Planning the Gladiator Build!

[Rubi 207]

IMG_1059.jpgWell if watching Eddie's and Mel's Gladiator builds don't get you fired up not sure what will, amazing stuff! Have been sketching out some build plan ideas for my JT, comparing some of the things I did and liked on my JKU and wanted to get others thoughts and ideas.

I'm torn on the lift etc as I really like the way the Gladiator rides, particularly in the rear(have seen other posts and agree that the front end drivability of the JT can be a little flighty). That probably sounds weird but I'm an old 3/4 ton diesel pickup guy. What are peoples thoughts of the best on road driving suspension for the JT that are available at the moment(my JT will see mostly road)? Just like alot of people, I have dreams of King Coilovers in my sleep, LOL. I did a 2.5" Metalcloak Game Changer, Fox Reservior shocks/steering stabilizer and all the YETI HD goodies on the front of my JKU and it's rock solid with a nice low center of gravity. Looking at accomplishing 37's with a nice aggressive stance on the JT.
I appreciate any feedback! Thanks

[jasont0311]

If you like the ride rough country makes a leveling kit that they say will fit 35's. I went with the mopar 2.5. It rides the same as stock if not better but a little on the pricey side for what you get. I met another guy around here who has the same setup as me but with 37's. He said they will rub in the front while flexing. You should do some research on the Yeti

[WJCO]

Just drove mine home 120 miles and LOVE the ride. I'm planning on just removing the inner fenders and throwing on some 35s. I doubt I'll have to lift it. I have a Sport with max tow. I noticed a slight wander around 45 on decel but not concerning. Our other Jeeps seem worse. I really don't want to modify the suspension on this one if I don't have to.

[Ddays]

Just drove mine home 120 miles and LOVE the ride. I'm planning on just removing the inner fenders and throwing on some 35s. I doubt I'll have to lift it. I have a Sport with max tow. I noticed a slight wander around 45 on decel but not concerning. Our other Jeeps seem worse. I really don't want to modify the suspension on this one if I don't have to.

Bet your tire pressure is sky high. Mine were set at 45psi

[WJCO]

Bet your tire pressure is sky high. Mine were set at 45psi

It felt like that a couple of times. I'll be checking it out tomorrow.

[Rubi 207]

Just drove mine home 120 miles and LOVE the ride. I'm planning on just removing the inner fenders and throwing on some 35s. I doubt I'll have to lift it. I have a Sport with max tow. I noticed a slight wander around 45 on decel but not concerning. Our other Jeeps seem worse. I really don't want to modify the suspension on this one if I don't have to.

Thanks for the reply, glad to see I’m not the only one who loves the ride. I heard the tire pressure issue before, will check that, I bet your right


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[Rubi 207]

If you like the ride rough country makes a leveling kit that they say will fit 35's. I went with the mopar 2.5. It rides the same as stock if not better but a little on the pricey side for what you get. I met another guy around here who has the same setup as me but with 37's. He said they will rub in the front while flexing. You should do some research on the Yeti

Thanks Jason. Have heard some other good reports on the mopar lift as well. More new parts coming out all the time by the looks.


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[robx251]

Thanks for the reply, glad to see I’m not the only one who loves the ride. I heard the tire pressure issue before, will check that, I bet your right


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If its like the JL the jt should fit 35s with no lift on the Rubicon models. Not 100% sure about the back wheel clearances.

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[sunnysideup]

The tires were 45 psi on mine as well... dropped them to 37... and they are much better. I love the ride on the JT too...

I went with a 3/4 inch daystar spacer in the back... 1.5 spacer in the front with bump stops… and the Fox shocks from a Rubicon. It still rides perfect... I went with the rims and tires from a LE Gladiator for cheap as well... so it has 33's. I think it would take 35's with some trimming on the front. The rear won't have a problem with 35's that I can see. I only have like 390 miles on it... but so far it is really smooth! (I have the sport max tow as well...rubicon fenders have no problem with 35's)

[Rubi 207]

The tires were 45 psi on mine as well... dropped them to 37... and they are much better. I love the ride on the JT too...

I went with a 3/4 inch daystar spacer in the back... 1.5 spacer in the front with bump stops… and the Fox shocks from a Rubicon. It still rides perfect... I went with the rims and tires from a LE Gladiator for cheap as well... so it has 33's. I think it would take 35's with some trimming on the front. The rear won't have a problem with 35's that I can see. I only have like 390 miles on it... but so far it is really smooth! (I have the sport max tow as well...rubicon fenders have no problem with 35's)

Thanks for the info, checking PSI today. Like the sounds of what you did so far.