
Brute DoKa conversion -$20k
AEV Gear conversion (bumpers, hood, wheels, tires, etc) - $15k

As far as Hemi swap goes, a well publicized shop on the net charges about 23k, so I can't see how AEV would be any cheaper, they are probably more expensive.

Total with Hemi, 93k? A Tacoma with 20k worth of upgrades would probably be just as good of a vehicle.

But for those who have the coin, What a frickin sweet ride......

And that's why I said the Tacoma would save you around $50k and be a better investment with a better bed. The interesting part of all of this is that AEV has a lot of fans who are just swinging on their name, 95% of the posters in this thread likely can't even afford the truck or Hemi conversion without incurring debt in the process. Shoot, before I got on this forum a few months ago all I really knew about AEV was that I had seen some of their nice wheels on a few local Jeeps. In other words, most of the real world who is out actually wheeling their junk doesn't know or doesn't care about AEV, but it seems that the web wheeling crowd knows all about them. Sure, they make some cool stuff, but there are more logical options if you want a truck for overland travel and still have money left over to actually go do it.

 

[Hilldweller]

Right.
Those of us who want an AEV build but can't really swing one get a Power Wagon...

 

[jeep-N-montero]

Right.
Those of us who want an AEV build but can't really swing one get a Power Wagon...

Rams/Power Wagons are fat pigs, sorry. Hmmm, I wonder if they will offer this new diesel engine in the Dakota? Now that could open some new opportunities....

 

[TangoBlue]

And that's why I said the Tacoma would save you around $50k and be a better investment with a better bed. The interesting part of all of this is that AEV has a lot of fans who are just swinging on their name, 95% of the posters in this thread likely can't even afford the truck or Hemi conversion without incurring debt in the process. Shoot, before I got on this forum a few months ago all I really knew about AEV was that I had seen some of their nice wheels on a few local Jeeps. In other words, most of the real world who is out actually wheeling their junk doesn't know or doesn't care about AEV, but it seems that the web wheeling crowd knows all about them. Sure, they make some cool stuff, but there are more logical options if you want a truck for overland travel and still have money left over to actually go do it.

Why the antagonism Black ZJ? The thread was initiated to inform the community of an innovative project vehicle made by some true craftsman in MT. Many of us will never afford this truck or some of their products and yes, there may be more "logical" thrifty solutions out there, but this is just one offering provided for our enjoyment.

I don't even own a Jeep or in the market for one but I certainly appreciate their work. Can't you appreciate their innovation and creativity for what it is and just say, "nice job," rather than criticize.

Next time I'm in Utah I'll be sure to look you up and give you a big hug... at least 30 seconds! 1 Mississippi, 2 Mississippi, 3 Mississippi... :Wow1:

 

[Nigel Caffiene]

Oh Mama!!! <In my best Johnny Bravo voice> I want one of those!

 

[JPK]

One more size comparison

AEV Brute Double Cab
wheelbase 139 inches
overall length 216 inches
Interior of pickup bed 61"L x 60"W
width 74 inches, maybe wider due to big wheels and tires

Land Rover Defender 130 Double Cab
wheelbase 127 inches
overall length 204 inches
Interior of pickup bed 65"L x 55"W
width 70 inches

I don't think the numbers given tell the whole story since some are apples to oranges.

For example, the Jeep's width is inclusive of the plastic flares or tires. If you take the bed width and add what looks like five or six inches for the double walls, you come up with a metal body width of about 66", which is the same as if you deduct eight inches for the plastic rear flares' width.

The Jeep's front and rear tracks are 61.9", the Land Rover 130's front and rear tracks are 58.5", so a 3.4" difference there.

Some of the wheelbase difference appears to be in the Jeep's reduced approach angle (ignoring the "crush cans",) with the front axle in the Jeep more forward. The Jeep's rear axle also seems more rearward, at least in comparison to the rear overhang and the cab.

With a 4" difference in the bed length, I wonder how much of the remaining 12" in length is found in the cab or in the hood/bonnet/engine compartment. I've spent some time in a D90, and I think some of the Jeep's length has got to be found in the increased leg room in the cab, at least in the front seats.

