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

[ffward]

Where did you source the step? Thanks.[/QUOTE

https://www.amp-research.com/amp-research-75326-01a-bedstep-retractable-rear-bumper-access-step

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[scotticus]

I’d like to see the whole installation including the radio along with recommendations on choice of radios. Thanks

Totally. The radio I’ll be installing is a Yaesu FTM-400XDR.

 

[khokhonutt]

Here's mine so far...

The day I picked it up, Sport S with Max Tow, bed liner, Sting Gray.

Added a phone mount. I moved over my ProClipUSA phone mount from my Ram and picked up the Gladiator vehicle mount.

Then I ordered the Extang Trifecta 2.0 tonneau cover. I've had these covers on my previous 4 trucks and I love them. Great quality, looks and functionality.

I picked up a set of Rubicon AT take-offs and mounted them on Pro Comp Series 51 Steel Wheels.

Then I picked up a set of Rubicon Rock Rail take offs.

I spent more than I want to admit installing my CB, although I did get some deals along the way. The expensive part was the Rugged Ridge CB/AM/FM Antenna Mount Kit. It's pricey, but it's a clean install that allows you to combine the CB and Radio antenna. The problem with the kit that others complain about is the part that the antenna screws into and then makes a 90 degree turn into the vehicle. I saw several reports of that part breaking, so I decided to do a Firestik Fire Ring mount instead. I also bought black cap screws and hardware to clean up the install.

Inside, I got a great deal on a NOS Cobra WX ST on Ebay. I've used this radio in my past Jeeps and like how it can be removed and hidden when not in use. I picked up the "Areyourshop 75WXST CB Radio Mic Mount Holder Passenger Grab Bar For Wrangler JL 2018+" mount off Amazon and modified it to accommodate 2 microphones. I plan to add a Ham radio soon and wanted the ability to hang both mics when I want to. I basically took a piece of aluminum bar and added an extension with a second mic hook, so it's easily removable if I find I only use one radio at a time.

And finally, I picked up a full size spare. I did get a matched rim, but didn't bother with the TPMS. I've run Jeeps long enough to know a full size spare is a necessity, but I can live with a flashing light long enough to get the damaged tire fixed or replaced.

Things I'm planning out next are my Ham radio setup, stereo upgrade, small spacer lift and a DIY bed drawer system that will allow me to carry my on board air setup all the time.

 

[jwilson2899]

Installed my tailgate step today. Fairly easy install, great heavy duty construction, and makes it a lot easier to step up into the bed.

Can you post a picture of it folded up? I want to see how close it tucks up to the bumper. I had the same step on my Tacoma, and plan to get it for my Gladiator, as it's great for short legged people like me. Thanks.

 

[scotticus]

I spent more than I want to admit installing my CB, although I did get some deals along the way. The expensive part was the Rugged Ridge CB/AM/FM Antenna Mount Kit. It's pricey, but it's a clean install that allows you to combine the CB and Radio antenna. The problem with the kit that others complain about is the part that the antenna screws into and then makes a 90 degree turn into the vehicle. I saw several reports of that part breaking, so I decided to do a Firestik Fire Ring mount instead. I also bought black cap screws and hardware to clean up the install.

Inside, I got a great deal on a NOS Cobra WX ST on Ebay. I've used this radio in my past Jeeps and like how it can be removed and hidden when not in use. I picked up the "Areyourshop 75WXST CB Radio Mic Mount Holder Passenger Grab Bar For Wrangler JL 2018+" mount off Amazon and modified it to accommodate 2 microphones. I plan to add a Ham radio soon and wanted the ability to hang both mics when I want to. I basically took a piece of aluminum bar and added an extension with a second mic hook, so it's easily removable if I find I only use one radio at a time.

Very nice! I'm going to try to get mine hooked up today, how did you route power and antenna? through the passenger or driver side?

 

[khokhonutt]

Very nice! I'm going to try to get mine hooked up today, how did you route power and antenna? through the passenger or driver side?

I ran power through the side of the large grommet on the firewall, just above the passenger foot well. The CB antenna wire runs in where the stock radio antenna did, into a CB/AM/FM multiplexor that comes with the Rugged Ridge kit, from there is splits into a cable for the CB and cable for the radio.

I haven't run anything for HAM yet. I saw your previous posts and I'm looking at the same Yaesu Radio and antenna mount that you installed. My plan there is to put the ham antenna on the drivers side and run it into the cab via a grommet folks have said is on the drivers side firewall. I will likely tap into the same wiring for my CB to run the Ham radio, since that's a heavy fused wire running positive and negative direct to the battery.

 

[hosejockey61]

Installed a 1.5" leveling kit

 

[scotticus]

I ran power through the side of the large grommet on the firewall, just above the passenger foot well. The CB antenna wire runs in where the stock radio antenna did, into a CB/AM/FM multiplexor that comes with the Rugged Ridge kit, from there is splits into a cable for the CB and cable for the radio.

I haven't run anything for HAM yet. I saw your previous posts and I'm looking at the same Yaesu Radio and antenna mount that you installed. My plan there is to put the ham antenna on the drivers side and run it into the cab via a grommet folks have said is on the drivers side firewall. I will likely tap into the same wiring for my CB to run the Ham radio, since that's a heavy fused wire running positive and negative direct to the battery.

Cool, lucky the NMO mount i have has really thin coax and connector, so I should be able to get it through there okay. Wish they made some kind of duplex/triplexer for using 2m/70cm with the broadcast radio and cb. i guess the problem is the 2m/70cm surrounds the VHF broadcast band. I'm planning on using a beefier gauge for the power and putting Anderson power poles on it, i can do a small distro block if i ever need anything else.

 

[scotticus]

what lift is that and what is your garage ceiling height?

Installed a 1.5" leveling kit

 

[khokhonutt]

Cool, lucky the NMO mount i have has really thin coax and connector, so I should be able to get it through there okay. Wish they made some kind of duplex/triplexer for using 2m/70cm with the broadcast radio and cb. i guess the problem is the 2m/70cm surrounds the VHF broadcast band. I'm planning on using a beefier gauge for the power and putting Anderson power poles on it, i can do a small distro block if i ever need anything else.

Sounds good. My plan on the NMO mount is to get one with no plug on the radio end, then solder on a PL-259 connector after I've run the cable. My final power setup will depend on how soon I mess with the stereo. The power lead I ran for the CB was intentionally run big enough to run both the CB and Ham Radios, but when I run a lead for my stereo, it will likely be larger gauge wire and at that point I'll use a distribution block as well.

 

[hosejockey61]

what lift is that and what is your garage ceiling height?

It's an old Rotary lift. Ceiling height is 12'6"

 

[DMC1]

Installed a 1inch leveling puck in the front and a 3/4 inch puck in the rear.

 

[furrymurray]

Installed a 1inch leveling puck in the front and a 3/4 inch puck in the rear.

That looks incredible! Great job.

 

[jurfie]

Installed a 1.5" leveling kit

I want your garage.

 

[TRI-JAB]

I want your garage.

@hosejockey61 Me Too!!!

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