TJ Brute Build out

[R2.8 Brute]

I started some of the work last august, then drove if for a couple months while we accumulated parts, lots of parts!! I am working with AXIS Industries USA on the R2.8 engine & suspension changes. This may look like an extreme build but the truck is for expedition endurance travel in rough terrain and heavy duty. Attached are a couple pictures from December and early January.
The day I brought it home

Getting ready for the transplant

 

[darthyota]

@dblack this might be good for you to follow

 

[dblack]

@dblack this might be good for you to follow

Awesome. I’d totally do this to mine... someday. [emoji16]
Sub’d!

 

[R2.8 Brute]

High level Build info
R2.8 Cummins
New 6 spd gear box
Gen 24 gal fuel tank
Winches front and rear
Roll cage
Fab 9 differentials with 1 ton outers & full floating rear
9" ford diffs with ARB lockers 3:89 ratio for diesel
3 link front, 4 link rear
Coil over suspension
Howe hydro assist steering
Dual battery system
Rear rack with extra storage
RTT
More stuff as usual
Should start ringing the truck out in late march
The truck is entered in the 10 day ROAM 2018 west canadian rockies, Couldn't find a codriver for the 2019 Baja 4000

 

[darthyota]

What size tires do you plan on running, given that you're going to be running some pretty beefy driveline components?

 

[R2.8 Brute]

changed to 37X12.5X 17" Nitto ridge grapplers.
The original suspension was a RE short arm kit with 3.5" lift, because the Brute has a Highline kit it easily cleared the 37" BFG. With the coilover suspension change lift will be about the same

 

[R2.8 Brute]

Prior to full tear down I removed the seats and built a full cage. I kept the rear hoop and used poison spiders trail kit. I also installed one of the bumpers and a couple warn winches front and rear. both winches operate from the cab as well.

 

[R2.8 Brute]

Attached are the CAD drawing of the front differential and suspension

 

[R2.8 Brute]

parts and more parts
Custom King Coil Shocks, Currie Fab 9 diffs with Strange / ARB differential

 

[darthyota]

2.5's? Or 3.0's?

 

[R2.8 Brute]

2.5's space is very tight, the truck weighs 4300lbs empty, with gear it will be close to 5000lbs,

 

[R2.8 Brute]

front differential and coilers installed and now checking compression and droop

 

[R2.8 Brute]

Truck as it sits today. I am changing the camping setup that was on it at EXPO to a wedge style tent and shell that is being built now specifically for the brute. Also went back to 35” tires. The R 2.8 cummins is great
If you want to see the truck it will be on display at SEMA for cummins builds

 

[R2.8 Brute]

Headed out in one week
Will post updated pictures of brute with wedge camper next week