All in all, a very similar set up. [EDIT: just found the D130 DC's tow rating, remarkably, it is the same as a standard JKU. I'd have thought more... ]

Here are some photos for comparison:
AEV (as if that wasn't obvious)

Land Rover 130 Dual Cab

Here's the AEV bed:

Here's the AEV rear bumper. It would be interesting if this bumper held water like the original AEV bumper. That hold ~7.5gals, iirc. This one should hold maybe double or more, which would be nice. I noticed in the bed photo that this bumper seems to have provisions for the AEV tirecarrier as well, which would be great.

I wonder if a cap for the bed will be available, or maybe a canvas cap, like the LR.

JPK

 

[Dan Grec]

Land Rover 130 Dual Cab

I wonder when someone will make a hard top for a JK like that one (ie. more head room.) So much better to outfit a JKU as a camper that way.

-Dan

 

[JPK]

While I haven't spent much time in the back seat of my JKU, some of my adult friends have ad I don't recall height being a problem. Have your experiences been different?

I doubt AEV will offer a raised roof. AEV Jeeps with their 4.5" suspension and 37's are really tall already. some have trouble getting into my Jeep. The roof rack on mine can be a pita to use because of its height. RTT's require extension ladders and added changing rooms ussually need extended walls.

JPK

 

[cocco78]

I agree, this thing looks huge, totally defeats the purpose of what a Jeep was designed for. If I want a truck I will just go buy one.

Jeep made all kinds of vehicles back in the day, 1/2 ton and 3/4 trucks, wagons, forward controls to name a few. It would be great so see Jeep get back into the truck market. Hell, the newest Jeep truck out there is 20 years old, and the newest 3/4 ton Jeep truck is what 26 years old?

 

[Dan Grec]

While I haven't spent much time in the back seat of my JKU, some of my adult friends have ad I don't recall height being a problem. Have your experiences been different?

I'm thinking about ripping out the back seats and building a camper-type setup *inside* the JKU - ie bench seat, and bench with sink,stove, fridge, etc. I think some more height would be great to be able to sit like that. Something like the inside of my friend's 110
That's also why I asked if there would be a single hard top for the DoKa that makes the passenger cabin and bed one-and-the-same.

I doubt AEV will offer a raised roof. AEV Jeeps with their 4.5" suspension and 37's are really tall already. some have trouble getting into my Jeep. The roof rack on mine can be a pita to use because of its height. RTT's require extension ladders and added changing rooms ussually need extended walls.

Agree. I remember the numbers that say a JKU on 35's with a 4' lift and a RTT on a rack will *just* fit inside a standard 20 foot shipping container. (a big factor for me)
I wouldn't go bigger than 33's I think, and I don't want the roof too much higher than stock, maybe only 4-6 inches.

-Dan

 

[Haf-E]

The JKU's back area is not as long as the back area of a Defender 110 - the Jeep is nearly a foot shorter overall and much shorter in the back area unfortunately.

It would be interesting to know the distance from the rear of the driver's seat to the rear door... I doubt if I could sleep in there...

 

[JPK]

I'm thinking about ripping out the back seats and building a camper-type setup *inside* the JKU - ie bench seat, and bench with sink,stove, fridge, etc. I think some more height would be great to be able to sit like that. Something like the inside of my friend's 110
That's also why I asked if there would be a single hard top for the DoKa that makes the passenger cabin and bed one-and-the-same.



Agree. I remember the numbers that say a JKU on 35's with a 4' lift and a RTT on a rack will *just* fit inside a standard 20 foot shipping container. (a big factor for me)
I wouldn't go bigger than 33's I think, and I don't want the roof too much higher than stock, maybe only 4-6 inches.

-Dan

A standard shipping container is 7'10" tall inside. No problem even for a JKU with a 4.5" suspension and 37's!

See dimensions here: http://www.foreign-trade.com/reference/ocean.cfm

For a decent length to sleep, maybe the AEV DC with the gate down and a canvas top with a boot to fit to the top and gate to seal against the weither/bugs?

JPK