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JAY

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Description:
In the video I drive a 2020 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon up an RTI (Ramp Travel Index) ramp to measure how much its suspension will articulate or flex in a simulated off-road frame-twist situation. Because it's a Rubicon, it will earn two scores: one with its front stabilizer bar in the connected position meant for street driving, and the other with its stabilizer bar (aka sway bar) disconnected to maximize articulation in low-speed rock crawling situations. All Jeep Rubicons come with such a pushbutton stabilizer bar disconnect device, and from the driver's seat it certainly is very effective. But how much does it really help? How much suspension flex is to be gained when you push the button? We find out in this video.

Traction is critically important when driving off-road, and the best defense against getting stuck is having all four wheels on the ground at all time. Sure, a hiked up wheel makes a great social media photo, but it's a sign that there isn't enough suspension flex for the terrain. It usually means someone's about to get stuck. Locking differentials and tricky electronic aids can sometimes get you through, but having all four wheels on the ground will still give you maximum traction and control.


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Damn! Never realized there would be THAT much difference. Glad I got a Rubicon. Also, great video! :like:
 

Rokon

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Great video and demonstration. Thanks for posting it.
 

redrider

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Good to see this. Watching those open when not locked diffs react to the articulation makes me think I want Eaton posi-trac for the daily driver. Thanks again for the effort.
 

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SYLrules88

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Great video! It helped someone like me who knows virtually nothing about Jeeps understand a little more.

Was this with the stock tires and lift?
 

Rainman519

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Excellent video and great information. Thanks! Also loved the public math!
 

GladiatoRic

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Not a rubicon, sport S max tow with only a 1.5” front spacer, sway bar connected, however this was in 4WD low. Appears that Dan was in 2WD for his first test without the sway bar disconnected since he shifted into 4L before pushing the magic button. I have a magic wrench I take with me if I ever feel the need to disconnect the sway bar.
Jeep Gladiator 2020 Gladiator Rubicon Ramp Travel Index (RTI): How Much Will Its Suspension Flex? (by Dan Edmunds) 6ECDC05A-1B31-4E38-9A07-07038825DFA8
 
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Here's my JTR with a 2.5" spacer lift and 37's... It flexes almost 3' (the flat top of the ramp is 3' high) in it's current form. Once I install my EVO 2.5" Stage 2 Plus lift, then I'll flex it out again and see what she's got.

Jeep Gladiator 2020 Gladiator Rubicon Ramp Travel Index (RTI): How Much Will Its Suspension Flex? (by Dan Edmunds) 4AC06A47-2823-4B9D-9BF1-C991073D29C3
Jeep Gladiator 2020 Gladiator Rubicon Ramp Travel Index (RTI): How Much Will Its Suspension Flex? (by Dan Edmunds) 8E76AA7A-B788-406B-AD1F-E23A455B07D1
Jeep Gladiator 2020 Gladiator Rubicon Ramp Travel Index (RTI): How Much Will Its Suspension Flex? (by Dan Edmunds) 20E6F651-31A7-45D0-A7F8-C3143E079C76
Jeep Gladiator 2020 Gladiator Rubicon Ramp Travel Index (RTI): How Much Will Its Suspension Flex? (by Dan Edmunds) ED5F02AD-0BC1-4720-B414-63E88AE46633
Jeep Gladiator 2020 Gladiator Rubicon Ramp Travel Index (RTI): How Much Will Its Suspension Flex? (by Dan Edmunds) 94960320-23D2-4C8C-81ED-5BFF046DBD96
Jeep Gladiator 2020 Gladiator Rubicon Ramp Travel Index (RTI): How Much Will Its Suspension Flex? (by Dan Edmunds) DBFAE528-CA51-4F39-ACED-FD3FCAD0D4DA
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