Build Information:

• 1 of 150 AEV Brute Kits Ever Sold
• Rare Highline Fender Kit
• 5.7L V8 Hemi Conversion, Automatic
• RARE Mopar Rock Crawler Bumper
• AEV Pintler Beadlock Wheels
• Nth Degree Highclearence Long Arm suspension
• 9.5 TIS Warn winch in Front
• Warn M8000-s Winch in Rear
• RCV Axel Shafts
• JW Speaker Head Lights
• JL Audio Stero
• Alea Custom Leather Interior
• Rock Hard 4x4 Roll Cage
• SPOD Switching System
• HEMI Conversion 15,000 Miles
• Brute Kit 3,000 Miles
• Body 92, 000 Miles
• Full Size Bed Mounted Spare Tire
• Extremely Clean, Zero Rust
• 1 of 439 2005 Patriot Blue Rubicons
• 1 of 2 Dark Blue HEMI Brutes documented
• Built by RubiTrux President and owner Jesse Robertson
• Bilstein Reservoir Shocks

Patriot Blue Powerhouse: 2005 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon AEV Brute with 5.7L HEMI V8

There are modified Jeeps, and then there are builds that completely reinvent what a Wrangler can be. This Patriot Blue 2005 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon falls firmly into the latter category. Converted into an AEV Brute pickup and powered by a 5.7 liter HEMI V8, it combines classic Wrangler character, serious off road hardware, pickup truck utility, and unmistakable V8 muscle in one exceptionally distinctive package.

The transformation begins with the AEV Brute conversion, which replaces the Wrangler's traditional short wheelbase utility vehicle profile with the proportions of a purpose built compact pickup. The extended body, separate cargo bed, enclosed single cab, and wide fender flares give the Jeep an appearance that feels remarkably cohesive. Rather than looking like a pickup bed was simply added to a Wrangler, the Brute conversion gives the entire vehicle a factory inspired shape.

Finished in Patriot Blue, the bodywork makes an immediate impression. The deep metallic blue changes dramatically depending on the light, ranging from almost navy in shadow to a vivid electric blue across the hood and body contours. Silver Rubicon graphics provide a subtle contrast without overwhelming the truck's clean appearance, while the black flares, bumpers, rock protection, and off road hardware keep the overall look purposeful.

HEMI Power Under the Hood

The centerpiece of this build is found beneath the hood: a 5.7 liter HEMI V8.

A Wrangler already has plenty of personality, but installing a HEMI changes the nature of the vehicle entirely. The additional displacement and unmistakable V8 character are particularly appropriate in a Brute, where the longer, more substantial pickup configuration calls for an equally substantial powerplant.

Opening the hood reveals an installation that looks far more integrated than a typical engine swap. The HEMI sits neatly within the engine compartment, with organized wiring, factory style routing, a large intake system, and clearly accessible service components. The engine cover proudly displays the HEMI 5.7L V8 designation, leaving little doubt about what separates this Jeep from a conventional TJ era Rubicon.

The V8 also complements the Brute's personality. This is not merely a Wrangler with extra cargo room; it is a compact off road pickup with the powertrain to match its aggressive stance.

Built for the Trail

The Brute conversion may attract the most attention, but the supporting equipment shows that this Jeep was built with genuine off road capability in mind.

Large BFG mud terrain tires fill the wheel openings and provide the aggressive tread expected on a serious trail vehicle. The wheels feature a rugged multi piece appearance that suits the truck without becoming excessively flashy.

Behind them, the suspension is equally noteworthy. Bilstein reservoir shocks are visible beneath the front fenders, adding serious hardware to the suspension package. The lifted stance provides substantial clearance around the tires while giving the Brute the tall, planted posture that defines the truck from nearly every angle.

Heavy duty rocker protection runs along the lower sides of the cab, helping shield one of the Jeep's most vulnerable areas when traveling across rocks or uneven terrain. Tubular side protection is integrated into the design while visually connecting the front and rear of the extended body.

Up front, the Jeep carries a rare factory Mopar Rock Crawler front bumper fitted with a Warn synthetic rope winch. A hawse fairlead, recovery oriented bumper construction, and protective tubing emphasize that the front end was designed for more than appearance. Auxiliary lighting positioned near the windshield further adds to the trail ready equipment.

The familiar seven slot Jeep grille remains intact, preserving the unmistakable Wrangler identity despite the dramatic transformation behind it.

A Pickup Bed with Jeep DNA

From the side, the proportions of the Brute conversion become especially impressive. The cab flows naturally into a full pickup bed, while the extended wheelbase visually balances the large tires and lifted suspension.

The rear bed gives the Jeep a level of practicality unavailable in a conventional Wrangler. Whether carrying recovery equipment, camping gear, tools, or simply luggage that would otherwise consume interior space, the open cargo area greatly expands the vehicle's usefulness.

A full size spare is carried in the bed, reinforcing the truck's expedition oriented appearance while keeping the rear exterior uncluttered. The tailgate wears Brute High Capacity identification along with another HEMI badge, providing a subtle reminder that this is far from an ordinary Jeep pickup conversion.

