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

[Gren71]

Can I ask a stupid question?
Why do all these surf racks I see people post have to be mounted on a front hitch? Wouldn’t it be easier to rear hitch mount them? I mean it’s a cool use of wasted space, just requires some extra work.

Ive only ever used my rack o the back of the truck. For me it makes the most sense since, here in DE, we are required to back in any way so our surf tag is easily visible on the front. I like the idea of the front rack since it doesn't make your rear end even longer, which can be a bit of an annoyance for traffic. But other than that I think its just a preference

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[Gren71]

Mopar 2 inch spring lift with 2.5 fox shocks. Going to be putting 35 inch Wild Peak MTs just not sure on wheels yet

its quirky but I actually enjoy the look of the mopar lift with the regular tires. Really accentuates the fact that it's lifted.

 

[Georgia Jeeper]

Well, they wanted to give me a few dollars back for the ill-fitting tube steps. I didn’t accept the offer and requested a refund. Haven’t heard anything, complete radio silence! Don’t recommend doing business with them at all.

I had the same thing happen with my passenger side N-FAB step. The driver side went on perfectly, but the passenger side looked like your driver's side. I sent them pictures and they immediately sent out a new set that was perfect. I would give them a chance to make it right. I really like them.

 

[JTCHELLEW]

Just a couple small add-one to get ready for Stripers, Surf Fishing & State Parks and DE beaches

 

[brain]

Bought and installed the Harbor Freight 12k synthetic line winch. A bit more of a pain than I wanted but it is in and all good. I first attempted to not take off the bumper but ended up having to as it was too much with it on. I painted the fairlead to match the rest of my orange. The switch is mounted to a scrap piece of steel I had and cut to fit. I also relocated the power wire from the back to the side. I can't remember who but it was done here first and I wish I could remember who it was. A great idea and makes it a much easier fit next to the grill.

I genuinely admire people that can actually modify material and equipment like this. I have attempted to "Macgyver" electrical solutions a few times with decidedly mixed results.

 

[brain]

For tailgating purposes.. ???

That looks finished. Is that hard material and useful as a workbench, or soft and better for seating? I have Bedrug (and LINEX) on my tailgate for sitting. But I realize I have reduced workspace.

 

[TJDave]

I modified my Trail Rail dune flag mount. Now I can run the flag with my tonneau cover closed.

Before:

After:

 

[ssrgeoff]

That looks finished. Is that hard material and useful as a workbench, or soft and better for seating? I have Bedrug (and LINEX) on my tailgate for sitting. But I realize I have reduced workspace.

I believe it to be HDPE same as a cutting board, American made. I had one on my Tundra and it was invaluable as I would food prep on it to cut down on the amount of tables I needed to bring. My Tundra had a sprayed in liner as well. Just need to be able to remove the torx for the access panel in the tailgate.

 

[KurtP]

Installed my Desert Does It “Seat Jackers”. If you’re a tall/heavy dude, these things are a game changer for comfort. They even make adjustable ones now too

 

[Lynn_F]

Added high top front fenders and yellow fog bulbs.

 

[Jimmij]

Installed the Lange lift. Still need to do some balancing.

 

[shevchuck]

Just a couple small add-one to get ready for Stripers, Surf Fishing & State Parks and DE beaches

My tag just showed up too. Just need to find where the dealer put that darn front tag bracket. This is my first year attempting to drive up and fish on the beach and definitely looking forward to it. Always been a passenger or jealous as I drive over the inlet bridge

 

[Gren71]

My tag just showed up too. Just need to find where the dealer put that darn front tag bracket. This is my first year attempting to drive up and fish on the beach and definitely looking forward to it. Always been a passenger or jealous as I drive over the inlet bridge

Welcome to the DE beach club! Ill look for ya out there

 

[Front Runner]

Installed the Alpine speaker upgrade for the overhead soundbar. I bought the Alpine SPV-65-JLT from Crutchfield, as it was about $50 cheaper than Amazon, and Crutchfield includes the Metra adapters, which are needed for the JTs (and JLs) that have the premium Alpine audio system. The instructions aren't the best. I've had to watch a couple YouTube videos and looked through forum threads.

Before:

I used the included template and a pick to trace the new pattern. This worked very well for me as a pen, pencil, or marker was harder to see (irregular surfaces). The scribe/pick leaves a good mark to see and feel.

To cut the hole, I tried a jigsaw, but it was much harder to control, especially with the soundbar still installed. Then I tried an electric hot knife, but it produced toxic fumes, and the cuts immediately fused back together (molten plastic). Instructions, YouTubers, and other forum members recommended a reciprocating air saw. Others have also removed the soundbar. I left mine in place and used a box cutter (utility knife) instead. It took a bit more muscle, but it made much less of a mess, and it took about 15-20 minutes per side

The template is not the best. I had to deviate and cut a bit more to avoid some awkward shapes. This is what the removed sections looked like. You can actually remove quite a bit more than what the template calls for. The new speaker's gasket just needs to have a surface to seal.

This is what the hole looks like. Yes, not pretty. If you have OCD (like me), turn away and don't think about how sausages are made.

The new Alpine speaker comes with a cross over. If you have premium audio, like mine, disconnect the wires from the woofer (just move them aside) and attach the Metra adapters.

Connect to the soundbar harness.

The resulting sound is AMAZING! Deeper, fuller bass, crisper highs, and looks great.

Glad to know there is an adaptor for the upgraded sound. From what I was reading they were useable with premium sound but the re-wiring was a big deal. So the Metra connectors bypass the crossovers?

 

[Jeepmonster]

Glad to know there is an adaptor for the upgraded sound. From what I was reading they were useable with premium sound but the re-wiring was a big deal. So the Metra connectors bypass the crossovers?

Yes, the Metra adapter was used to bypass the crossover in the new speaker assembly. I really like the new speakers. I'm glad I got off the fence and did this upgrade.

By the way, "rewiring" was not a big deal - just disconnecting (from built in crossover) and connecting spade connectors (Metra adapter). That's it!

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