Glad Grandpa Firecracker Red LE Build

[Pat2Alaska]

Length of the drawers (inside)

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[Dooley the Clown]

From one Grandpa to another - marvelous!

 

[Pat2Alaska]

From one Grandpa to another - marvelous!

Thank you!

 

[theDECKEDguy]

Looks great, stoked to see it with the upper decker.

 

[Pat2Alaska]

Added a few boxes.

 

[Daddy's Toy]

Added a few boxes.

Super nice, but wouldn't expect anything less for your build! What is the weight load on the top deck and can you walk over it?

 

[Gatorized]

Did the boxes come with the system or purchased seperatly? Look like a matched fit!
But probably should have had red tops!

 

[Pat2Alaska]

Super nice, but wouldn't expect anything less for your build! What is the weight load on the top deck and can you walk over it?

Weight load limit on the deck is more than the payload capacity! Think something like 2000lbs. You can definitely walk or stand on it.

 

[Pat2Alaska]

Did the boxes come with the system or purchased seperatly? Look like a matched fit!
But probably should have had red tops!

They are extra but made to fit the drawers.

 

[canyonrat]

Did a little flex test today! Pleasantly surprised score of 750!!

Hey Pat, this is a really interesting post thanks for sharing. It does not look like there would be a lot of room for a larger tire at full flex with the Mopar 2". So a 37" would be rubbing fender at full flex, and would need a 3"+ to clear even Rubicon fenders when disconnected I'm concluding.

Are you still happy with the BFG Ko2 315/70r17's with the lift even though there is "more wheel well" showing? It seems like functionally they are matched, and also a good look. The "will it fit" question is never really answered for me without something like a forklift test or this much more scientific trailer test. "Can I drive it to the mall ok" does not count. Well done and great build.

 

[Pat2Alaska]

Hey Pat, this is a really interesting post thanks for sharing. It does not look like there would be a lot of room for a larger tire at full flex with the Mopar 2". So a 37" would be rubbing fender at full flex, and would need a 3"+ to clear even Rubicon fenders when disconnected I'm concluding.

Are you still happy with the BFG Ko2 315/70r17's with the lift even though there is "more wheel well" showing? It seems like functionally they are matched, and also a good look. The "will it fit" question is never really answered for me without something like a forklift test or this much more scientific trailer test. "Can I drive it to the mall ok" does not count. Well done and great build.

I think with 37s you would get less flex with the 2” lift. My personal opinion is 37s are too heavy and much harder on the suspension components. Of course my opinion probably isn’t worth much as I see many going 37-40s. I’m very happy with the 315s! Softer ride but great flex! The more wheel well doesn’t bother me, I think it looks great! Thanks for the comments! I’m thoroughly enjoying every aspect of this Gladiator!

 

[Pat2Alaska]

It will be a few days before I get this installed. As I assumed, I need to remove the Decked System in order to mark the front hinge holes.... rats! Also ordered a nut zert tool that will not be here for a few days. There are a few minor scratches but not bad for the way the box looked.

 

[Pat2Alaska]

Yesterday I installed (almost completely) the Ace Engineering Upper Decker. Since I was doing it myself, I used the ratchet straps to my garage ceiling to raise & lower. Worked great!

I first had to remove most of the Decked System. If you are getting both, I would still suggest fully installing the Decked System, then disassembling it to install the Upper Decker. Doing it this way will ensure everything fits right when you reinstall after the Upper Decker. If you have the Trail Rails, you must remove them completely. The front because the hinges install where it would be. I thought the sides would be ok but no, you need the hole in the back to install the gas shock. There is already a nut zert there for the rail end, so I just used that bolt for the top of the shock bracket.

Before you install any of the nut zerts, look carefully at the thickness of the bedliner if you have it. The front ones were ok but the place where the latch catch goes had extremely thick bedliner and I ruined two of the M4 zerts before I figured out I needed to cut some of it out. I’m still trying to find M4 zerts, seems nobody near me carries them.....

The overall install was not simple, but definitely doable if you have some mechanical ability. There were no instructions with the Upper Decker. They do have an install video that is pretty good so I watched that and referred to it during the install. I could’ve paid better attention to exactly where the seals should be installed. I followed the video but still have a few gaps on the front & rear. After the install I was able to reinstall the Decked System without pulling the Upper Decker off. I am able to store some things between the two, i.e. my bag jack. @ACE Engineering @theDECKEDguy

 

[Pat2Alaska]

From one Grandpa to another - marvelous!

Thank you!

 

[Racer_X]

Pat - I've been following this thread with some interest, as I was looking at both the Decked system and the Upper Decker. If you install the Upper Decker, can you fit the trail rails under it? I'm trying to go as multipurpose in the back as I can while minimizing the permanent alterations. At this point, I may end up spending more for a Diamondback cover as I've seen a configuration with a rack installed on top, and I think it doesn't require drilling to install. I still have to do more research here as well.

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