What did you do TO your Gladiator today? [ADMIN WARNING: NO POLITICS, NO GUN TALK]

[TheTrailGeek]

That's the 10" mirror. Do the sun visor clear it?

It is the 10”. Sadly, the mirror doesn’t clear the camera. ??‍ I was disappointed, but I’m just going to put up with it because I use my visor way less than the mirror.

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[howeitsdone]

That’s impressive. Lifting on dirt. I bow down to you.

I rate the experience 1/10. The only way to get a lower score is gravel. ?

But, hey, the juice was worth the squeeze!

 

[WILDHOBO]

I rate the experience 1/10. The only way to get a lower score is gravel. ?

But, hey, the juice was worth the squeeze!

Outstanding. How did it do on fins? I guess it’s only 8:20, so maybe a bit early to know. Have a great time. Very fun trail.

 

[Great Offender]

Nothing of tremendous merit. I have been sitting on a 1.5" Terraflex level and finally installed it. Initially had issues loosening the control arms so it was my second attempt. I have a Daystar 3/4 puck for the rear but I have 1/4 to 1/2" rake still. I have tried measuring in different locations other than my driveway with the same result. At present I see no immediate reason to install the Daystar. Visually it is "just enough".

I spent more time with the loose neighborhood(?) German Sheppard that decided to "help" than I did with the actual install.

 

[Farmer Fran]

1st oil change. WIX 10010XL ($10) and 5qt Penzoil Full Synthetic ($23) at WallyWorld

 

[Boostnu]

Added the metalcloak under cloak skids.

 

[O-Face]

Got the on-board air installed. This is a V 1.0 install and will likely see upgrades & adjustments.

 

[WILDHOBO]

Replaced a tired and bent up transfer case skid. Reused the UHMW from the old one. It’s still got life left.

Then replaced the JKS front adjustable track bar with a steersmarts pro. I bought the steersmarts for the adjustment sleeve, but found during removal that the jks bar was just as crappy as all the other jks stuff I’ve removed. Both bushings had failed and the bar was metal on metal on both ends. It took an hour to get the axle side bolt out. I’m elated to have it gone. Its only value now would be as a trail spare on truly nasty trails.

Then replaced the steersmarts sector shaft brace bearing. After 40k miles, it was shot. Steersmarts replaced it under warranty, because that company is amazing.

Centered the axle, straightened the wheel, and test drove it. No noises, and the steering feels great.

 

[antwon412]

Installed the Metalcloak swaybar end link reinforcement bracket and the Clayton Offroad steering stabilizer flip kit.

 

[Sw00per]

Finally got around to installing the Rokblokz. This will get some testing next weekend.It should make cleanup easier and not send rocks into anyone behind me.

 

[mx5red]

Welp, I broke it
Was going to pick up a friend from the airport in stop n go rush hour, started feeling some shuddering. Road didn’t seem that bumpy? When I started driving again shuddering got instantly worse then passenger rear wheel locked up.
Luckily I was right in front of an exit median so got another ten feet forward dragging the tire.
When I looked underneath, I saw the bottom caliper bolt had come out, and the caliper pivoted down and got wedged by the rotation of the wheel.

Shifted the dust shield forward. Can’t tell if it bent the hub. Ground a groove into the inside of the wheel.

did you know front sway bar bolts are same thread?
I still had my old ones sitting in my toolbox, so I was able to make a quick “trail” repair so I could at least get off the highway.
Could hear on and off grinding and my tire slowly lost pressure.

want to guess what all will be broken? Just a bent brake caliper + I’m guessing the wheels since it’s leaking. Will the hub be bent? Will the whole axle be bent/trashed?

Good news, I think I fixed it. One less parking brake and two zip ties, and I’m back on the road!

the grinding I was hearing was the bent parking brake mechanism/brake shield rubbing the inside of the rotor. The rotational power of the caliper wedging into the inside of the wheel pushed against the brake shield, which rotated/bent it and made it contact the rotor. The mounting holes on the brake shield were stretched 1/4” or so or ripped. I can’t believe it did not bend the axle or flange??‍

that’s supposed to lay flat on the flange, not have a finger sized gap.
The ABS sensor or whatever also got a little wedged.. looked like it was also rubbing the tone ring, but still seems to be working.?‍ I think it’s ok was just hard to get out since the mounting holes were misaligned through the flange and shield.

I also think I made the shield worse with my “trail” repair. To be fair, I fixed the fucking thing on an exit median on an 8 lane highway during rush hour and got it home… so, count as a win.
The longer bolt (spare sway bar bolt), which I did not thread on all the way or tightly (1/4 ugga dugga), I think still pushed into the brake shield and added to the carnage. So be mindful of that!

Diff gears didn’t show anything, no metal shavings. Plus my axle shafts looked good. Can I still parlay this into chromoly??

Now waiting on new parking brake mechanism, and finding the time to drain the diff oil for the third time and take apart the axle shaft again. I’m sore.

 

[WILDHOBO]

Good news, I think I fixed it. One less parking brake and two zip ties, and I’m back on the road!

the grinding I was hearing was the bent parking brake mechanism/brake shield rubbing the inside of the rotor. The rotational power of the caliper wedging into the inside of the wheel pushed against the brake shield, which rotated/bent it and made it contact the rotor. The mounting holes on the brake shield were stretched 1/4” or so or ripped. I can’t believe it did not bend the axle or flange??‍

that’s supposed to lay flat on the flange, not have a finger sized gap.
The ABS sensor or whatever also got a little wedged.. looked like it was also rubbing the tone ring, but still seems to be working.?‍ I think it’s ok was just hard to get out since the mounting holes were misaligned through the flange and shield.

I also think I made the shield worse with my “trail” repair. To be fair, I fixed the fucking thing on an exit median on an 8 lane highway during rush hour and got it home… so, count as a win.
The longer bolt (spare sway bar bolt), which I did not thread on all the way or tightly (1/4 ugga dugga), I think still pushed into the brake shield and added to the carnage. So be mindful of that!

Diff gears didn’t show anything, no metal shavings. Plus my axle shafts looked good. Can I still parlay this into chromoly??

Now waiting on new parking brake mechanism, and finding the time to drain the diff oil for the third time and take apart the axle shaft again. I’m sore.

Very nice work getting it rolling. I’m not surprised you didn’t hurt the axle or housing. Those are way stronger parts than the caliper or wheel. I’m guessing you’ll replace those small parts and it will be as good as new. Can I ask why you drained the diff oil?

 

[TRMFAM]

Added a domestic panel mount to the bed. You know that moment when you drill the first hole to fit the blade for the jigsaw is always a little I am really really sure I want to do this! Haha.
Looks good and functional I have installed the arb version in the last several vehicles but wanted to try one of these so here goes.

 

[JCappy]

Finally got around to installing the Rokblokz. This will get some testing next weekend.It should make cleanup easier and not send rocks into anyone behind me.

Curious what size. Looks like XL long in front and XL reg in rear possibly. Been contemplating getting these but just haven't bitten the bullet yet.

 

[Hunter#1]

I have a 1:30 apointment at Rino Liner to get step rails and rubber matt for the bed and tail gate installed. might have a tonneau cover installed if they have one in stock.

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