New gladiator diesel owner- suggestions for budget oriented overland build

[sparks702]

Hello yall, coming over from owning a JL on 37s with a 3.5 MC game changer lift, looking for suggestions on the best route for diesel specific Lift. I loved the metal cloak lift on my JL and the articulation but didn’t like how soft the rock sport shocks were and don’t see a diesel specific lift on their site. Thinking about running the Evo 4 inch diesel springs, bilstein 5160’s and drop brackets as this build will be overland focused with a roof top tent. Please let me know of any suggestions or if you have similar setup.

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[Camaroboi13]

I’m still looking for 4” front springs that will last. Plenty of companies out there sell lifetime guarantees for their gas springs, then have 50k mile warranty for diesel springs. So far Mopar springs have failed, and Rusty’s diesel springs have failed. That being said, I haven’t heard anything about Evo springs long term on the eco just yet.

 

[sparks702]

I’m still looking for 4” front springs that will last. Plenty of companies out there sell lifetime guarantees for their gas springs, then have 50k mile warranty for diesel springs. So far Mopar springs have failed, and Rusty’s diesel springs have failed. That being said, I haven’t heard anything about Evo springs long term on the eco just yet.

Wish Evo would make a 3 to 3.5 inch spring also for the diesel, I find the 2.5 too short and the 4.5 almost too tall.

 

[Camaroboi13]

Wish Evo would make a 3 to 3.5 inch spring also for the diesel, I find the 2.5 too short and the 4.5 almost too tall.

I would totally go 4.5” if it wasn’t any higher than that. I’m on Rusty’s 4” with a Teraflex half inch spacer on top for 4.5” total. I’m pushing my luck on stock driveshaft though, but I couldn’t see going down in height.

 

[sparks702]

I would totally go 4.5” if it wasn’t any higher than that. I’m on Rusty’s 4” with a Teraflex half inch spacer on top for 4.5” total. I’m pushing my luck on stock driveshaft though, but I couldn’t see going down in height.

What shocks you running ?

 

[Camaroboi13]

What shocks you running ?

Falcon SP2.1 for 3.5” lift… that’s my saving grace for my driveshaft, plus the fact that I’ve never disconnected.

 

[Rusty PW]

I have the Clayton 2.5" diesel springs in front plus the JKS adjustable spring seats with hydraulic bump stops. That gives my about 4.25" in the front. 3.5" Clayton rear springs. That raised the rear to 4". If the front sags. I can adjust it back up with the JKS kit. 2years and 20,000+ miles on it.

 

[sparks702]

Falcon SP2.1 for 3.5” lift… that’s my saving grace for my driveshaft, plus the fact that I’ve never disconnected.

Had rubicon shocks with rough country’s 2.5 inch spacer lift on my wrangler at first.. front shaft quickly went bye bye I have no hope in the factory one lol

 

[Camaroboi13]

Had rubicon shocks with rough country’s 2.5 inch spacer lift on my wrangler at first.. front shaft quickly went bye bye I have no hope in the factory one lol

My wife lost her front DS before her registration came in the mail, so…

 

[Deleted member 57233]

I've been really happy with my Fabtech diesel springs and King shocks. The springs are a 3" lift, but ended up being closer to 4" once installed. The front springs are passenger/driver specific too.

 

[Free2roam]

Hahaha....he used the term budget oriented. Dude
Just
Empty
Every
Pocket
Jeep!
I also have the Clayton Overland lift 2.5 so far so good. No issues.
There is Deaver springs.

 

[nanook12]

What model Gladiator did you end up with? My 23 JTRD has a Smartcap and RTT, stock tires, 10K winch and stock Rubicon suspension. Is also deleted with an EOC #2 Tow. Works just fine for towing/ overlanding. What exactly are you trying to accomplish? Mine only has 10K miles, so haven’t worn anything out.

 

[brsnow2585]

Friendly warning, y'all probably know anyways, watch out for progressive springs. I had my Rubi diesel for almost 2 years, took me a year to run down the Mopar lift kit that wasn't available when I ordered my truck. It's a different ride with progressive springs, and if you're hauling or pulling a trailer, take it easy until you get the feel. Also on the Rubicon JT, get the Fox 2.0 steering damper, made night and day difference. I started having wobbly issues, loaded and unloaded but they all seemed to coalesce around a temperature and a speed. I still get some wobble but I can feel that's from sitting 3 inches higher on the factory 33 tires, I'm going to metric 35 tires next, still factory wheels, not looking to regear anytime soon, I get pretty good mileage as is

 

[Vtur]

40k miles running Mopar lift with 1" spacers in the front. I dumped the lift Fox shocks for the 5160s. It drives like a sport car with them shocks.

 

[Dougstdig]

Wish Evo would make a 3 to 3.5 inch spring also for the diesel, I find the 2.5 too short and the 4.5 almost too tall.

I believe Clayton was the first with the diesel specific springs while others were just including spacer pucks…

I can attest that the 2.5 overland kit handles the weight extremely well and the ride is excellent with 37’s.

The 2.5 netted just over 3” and is rated for 37” with the high line fenders. The 3.5” kit is rated for 39’s.

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