Why a Brute?

[teebone]

I apologize in advance for what might seem like a ridiculous question but I wanted to ask the forum of Brute owners and hopeful-owners: Why did they buy/build or hope to buy/build a Brute?

Personally I think they are unique and just look really cool... but is there a performance/capability/utility/_____ advantage over say an AEV JK Wrangler conversion? I would love to get feedback from people on why they undertook the cost of the conversion and what, if any, the benefits have been over their prior Jeep. I think for most of us vehicles/toys like this are about passion and recreation so for many it is might just be that they saw the Brute and knew they wanted it but I am just wondering if people could chime in here on what about the Brute they love so much?

[djb_rh]

Hopefully a few of the guys who NEED the utility of a Brute will speak up, because there are plenty of those. Me? I just love the truck. Loved it when I first saw it. I think it's quite an interesting and functional piece of art, myself. In fact, I have two kids, so I did NOT get one at first. I had an LJ upgraded to a Hemi with a lot of goodies by AEV, but no Brute. Just didn't like losing the backseat. Later we ordered a JK from AEV and then I said "well, I've got a rig for the family, time to get my Brute." And I sent the LJ back and had it done.

No regrets, and I love it. Now that I've "been there, done that" for a couple years, I'm thinking of moving to that tray bed that's being discussed. It takes away some of the "art" of the piece, certainly, but I'll keep my Brute bed so I can go back if I ever want to. But the added functionality just seems so worth it to me.

And I'll say this, I've had a lot of interesting vehicles. Nothing gets more looks and more discussion in parking lots than the Brute *except* my Pinzgauer. But the Brute at least has AC and more creature comforts, too. ;)


--Donnie

[forsakenfuture]

I drive Jeep,always have,always will.The problem is,i really need a pickup.To haul parts and hay.To me the TJ is the best looking vehicle Jeep ever made but with the Brute conversion it would fit my needs even better.I currently drive an LJ and the inside is looking really rough after using it like a pickup.Yes,i know about the half cabs you can get for them but none of them look as clean and as neat as the Brute.

[scramblin_jim]

I'm a Brute want-a-be. I just love the looks of the Jeep. I own a Scrambler so when I tire of the '80's technology of the CJ-8 I am getting a Brute. I love the pickup look and the functionality of having a pickup bed.

[socaleduro]

Jim, how long is the bed in the Scrambler?
another thread had the bed dimentions of the Brute and showed the length to be 5.5'

[billiebob]

For most of us any Wrangler is like a HotRod or a Convertible. There is no practical reason. We drive it because we love it. It attracts the attention & makes a statement about who we are.

My first Jeep was an M28 40 years ago. It did everything I needed. And I drove it year round in Alberta, Canada.... until it died.

For me the reason I want a Brute now has a bit of practicality. We install, inspect & maintain Wood Burning Appliances. We haul all the tools in a 5x8 Cargo Trailer behind my YJ. We want a Brute to haul more ladders on a Contractor Rack & for the space to fit a Wood Stove & Chimney into the box, with all the tools still in the Trailer.

Some of our installs are remote. Up Forestry Roads and along Logging Roads to a cabin in the woods. So a compact 4x4 is the best choice. I admit a Tacoma would do just fine for a lot less $$$$$ but that is not who I am. I think I can afford a Brute... and I really want one.

Which brings us back to .... because I love the look of it & I want one !! If transportation was just practical I would be driving a Volt or a Prius. If you think we Brute lovers are a bit impractical start looking at all the guys who drive Dually Diesels & Hummers. There is an impractical choice.

[Cannonball]

I had a Scrambler decked out to the 9's.... I used it hunting fishing and in the winter Plowing Snow on my long driveway...... I sold it a few years back when I bought my '03 Rubicon. I put a Plow on it and while it was ok it was not the plowing machine my old Scrambler was, sure the 44's disc brakes and the 4:1 low was good but it didn't ride as well, had no counter weight for the plow with the short WB etc.

Then I saw a Brute and fell in love! Classic lines with some hint of an old willys and yet all the parts aftermarket possible. Lots of room for making it unique and limited in production as all heck. So I did mine and wow it is everything I ever dreamed it could be! Plows snow like a champ, my buddys call me when they get their 3/4 & 1 ton trucks and plows hung up or they cant make it out of their driveways.... I just Brute my way thru.......

Then it hauls my game and camping equipment, lets me wheel it, and still turns heads everywhere I go....It hauls my ATV (tail gate open). It hauls garbage on Saturdays to the dump, and beer home with groceries. It's great for trips to auctions and junk yards, on board air and air tools make parts runs a snap. It hauls fire wood and gets me into the woods to haul it when I cut it. And while it may get dirty in the bed the interior is clean comfy and water tight/dry. Did I mention it turns heads everywhere I go! OMG I cannot go anywhere with out someone asking "when did they start making these again" lol.

The Brute has been so tastefully designed and retains such classic Jeep styling and yet it had its own complete identity. I am a sucker for classic design, the JK just does not have it for me. Sure some like them but I dont and that is a personal thing. I dont have kids so I dont need a 4 door, I like the outdoors and I love my Brute Pickup.

I built mine to last and will have it until I die or they don't let me drive anymore and I hope thats a long time away because I love driving my Brute too. Comfy ride, can take it to a dealer for emergency repairs if I'm out of town and dont have a shop at my disposal. Oh and it has a 4.0 engine, tried and tru design and lots of parts out there, (and a hemi possibility too if I ever need more power.) easy to work on.

Would I ever do it again absolutely! In fact I may do another some day just because I love em so much. Bottom line is it is a personal thing, you either bond with a Brute and have to have one or you get something else. I have no regrets and this compact work horse is just the ticket!

Hope this helps.

Cannonball