About to build - what base features are most important

[jn18]

Morning fellas -

I am just about to start a new build here (next few weeks) and I was curious what options are most important to you guys on the 'donor' Gladiator. Trim, Aux Switches, Rock-Trac HD, etc

Build will have a hemi, axles and steering. Likely starting with a Rubicon. Dealer is running down a search currently and just thought I would see if I am missing any options that I should be thinking about.

Thanks in advance.

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[Trippin01]

Is this going to be a Duck collecting DD, Overlanding Rig or a BOH collecting Off-Road Beast? Different individuals here can help advise you in whatever direction you decide on.

 

[jn18]

Is this going to be a Duck collecting DD, Overlanding Rig or a BOH collecting Off-Road Beast? Different individuals here can help advise you in whatever direction you decide on.

Should have clarified for sure. It’ll be going off road. Trails. Taking them exploring, camping, lakes, etc. I’m certainly drive it in the city or take the kids to school but this isn’t our only vehicle.

We have a ground tentand will likely keep that due to their ages. Not sure the ladder in the middle of the night is great for a 3yr old.

Terrain is pacific north west.

 

[ilovebikes99]

LED, cold weather package, remote start, AUX group (better alternator, prewired switches) and tow package (upgraded cooling)

 

[Jcsii]

front trail camera

 

[NotSo Bright White]

AUXILIARY SWITCHES! Please learn from my mistake.

 

[antwon412]

No reason to start with a Rubicon if you’re replacing the axles and all that.

Save thousands and go with a more base model

 

[jn18]

AUXILIARY SWITCHES! Please learn from my mistake.

Yeah, that makes sense. Figured that was a must have.

 

[jn18]

No reason to start with a Rubicon if you’re replacing the axles and all that.

Save thousands and go with a more base model

Thought I might need to because of the transfer case.

 

[dcmdon]

I think the philosophy would be to order factory options that couldn't be added later reasonably.
For example, leather seats gets you a fold down center armrest.

That helps keep the kids separated and adds 2 more (total 4) cup holders in the back seat. Our Jeep is a family fun type vehicle so it was a no-brainer.

Winter package is a no brainer. Heated mirrors, heated seats, heated steering wheel and key fob based remote start.

I wouldn't necessarily go for the tow package again. Its now $600 and if you get aux switches or winter package you get the larger alternator already. The "heavy duty engine cooling" is just a slightly larger fan. You don't get a larger radiator or anything. And I suspect you will be replacing the radiator and fan with the Hemi conversion.

In the end, you end up paying $600 for a $200 receiver hitch and little else. Others will disagree, but its not worth it in my opinion and I'm generally in favor of always getting th tow package.

If the Rock-Trac full time 4wd system can stand up to the Hemi's torque, I'd get that. Having AWD with a narrow, top heavy high horsepower vehicle will make it much easier to use that power on the road.

 

[jn18]

I think the philosophy would be to order factory options that couldn't be added later reasonably.
For example, leather seats gets you a fold down center armrest.

That helps keep the kids separated and adds 2 more (total 4) cup holders in the back seat. Our Jeep is a family fun type vehicle so it was a no-brainer.

Winter package is a no brainer. Heated mirrors, heated seats, heated steering wheel and key fob based remote start.

I wouldn't necessarily go for the tow package again. Its now $600 and if you get aux switches or winter package you get the larger alternator already. The "heavy duty engine cooling" is just a slightly larger fan. You don't get a larger radiator or anything. And I suspect you will be replacing the radiator and fan with the Hemi conversion.

In the end, you end up paying $600 for a $200 receiver hitch and little else. Others will disagree, but its not worth it in my opinion and I'm generally in favor of always getting th tow package.

If the Rock-Trac full time 4wd system can stand up to the Hemi's torque, I'd get that. Having AWD with a narrow, top heavy high horsepower vehicle will make it much easier to use that power on the road.

Thank you man. Good post and info on the leather I hadn't considered!

 

[dcmdon]

I think the Overland might be a good starting point. You can get all the toys including factory leather with none of the hardware that you are planning to replace anyway.

 

[Orange01z28]

If you're swapping out the axles there's no reason to get a Rubicon IMO. The 8 speed has such a wide gearing range and low 1st gear the super deep Rubicon t case is almost overkill. Hell, I even am in 2nd gear in 4Lo with the Sport t case most of the time. I don't know what kind of crawling you're going to do but I imagine you'll be fine. That being said, you can re-sell the Rubicon axles easier than Sport/Overland ones when you swap

For that kind of build i'd probably start out with an Overland so you get all the lux goodies

Here's what I'd absolutely get on any base build

1. Cold Weather Package- I live in Arizona but Fall/Spring mornings can be cold with the top/doors off. Heated seats and wheel are a life saver. The remote start is good in hot weather as well as cold weather
2. Upgraded Alpine stereo- sounds really good for a stock stereo, and is loud enough to sound good with the top off
3. Aux switches- Putting in my own was easy, but having them already there from the factory would be that much better
4. Bed outlet- so many more gear options
5. Trail rail - a lot of accessories require this, it just gives you more options

 

[Erievon]

For that kind of build i'd probably start out with an Overland so you get all the lux goodies

3. Aux switches- Putting in my own was easy, but having them already there from the factory would be that much better

This is exactly why Casey Currie started his Gladiator builds with Overlands. Everything that made the Rubicon a Rubicon was getting stripped, no reason to pay for it.

Yes, get the aux switches. So much nicer when they're built in, though there are some good aftermarket options out there now.

 

[WoolyKris]

Aux switches is a bargain, cold weather package, gorilla glass… when it was still cheap, spray in bed liner (done at factory, will last longer). I agree with others don’t waste money on a Rubi if you planning on tearing down the whole truck.

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