Legacy Scrambler Conversion Is Ready to Rock
If you want a modified, bulletproof Jeep pickup, you have two options. The first is to track down someone with a Jeep Scrambler in good shape and then spend years modifying just about every aspect of the vehicle in the hopes that before you die, you'll have a vehicle without any weak links.
Your second choice is to buy a top-shelf conversion built by a company that does nothing but create one-of-a-kind heavy-duty vehicles, each fully tested and warrantied.
You might remember the Legacy Power Wagon that got so much attention last year when we did a First Drive of a modern-day pickup based on the Dodge classic. Now the restoration and customization experts at Legacy Classic Trucks are taking their expertise into the Jeep world with their latest "resto-version" (restoration plus conversion).
Some History
The Jeep Scrambler CJ-8 was the longer wheelbase version of the popular two-door CJ model built in the early 1980s; its longer wheelbase allowed for a half-cab to protect driver and passenger, leaving a bedlike area for cargo. The most famous CJ-8 was probably the one owned by President Ronald Reagan, which he kept on his ranch near Santa Barbara, Calif.
The Legacy Scrambler (without any association with Jeep) can be custom-built to factory specs in just about any body configuration you'd like (pickup, passenger wagon, team carrier or SUV), as a hard- or soft-top, and with an almost endless numbers of upgrades and options. Each Legacy Scrambler starts with a donor CJ body and frame, and then is heavily modified to vastly improve its 4x4 and overall performance capabilities.
When asked why he chose the Jeep Scrambler to convert, Legacy Classic Trucks owner and found Winslow Bent said, "The Scrambler seemed like a natural for us. It can be set up as a family-hauler, with plenty of space for kids and gear in the backseats, or turned into a rock-crawling Jeep pickup - you tell us what you want and we'll make it happen. … But we're about giving our vehicles a clean look, so we go over every detail with the client to make sure they get something special."
Scrambling Underneath
Although relatively few actual Jeep parts are in the Legacy Scrambler, the design, look and construction is painstakingly considered. It's worth noting that no matter how small the detail, every aspect of this four-wheeler is vastly improved in one way or another.
No matter the donor vehicle, Legacy builds the appropriate frame to accommodate a strong suspension, set of axles and powertrain. Much of the design for the suspension comes from the racing and fabrication experts at GenRight Off Road, who use a flexible rear four-link coil-over setup with DynaTrac ProRock Dana 44 axles (using Dana 60 tubes) with a choice of 5.13:1 or 4.56:1 gears.
In the front, the same modified Dana 44 ProRock axles use a three-link coil-over setup with a heavy-duty panhard rod and Saginaw steering box. Both axles can be ordered with ARB Air Locker differentials.
The entire suspension setup allows for about 6 inches of added lift (when compared to stock), so fitting 37-inch tires under the trimmed wheel wells is not a problem. In fact, if customers want 40-inch tires (Legacy says it always recommends Toyo Open Country R/Ts), they'll fit underneath as well.
Bodies and Power
A Legacy Scrambler conversion will be similar in size and look to a classic Jeep CJ-8; however, all of Legacy's Scrambler bodies will be made from aluminum in order to save weight, stop rust and provide the owner with a unique story to tell. As a result, all Scramblers will have an amazing power-to-weight ratio. Some of that is due to the lightweight body material, while the other piece of the puzzle rests squarely on the interesting engine option these Legacy rigs will offer.
To complement Jeep's military DNA, Legacy offers a small 3.0-liter V-6 Boeing military-spec turbo-diesel; each engine is modified by the diesel experts at Banks Engineering. The Boeing V-22 Badger engine has no emissions restrictions and is reported to offer 240 horsepower and 420 pounds-feet of torque. All that torque is perfectly suited for low-end rumbling up or down a rocky trail, and the Atlas II twin-stick transfer case and GM six-speed transmission combine to provide an amazingly controlled crawl ratio when in 1st-gear low range. And like any other military-spec application, all the fuses, filters, belts and important engine components are easily accessible for quick repairs.
Inside the converted Scrambler, the gauges look close to stock, and specially designed Recaro seats provide more bolster to hold the driver (no matter what their body type) while making it easy to get into and out of the lifted 4x4. Details like an Italian leather-wrapped steering wheel and air conditioning can be ordered, but most of those decisions will be affected by whether the customer chooses the hardtop, half-cab or olive-drab canvas stretch top.
