I’m just thinking the Rubicon is max tow as a default since it has the 4.10s and wide axles. But I may be wrong on that. And every lifted JT has a set of springs and shocks to pass on. But I suppose that also applies to sport. Just need to know which is the right match to upgrade to max tow. Then need to find the wide axles with 4.10 rear from someone upgrading their axles.
Interesting ideas...........
Glad to see someone finally hitting on spring rate, and brakes.
There is no mention of springs in the max tow package. Makes me think sport and overland have the same springs and the real difference is the wide track 4.10 axles.
They also don't mention other things in there, too - like the wiring for the trailer towing, but it's there.
The coil springs are absolutely not the same. Base Sport and Overland have the softest coils. Overland gets 440/441 rear coils even with the towing package. Max Tow upgrades to 444/445 coils in the rear. Rubicon gets 450/451 rear coils. The Max Tow coils are also progressive, so that with higher loads they handle the weight better. There is a lot more to the Max Tow package than axles and gears.
That's added weight - any option you add increases the vehicle's weight, reducing payload. So you'd take the difference in bumper weight and reduce that 1174 by that much. That bumper is payload.
More that numbers do mean something. Knowing there is wiggle room is one thing, seeing how much overload folks put in their trucks is another, and reading reports on the effect of such actions is even more helpful
I'd never suggest overloading any truck. But, if a guy was going to pick a midsize truck to occasionally overload, the Gladiator is the one. The rear frame is insanely overkill. It's as large and fully boxed as any full size truck frame in the 1/2 ton class and it has massive coil perches and bump stops.
I don't really get concerned about frames until you insanely overload the truck. Most frames will handle far more than the sticker rating. It's the bearings, brakes and axles.
