New Jeep Gladiator Willy's owner- New to Jeeps

[Rushed]

Hey guys, I'm a new owner of a 2021 Willy's.
I've never had any jeep before, and am coming from driving a 1/2 ton stock GMC.
Right now my vehicle is on stock parts. I have no clue how capable it is in this configuration honestly. I've been looking at the forum for a few hours and there is A LOT of discussion on going up with leveling kits and lift kits as first mods. Can anybody enlighten me a little bit about what I can do to explore less traveled roads?

When should I think about leveling kits, lift kits, bigger tires? Right now there is a set of 255/75/17 bridgestone duellers on the vehicle, no kits. How about starter recovery gear and stuff too? I'm a little overwhelmed, but really excited too! Would love to chat!

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[Metalhead]

First you have to decide what you want to do with the truck. In my case I am building an overlanding vehicle. So I did 2 inch mopar lift kit to fit 35 inch tires. Future mods will be front bumper and winch, skid plates, roof top tent and so on.

 

[Uparms]

Wait 5K-10K miles and make sure it's a good used specimen, then have all the fun you can. Don't start dumping cash till at leask 5K miles on your ownership. I practice what I preach!

 

[Rushed]

First you have to decide what you want to do with the truck. In my case I am building an overlanding vehicle. So I did 2 inch mopar lift kit to fit 35 inch tires. Future mods will be front bumper and winch, skid plates, roof top tent and so on.

I've been reading the forum a bit, I love to travel the backroads. I can't see myself doing rock crawling moab or something though. I enjoy camping - but this also has to be my daily driver.

Do you think just leveling it with a 1.5inch spacer and putting on 33's would get me through most service roads?

 

[Gvsukids]

Do you think just leveling it with a 1.5inch spacer and putting on 33's would get me through most service roads?

A Subaru can make it through most forest roads.

 

[Metalhead]

Do you think just leveling it with a 1.5inch spacer and putting on 33's would get me through most service roads?

Me personally I don't like spacer kits. I would rather do a full kit springs and shocks. I am not into full rock crawling either but want to be able to travel anywhere needed to get to a good camp site. A level kit and 33's will certainly get you through most service roads. I like the additional height a lift and 35's gives me, Makes it even easier to crawl under the truck to work on things.

 

[Chasm]

Wait 5K-10K miles and make sure it's a good used specimen

My thought exactly! Jeep is one of those vehicles that could have been babied around and upgraded with top of the line stuff or it could have been beat up on and have low quality mods you don't recognize until it's too late. Kind of like buying a used sports car.

 

[TTU03]

Hey guys, I'm a new owner of a 2021 Willy's.
I've never had any jeep before, and am coming from driving a 1/2 ton stock GMC.
Right now my vehicle is on stock parts. I have no clue how capable it is in this configuration honestly. I've been looking at the forum for a few hours and there is A LOT of discussion on going up with leveling kits and lift kits as first mods. Can anybody enlighten me a little bit about what I can do to explore less traveled roads?

When should I think about leveling kits, lift kits, bigger tires? Right now there is a set of 255/75/17 bridgestone duellers on the vehicle, no kits. How about starter recovery gear and stuff too? I'm a little overwhelmed, but really excited too! Would love to chat!

I would recommend looking into steering upgrades. I had a bit of a problem after 48k miles that required a new drag link. At that time I also swapped out my track bar. I went with steer smarts for both. Those two items really improved steering. In fact I wish I had looked into upgrading steering componets before the expense of bumpers and winch. Next up is a steer smarts tie rod and sector shaft brace.

 

[whitingvo]

Good suggestions in the thread already. I purchased my 21 Willys in February and did minor items like bed cover, a few aesthetic and functional items right away. I just recently did a level kit and new tires. Went with the Teraflex 1.5 Level, which while not 100% level, it sits and rides sooooo much better now. I also just put Mickey Thompson Baja Boss 255/85/17 tires to replace the stock Firestone M/Ts. The difference is quite staggering. On-road performance and handling is much better and the noise is drastically less. They are the same width as the stock FIrestone's, but taller. You need at least a level for those tires.

Drive it for a while and see what you want to do. If you're not doing any hardcore rock crawling, then you don't need to go crazy with the suspension mods, unless you just like the look.

 

[Gvsukids]

I also just put Mickey Thompson Baja Boss 255/85/17 tires to replace the stock Firestone M/Ts. The difference is quite staggering. On-road performance and handling is much better and the noise is drastically less.

Hear a lot of good things about those tires. Probably going that route next year after the current m/t and a/t wear out.

 

[whitingvo]

Hear a lot of good things about those tires. Probably going that route next year after the current m/t and a/t wear out.

So far no complaints. I'm not big on fat tires so these fit the bill for me. Haven't taken them to the dirt yet, that's this upcoming weekend. Looking forward to getting them their first dirt.

 

[Rushed]

Good suggestions in the thread already. I purchased my 21 Willys in February and did minor items like bed cover, a few aesthetic and functional items right away. I just recently did a level kit and new tires. Went with the Teraflex 1.5 Level, which while not 100% level, it sits and rides sooooo much better now. I also just put Mickey Thompson Baja Boss 255/85/17 tires to replace the stock Firestone M/Ts. The difference is quite staggering. On-road performance and handling is much better and the noise is drastically less. They are the same width as the stock FIrestone's, but taller. You need at least a level for those tires.

Drive it for a while and see what you want to do. If you're not doing any hardcore rock crawling, then you don't need to go crazy with the suspension mods, unless you just like the look.

I think this might be the route I'll go putting on a 1.5inch Teraflex on the front and replacing the 255/75/17 duellers for 255/85/17's when they wear out

 

[Rushed]

Hear a lot of good things about those tires. Probably going that route next year after the current m/t and a/t wear out.

I've bought the 1.5in front spacer and a 0.75in rear spacer, Do you think I'll get any rubbing?

I'm thinking about putting on Rubicon take offs otherwise, but am a bit confused if I need other parts for that any advice?

 

[whitingvo]

I've bought the 1.5in front spacer and a 0.75in rear spacer, Do you think I'll get any rubbing?

I'm thinking about putting on Rubicon take offs otherwise, but am a bit confused if I need other parts for that any advice?

I haven't had any so far, though I haven't pushed it very hard yet.

 

[Hydro]

I bought a new Willys last year and found out they are capable but will high center or scrape any little hump or rise. I ended up installing a 2.5in Clayton lift with progressive rear springs with falcon shocks. It will now go over anything I want to go over without dragging and it drives great and I can haul more without sag. The Clayton lift is excellent so far and I've got 35in tires and a winch. I feel much better now out there and we can just enjoy. (Edit) I also daily drive my jeep to work and everywhere else. I can't keep myself out of it.

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