Cost to Own
Pricing for the Legacy Scrambler conversion is expensive. However, unlike the custom-built Power Wagon that can run well in excess of $200,000, the Scrambler — depending on how it's configured — will likely start around $100,000. If you're looking to save money, there several options you can leave off your rig. In fact, opting for the GM LS V-8 instead of the Boeing Badger V-6 diesel will save you thousands.
The Legacy Scrambler is offered in two configurations: the more aggressive Dual Sport option (like the one pictured here with the heavy-duty suspension, larger fender flares and 40-inch tires) or the more traditional Classic option, which will look more like the factory-offered Jeep with a smaller suspension lift, 35-inch tires and old-school white-spoke rims.
Conversion Future?
Boutique restoration and conversion companies seem to be gaining popularity as the auto industry gets back to full strength; they offer unique alternatives to the conservative and boring options from automakers. Companies such as Icon 4x4, American Expedition Vehicles and Legacy Classic Trucks are likely to thrive if products like these continue to offer one-of-a-kind value and convenient one-stop shopping. This surely isn't the last we'll hear from these companies. We're guessing there will be more new-old truck products coming down the road.
Manufacturer images
Comments
Everything looks good. I wonder if Legacy is charging the same high prices like Icon and AEV.
Many times I will check this site out when I am sitting on the toilet making a statue of Johnny Welfare!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8t-lkWRlnag
Posted by: LMAO | Jan 30, 2016 5:44:46 PM
This was posted by johnny doe also known as Michigan Bob.
Jeeps are junk trailer queens. Tow them to the off road site and then tow them home.
Looks like a nice and capable off roader.
I wonder how it travels on the tar to reach those out of the way places, or as most would never be driven off road.
one of their Power Wagons sold for $160,000 at Barrett Jackson Scottsdale on Thursday....
Really? They recommend Toyo open country's? They lost me there. There are much better choices out there than these heavy loud just ok tires.
It makes me think what else do they think highly of but it is just mediocre.
Open Country is ok as I said, but not great. It isn't good or bad at anything and weighs more than others and is loud and doesn't balance well. Much better choices out there.
This will be my next truck!!!
I wonder why they choose this engine. There are many more to choose from and I'd say far cheaper.
This has me perplexed. The "military" spec for the engine is a bit of a overstatement by the author of this article. The engine is used by the Navy, but the naval version has considerably less horse power.
So, I would assume the large increase in power would make give the engine less than desirable "military grade" reliability.
So, this is far from "military", sort of like the military grade beans the US Army have for breakfast and the military grade aluminium wonder trux from Frod.
But, the aluminium wunder trux can apparently carry a military load and tow, like most any other pickup in the world.
Ford even offers the retro 70s V8 FE from a 2.7 litre engine, of course in a military fashion.
Here's a link to the outboard engine that this Legacy Scrambler's engine is based on.
http://www.mercuryracing.com/optimax-diesel-reporting-for-duty/
...or for $100k you can find a bone stock Jeep and do you own mods. Something tells me you'd have a dandy four wheeler and enough change in your pocket for a trailer to haul it with.
Jeep Owners are very loyal and love their Jeeps even when Jeep is the junkiest, most fragile 4x4 out there.
Personally I would say the money would be better spent to modify a Toyota Tacoma for extreme off-road than spending $200K on a Jeep.
How's the brakes on your 2011-2012 F-150 holding up?
I don't understand why people would blow this kind of money on these build companies. They have to stupid rich, dumber then a box of rocks, have no common sense or to dumb to even work a wrench like that clown LMAO kid.
They also replace a bunch of the cool factory original stuff, if I got 1970s jeep/ford/chevy/dodge truck. I want to feel like i'm in a 1970s truck/jeep, not something hack up with a cheap modern radio with stupid gauges or crappy looking modern interior with their logos on every thing. That's how I feel about it any way.
What is BAFO babbling about now? The engine is rated at 240bhp in the military vehicle (Badger) it sits in.
I don't understand why people would blow this kind of money on these build companies. They have to stupid rich, dumber then a box of rocks, have no common sense or to dumb to even work a wrench like that clown LMAO kid.
They also replace a bunch of the cool factory original stuff, if I got 1970s jeep/ford/chevy/dodge truck. I want to feel like i'm in a 1970s truck/jeep, not something hack up with a cheap modern radio with stupid gauges or crappy looking modern interior with their logos on every thing. That's how I feel about it any way.
