This 2006 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited LJ underwent an extensive custom build in 2021 by Bruiser Conversions of Clearwater, Florida. The transformation included swapping in a brand-new Bruiser-modified GM 5.3-liter LH8 V8 crate motor rated @400hp, paired with a Tremec 4050 five-speed manual transmission, a dual-range transfer case, and Dana 44 front and rear axles. Both front and rear axles feature Eaton electronic locking differentials with 4.56:1 gears, replacing the factory 4.10:1 setup.

 

Refinished in red over black upholstery, the truck features an ARB front bumper, a Warn winch, a Terraflex suspension lift, Fox shocks, and LED lighting as well as a removable hardtop and an included Soft Top, interior Rhino Lining, heated Corbeau front seats, air conditioning, and a Pioneer touchscreen head unit.The silver-finished 17″ AEV Salta wheels were refinished black by Blacksmith Garage who also fixed a number of paint blemishes and performed an oil and filter change.  The truck was fitted with a LoD rear bumper with an integrated swing-out spare carrier. Recently acquired by Blacksmith Garage, this modified Wrangler LJ Unlimited has 20,600 chassis miles and an estimated 2600 miles on the new crate motor.

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Originally finished in Bright Silver Metallic, the body was removed from the frame and refinished in Jeep paint code pr4 (Flame Red) as part of the 2021 Bruiser Conversions build. The vehicle wears a black removable hardtop with tinted windows and a rear wiper. Exterior upgrades include:

 

• ARB front bumper

• Warn M8000 winch with synthetic rope

• LoD rear bumper with an integrated swing-out spare carrier

• Poison Spyder rock sliders

• Truck-Lite LED headlights

• Max-Bilt LED taillights

• Smoked turn and marker lights

• Modified tailgate 

• Baja Designs Squadron LED reverse lights

• 4 Rockford Fosgate speakers

• New head unit has wireless carplay

• Custom license plate light

• Full Bestop Soft Top

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Suspension and wheel upgrades include a 4″ Terraflex Long Arm lift kit with Fox 2.0 Performance Series Smooth Body Reservoir shocks and progressive springs. The Wrangler rolls on black 17″ AEV Salta wheels wrapped in 315/70 Nitto Ridge Grappler tires, with a matching spare mounted on the swing-out rear carrier. Four-wheel disc brakes provide stopping power.

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Inside, the cabin features heated Corbeau front bucket seats trimmed in black, with a matching Corbeau-upholstered rear bench. Corbeau padding wraps the roll bar, and the floor is coated in Rhino Linings with Rugged Ridge mats and door-sill protectors. Additional amenities include air conditioning, SST and Advance Adapters shifters, and a Pioneer touchscreen head unit. The four-spoke steering wheel frames analog gauges for speed, tachometer, oil pressure, voltage, coolant temp, and fuel level, with the digital odometer showing 20,600 chassis miles.

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Work performed in August 2021 by Bruiser Conversions included the removal of the factory 4.0-liter inline-six along with the installation of the following:

 

• Bruiser-modified GM 5.3-liter LH8 engine

• Replacement injectors, valve springs, and camshaft

• Aluminum radiator and fan

• Motor mounts

• Air conditioning lines

• Wiring harness

• Power steering lines

• Magnaflow exhaust system

• Revised crossmembers

• Modified driveshafts

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The Bruiser Conversions Invoice from 2021 can be found in the gallery.