Probably depends on if your Gladiator is a mall crawler or use it for exploring. Don't wanna be in the thick of it and stuck with a 31 in street tire trying to get through mud and ruts. I plan to upgrade mine.
I have the same noise in mine. Seems to happen more often with higher revs or quicker shifts. I've even had it happen coming out of first and second too. No idea what it is. Doesn't happen all the time. Nothing seems to be not working, just making a noise.
My son works at a Jeep dealer, I asked him the same question. He said they charge $25 an hour for 8 hours. Not sure why it would take that long. Check different dealers. The 4 hours sounds more believable.
I have manual door locks so I have to take out this gaudy thing, unlock the door then just put it back in my pocket because there isn't a key start option. Its just …..odd!!
I watched this vid the other day, the guy says you have to have the computer flashed after the install. Its for the JL but might be relevant. Not sure if that's your issue, just a thought.