Stealth Rubicon Gladiator

[Maximus Gladius]

If theft is a big concern, I’d install a kill switch somewhere.

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[Shaqeroni]

2 reasons.Theft and not a fan of look at me stuff on vehicles

Different how? something like TRD fake scoops? I can live with minor variances. not going to swap hoods.

If you change your mind I will trade my Willys hood with you

 

[Jaxmax]

I get what you are trying to do, front and rear lockers will be better in deep snow when going in lower range, people will roast me for this but the Mojave has rear locker, doesn’t have the sway bar disconnect, does not have the very low gearing in transfer case, you are not lifting so Mojave is just a little higher in front by an inch, comes with the standard plastic bumpers front and rear, rides nice, so swap the hood just do it! Next thing both Rubicon and Mojave are softer suspensions, loading the bed is a good idea but don’t go overboard or you will drop the rear end and unload the front end. If going Rubicon do not get optional steel front bumper, you will end up with basically same bumper as every other Jeep but with a steel skid plate instead of plastic air dam. As long as you are not loading the Jeep up with a lot of salt both options are good, be sure to get select trac transfer case in either option, awesome in light snow.
So to make either one a sleeper you should swap the hood, mask off and paint tow hooks, take off hood stickers, then decide if low gearing and sway bar disconnect , and front locker are better then higher gearing no sway bar disconnect, only rear locker and smoother ride!…..Jack

 

[Phred]

Guy buys $58,000 truck and then destroys it to look like $25,000 whooptie

unreal…lol

 

[Jack D.]

Just the cosmetics. Keeping the meat.

good info above. Truck is already coming and I did decide that low gearing and front and rear lockers are more important than the smoother ride on the Mojave. Did not however consider the softer susp dragging down the bed as I often also need tow about 3k lbs of snow removal machines to the sites.

Here’s back of my Tacoma. Some salt a spare tire and couple large patio stones. Amazing what some weight over rear wheels does to these pickups in deep snow

 

[Sallaman]

^^^ so my understanding is the differential on the non Rubicon models works automatically and in conjunction with the 4WD system so what would I need to figure out ?

I currently have LSD and 4x4 on my Tacoma and I’m not overly impressed with its ability to crawl out of difficult situations. I’ve had to rely on traction ramps and a shovel more than I would like.

The brake lock dif.. basically traction control. It will apply the brake to the wheel that is spinning but you have to have constant throttle For a period of time before it will kick in..

 

[Jack D.]

Sounds like that would get me out of a snow bank. I also want to be able to crawl through deep snow. When we get over 30cm I currently find it difficult to maintain stability. Locking front and rear seemed like the best overall solution.

 

[Kevin_D]

2015 Tacoma TRD Sport 4x4 on Hakka r2 SUV (can’t run studded here). I have the bed loaded with patio stone for additional traction. Find this helps allot on pickups.

My local tire dealer told me that the Hakkapeliitta snow tires were designed to run with studs, and without studs they’re just a mediocre snow tire.
Perhaps if you tried a good studless snow tire, something like a Blizzak, you’d find there’s no need for locking differentials.

Kevin

 

[NC_Overland]

Just the cosmetics. Keeping the meat.

good info above. Truck is already coming and I did decide that low gearing and front and rear lockers are more important than the smoother ride on the Mojave. Did not however consider the softer susp dragging down the bed as I often also need tow about 3k lbs of snow removal machines to the sites.

Here’s back of my Tacoma. Some salt a spare tire and couple large patio stones. Amazing what some weight over rear wheels does to these pickups in deep snow

Based on that you said, I also don’t understand why you wouldn’t buy a loaded sport or overland. If you aren’t happy with the snow performance then add lockers.

I really think that you’d prefer a Mojave over a Rubicon. I only liked having the 4:1 TC when I lived in CO and took it on seriously steep descents. Outside of that, I much prefer the 2.72:1 low range.

also, keep in mind that the gladiator had a 55/45 f/r weight distribution, which is a lot better than the Tacoma and helps out a lot in the snow.

 

[Jack D.]

My local tire dealer told me that the Hakkapeliitta snow tires were designed to run with studs, and without studs they’re just a mediocre snow tire.
Perhaps if you tried a good studless snow tire, something like a Blizzak, you’d find there’s no need for locking differentials.

Kevin

your local tire dealer is an idiot and you should run, not walk, away.

Hakka r2 SUV and now r3 SUV are designed to be studless.

 

[WILDHOBO]

Just the cosmetics. Keeping the meat.

good info above. Truck is already coming and I did decide that low gearing and front and rear lockers are more important than the smoother ride on the Mojave. Did not however consider the softer susp dragging down the bed as I often also need tow about 3k lbs of snow removal machines to the sites.

Here’s back of my Tacoma. Some salt a spare tire and couple large patio stones. Amazing what some weight over rear wheels does to these pickups in deep snow

You may find the weight in the bed to be less necessary in the gladiator. The weight distribution is really great. It’s the best slippery condition pickup traction model I’ve driven, with an empty bed. Mine is a rubicon. Great in snow. You’ll have no problems towing 3k. We do all the time, with or without the bed loaded.

 

[WILDHOBO]

Sounds like that would get me out of a snow bank. I also want to be able to crawl through deep snow. When we get over 30cm I currently find it difficult to maintain stability. Locking front and rear seemed like the best overall solution.

Don’t question your rubicon decision. You won’t regret it.

 

[Kevin_D]

Hakka r2 SUV and now r3 SUV are designed to be studless.

Then they’ve come out with newer designs to meet the demand for studless tires. I’ve not kept up with their product line.

Kevin

 

[Jack D.]

Then they’ve come out with newer designs to meet the demand for studless tires. I’ve not kept up with their product line.

Kevin

R2 is at least 12yrs old. Designed ground up to be studless. They embed Diamond-hard particles to mimic studs. Very effective.

 

[Jack D.]

You're right about the weight distribution. My Tacoma has the 6' bed so the Gladiator should be better but I'm still loading the bed with weight. I've driven light trucks in snow enough to appreciate the benefits of about 300lbs in the bed.

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