The rear bumper retains the rugged tubular theme used elsewhere on the truck, and a receiver hitch adds another measure of utility.

A Surprisingly Refined Cabin

Inside, the Brute combines the simplicity of a 2005 Wrangler with several distinctive upgrades.

The most immediately noticeable feature is the pair of custom black front seats. Their textured center panels, contrasting piping, and embroidered longhorn style logos give the cabin a bespoke character while remaining appropriate for a rugged vehicle.

The enclosed Brute cab changes the atmosphere substantially compared with an open or soft top Wrangler. It feels more like a dedicated pickup, with a defined passenger compartment separated from the bed. At the same time, familiar Jeep elements remain visible throughout the cabin, maintaining the connection to the Wrangler platform beneath the conversion.

It is an unusual combination: the compact dimensions and straightforward controls of a TJ era Jeep paired with the seating position, exterior proportions, and utility of a custom pickup.

More Than a Modified Wrangler

What makes this 2005 Rubicon particularly interesting is how comprehensively the individual modifications work together.

A HEMI swap alone would make it memorable. An AEV Brute conversion alone would make it unusual. Add the Patriot Blue finish, lifted suspension, Bilstein hardware, mud terrain tires, WARN winch, body protection, custom interior, and pickup bed practicality, and the result becomes something considerably more special.

Nothing about the truck is subtle, yet it avoids looking excessive. Its proportions remain balanced, the color is striking without being loud, and the off road equipment appears functional rather than decorative.

Most importantly, the Jeep still looks like a Jeep.

The round headlights, seven slot grille, exposed hood latches, upright windshield, broad fenders, and traditional Wrangler body lines remain instantly recognizable. The Brute conversion simply takes those familiar ingredients in a completely different direction.

For enthusiasts who appreciate the analog character of the TJ generation Wrangler but want V8 power and genuine pickup utility, a build like this occupies an unusual place in the Jeep world. It has the personality of a classic Rubicon, the versatility of an off road pickup, and the mechanical presence of a HEMI powered custom.

This Patriot Blue 2005 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon AEV Brute is therefore much more than a collection of desirable upgrades. It is a thoughtfully executed reinterpretation of one of America's most recognizable 4x4s. A Wrangler transformed into a muscular, trail ready pickup without losing the identity that made it desirable in the first place.

2005 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon, LJ TJ78 Extended Open Body, 2 Door 4x4, Left Hand Drive, VIN 1J4FA64SX5P328038, US Manufactured, Toledo 2 Assembly Plant, 40L Power Tech OHV 12 Valve Inline 6 Gasoline Engine, 242 Cubic Inch Displacement, 190 Horsepower, 235 lb ft Torque, 87 Octane Regular Unleaded Fuel, 6 Speed NSG370 Manual Transmission Standard, 4 Speed 42RLE Automatic Transmission Optional, Rock Trac NV241 Heavy Duty Part Time 4WD Transfer Case, 40 to 1 Low Range Ratio, Dana 44 Heavy Duty Front Axle, Dana 44 Heavy Duty Rear Axle, 411 Axle Ratio, Tru Lok Front Locking Differential, Tru Lok Rear Locking Differential, 4 Wheel Disc Brakes, Power Steering, Gas Charged Shock Absorbers, Fuel Tank Skid Plate, Transfer Case Skid Plate, 2 Front Tow Hooks, 1 Rear Tow Hook, 16 x 8 Moab Cast Aluminum Wheels, LT245 75R16 Goodyear Wrangler MTR On Off Road Black Sidewall Tires, Full Size Matching Spare Tire and Wheel, Neutral Gray Metallic Fender Flares, Body Color Grille, Chrome Plated Headlamp Bezels, Front and Rear Black Bumpers, Front Fog Lamps, Diamond Plate Sill Guards, Full Steel Doors, Roll Up Windows, Tinted Windshield, Deep Tinted Rear Quarter and Backlight Windows, Sunrider Soft Top with Sun Roof Feature Standard, Hard Top Optional, Rear Window Wiper and Washer with Hard Top, Rear Window Defroster with Hard Top, Manual Air Conditioning, Auxiliary 12 Volt Power Outlet, Full Length Floor Console, 4 Cupholders, Locking Glove Compartment, Full Interior Carpeting, AM FM Stereo, Single Disc CD Player, 7 Speaker Audio System, Amplified Console Subwoofer, Cloth Seats, High Back Reclining Front Bucket Seats, Driver Tip and Slide Seat, Passenger Tip and Slide Seat, Fold and Tumble Rear Bench Seat, Full Sport Bar Padding, Tilt Steering Column, Driver Front Airbag, Front Passenger Airbag, LATCH Child Seat Anchors, 1034 Inch Wheelbase, 3500 lb Maximum Gross Trailer Weight, 16 City MPG, 20 Highway MPG, 2 Passenger Seating Capacity.

Body Style: Truck

MPG City: 14

Fuel Type: gasoline

Vehicle Make: Jeep

Vehicle Model: Wrangler TJ

MSRP: 124995

Transmission: 4 speed automatic

Current Engine: 5.7 HEMI

Drive Train: 4WD

VIN: 1J4FA64SX5P328038