Posted by: johnny doe | Jan 31, 2016 5:38:15 AM
You continue with your ignorance in every post. Man it must be rough just living day to day in your body. The ignorance is overwhelming. People with money don't always have the time to work or build their own project cars. People with money have the means to decide they like something and purchase it. They may like something and want it now and have the means to do that. A person with money tends to be very intelligent. How else would they have earned their money. There are a very small exception to those that inherit but that is by far the minority of those that do well for themselves. It is funny to see and hear people make fun of other people with money because it is obvious they have very little so they have to put those down that work hard for their accomplishments. But like in your case the public welfare system will do that. Like tax the rich more to give to the "less fortunate'. A simple solution is this "LEARN TO WORK KID"!
Sorry my opinions and thoughts on the topic made you butt hurt LMAO clown.
Sorry my opinions and thoughts on the topic made you butt hurt LMAO clown.
Posted by: johnny doe | Jan 31, 2016 8:16:11 AM
No, but the tax's I pay every week to allow losers like you buy food and milk the system does!.
No Sir, never been on welfare, but thanks. Have a nice day, go outside learn to use them wrenchs.
go outside learn to use them wrenchs.
Posted by: johnny doe | Jan 31, 2016 8:33:25 AM
Oh you don't have to worry about that welfare loser. Maybe you can go outside and mow some lawns to get off the welfare system. I'm sure there are a lot of people in your section 8 trailer park that would love to have some loser, overweight, middle aged man mow their lawns.
Hard to mow lawns when there is 7 inches of snow on the ground, but okay? Well have a nice day, I'm go since you have nothing to say bout the story topic like normal, later.
Hard to mow lawns when there is 7 inches of snow on the ground, but okay? Well have a nice day, I'm go since you have nothing to say bout the story topic like normal, later.
Posted by: johnny doe | Jan 31, 2016 8:44:54 AM
Well there you go. YOU can charge $8.00 to shovel out everyone's driveways. Make sure to stay hydrated. Don't want to strain your obese body.
I'm go since you have nothing to say bout the story topic like normal, later.
Posted by: johnny doe | Jan 31, 2016 8:44:54 AM
That is odd, you have nothing to say about any story. You just bash Ford and that is it. A very ironic statement coming from the welfare loser from you.
Why bring Ford into this story?? I thought it was about a jeep. The IGNORANCE in some of these comments is pathetic. You must be either jealous of Ford or just plain STUPID. Pick one.
@Truckcrazy
Why bring Ford into this story??
I agree with you. Ford has nothing to compete with Jeep.
There is a night and day difference between military specs and military grade.
Guess I will pick one for you. I pick STUPID.
Yeah I picked STUPID and i'm satisfied with my choice. You guys just keep proving me right. And you know who you are.
There you go LMAO clown kid who ever rolling can of beer is has been using your name it seems, not me. For you comment bout shoveling snow, why would I? When I got a use western plow for my 1998 GMC, am I over weight some? Well maybe, I'm not 10 years old with a ton of energy to burn like you, but my guess is you are over weight to, as it seems is all you do is sit and google and post back to everyone on here all day 7 days a week. What ever it is to make yourself feel better I guess, see yah around got nice dinner to eat that I paid for.
Yep. Must be some kind of moderation on here. Just the wrong kind.
I saw the latest Ford F150 commercial on TV today. In the commercial it said "No Rust Body". Is that possible with Military Grade Aluminum????
For 100k get a Mercedes G Wagon
For 100k get a military grade Raptor with the military grade 2nd Gen EcoBoost and military grade 10 speed and have money left over. The new military grade Raptor won’t go on sale until the military grade fall. So far, though, it looks like it will be worth the military grade wait.
Military grade is the best out there.....Big Al got the optimax info from bass boat central
I am so tired of listening to the children on this site bickering back and forth about each other. No one knows the other people, just what they post. Grow up and focus on the article.
I love the look of the Legacy Scrambler and the attention to detail. I would like the diesel verion for the low end torque. What I don't get is the cost. I am not certain I would take a handbuilt $100k vehicle offroad. I would spend $25k-$30k on a Polaris 4 seat Razor and tow that with my truck. But that's just me. I look at all of these Boutique restoration and conversion companies as rolling art. They are not real working trucks.
200k for this?
For that price one can buy a dually diesel crewcab 4x4, a 54ft toy hauler, and turbocharged quads, some dirt bikes, and even street bikes.
It would be much better for some rich dude to donate the 200k to charity than self indulge one's ego by buying this.
It is pretty cool, but what do you expect for 200k?
^^^^^^ still having fun with my user name Rolling Can of Beer aka Hemi v8
The comments to this entry are closed.