Advice before buying

[DreamedofaJeepSomeday]

They float around and drift more than any other truck I have ever driven but again I accepted this trait with full knowledge up front but that is because I actually love it. It is just one of those things that I feel people can quickly get turned off by.

I think the idea that it wanders all over because it is a Jeep has been dispelled in a few threads on this forum. There can be some issues with the steering that can be fixed. Not all Gladiators exhibit loose steering, but from reading this forum for 6 months I believe it is not a large percentage.

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[mr_bots]

I think the idea that it wanders all over because it is a Jeep has been dispelled in a few threads on this forum. There can be some issues with the steering that can be fixed. Not all Gladiators exhibit loose steering, but from reading this forum for 6 months I believe it is not a large percentage.

The comments in my post are more geared towards a Gladiator (and basically any SFA with recirculating ball steering) will by nature be looser than any decent rack and pinion steering like what would be on any other midsize or 1/2 ton truck.

 

[DreamedofaJeepSomeday]

The comments in my post are more geared towards a Gladiator (and basically any SFA with recirculating ball steering) will by nature be looser than any decent rack and pinion steering like what would be on any other midsize or 1/2 ton truck.

Understood, but the OP was asking for advice about buying a Gladiator. Giving her the idea that all Gladiators wander would be the wrong impression, IMO.

Anyway, while I agree that rack and pinion is inherently less prone to looseness, nevertheless for most of the last century nearly all American cars had recirculating ball, and got along fine.

 

[Under-Pressure]

Pro’s. It’s a Jeep & the top comes off.

Con’s. It’s a Jeep and drives like a Jeep. They are a love it or hate it experience.

I’d recommend driving a few and try to find a dealer that has a good reputation. FCA / Jeep is horrible with customer service and you will want a decent dealer on your side if needed. A scroll thru the issues / warranty section of this forum can provide some additional insight.

 

[Shootist]

where can i find a beer swilling dancing cowgirl? i want one or two

Oh now that is easy. Just wait until this Covid-19 stuff dies down and head on down to a country bar. Just need to know how to two step, cotton eye joe and a couple other line dances, where a Stetson and boots , talk with a twang ahhh hell just go buy a Jeep probably cheaper and definitely just as much fun.

 

[Shootist]

Pro’s. It’s a Jeep & the top comes off.

See! Just like a beer swilling cow girl.

 

[DocMike]

Yup...Them Dana 44 gals tend to wander a bit.

See! Just like a beer swilling cow girl.

 

[Shootist]

I think the idea that it wanders all over because it is a Jeep has been dispelled in a few threads on this forum. There can be some issues with the steering that can be fixed. Not all Gladiators exhibit loose steering, but from reading this forum for 6 months I believe it is not a large percentage.

No, I was not talking about the dangerous changes lanes when you look down to change the radio station. My Jeep does not exhibit that excessive wander trait that some have had issues with. I am talking about how it compares to my previous trucks that were much tighter in the handling department. There is a difference and to that I was referring.

 

[DreamedofaJeepSomeday]

No, I was not talking about the dangerous changes lanes when you look down to change the radio station. My Jeep does not exhibit that excessive wander trait that some have had issues with. I am talking about how it compares to my previous trucks that were much tighter in the handling department. There is a difference and to that I was referring.

OK. I understand. Definitely recirculating ball does not feel quite as precise as rack & pinion, but I would not call it wandering. I would call is a sort of mushy feel.

 

[Shootist]

OK. I understand. Definitely recirculating ball does not feel quite as precise as rack & pinion, but I would not call it wandering. I would call is a sort of mushy feel.

A better way of putting it would be more like the handling of an older car pre-80’s but also one in good repair mind you, but that would limit the experience to a much more narrow crowd that has experience with the way cars drove in the 70’s to early 80’s. I friggin love my Gladiator and have no intention of getting rid of it. It reminds me of driving an old classic car with all the modern amenities that come in a new vehicle. In fact my 1970 Javelin has a flaming river rack and pinion and drives like a new car so the Gladiator kind of takes me back to how it used to handle. Although without the rack in the Javelin and combined with the power it makes it would be hella scary. Although In the end I guess I am saying It really is a PRO in my book but it is different and what I actually love some may find it to be a Con.

mushy, loose or slow to respond. yeah that may be a better description but it does have a touch of the wander. Just feels a bit wild and untamed to me but as I mentioned I love that feeling.

 

[DreamedofaJeepSomeday]

Hello community, I'm new here.
Found your forum on the search.
Want to buy Gladiator, but before can you tell me about cons and pros of this car.
I read a lot of information, but want to hear real reviews.
Thanks for information.

Tina, these threads tend to take off on tangents, so I'm wondering if you got what you were looking for.

I will add that I finally got my Gladiator Overland with manual transmission this week, so I have several days experience with it. I ordered it mid-March, got it late-July, well worth the wait!

 

[Shootist]

Congrats on getting your Overland. Also, If there is anything else you want to know Tina just ask.

 

[stevenrl7]

My advice is that EVERRYTHING can be added after market. Everything. Some things are more expensive than others, but if you find a truck you want that has most of what you want in your price range, and find that the only way to get all of what you want includes extra packages you don't want it's okay to get the lesser priced one.

For ex we REALLY wanted heated seats but the difference in price on the truck was $4,000 because it also had other items we didn't want. When I did a search and saw you can get kits for $100 or less a seat I said no brainer get the less expensive truck.

Some things are cheaper to add after market than the factory, like JKS quick disconnects for the front sway bar are like $150 vs the electronic bar on the Rubicon which is a $1500 part. Some claim the JKS allow more articulation but it's not the flip of a switch. Very easy to do but does require you to get out.

Even things like lockers aren't THAT much to add, and the ARB ones work great. Figure $3000 for the front and rear with labor. So if you find a truck that is open differential don't think you must get the Rubicon.

If you took a $36k Sport Max Tow and added $20k of after market parts you would have more capability than a $56k Rubicon.

Did you add the $150 aftermarket heated seat you mentioned in this post? If so, do they work well?

 

[j.o.y.ride]

Did you add the $150 aftermarket heated seat you mentioned in this post? If so, do they work well?

Not yet it's summer. I'll get to it later.

 

[AveriMurilo]

As for the Gladiator, it's definitely a badass truck that can handle some serious off-roading. But suppose you're planning on using it for flower delivery in Russia. In that case, consider something more practical. Have you seen those roads? That being said, the Gladiator does have some great features, like a removable roof and doors, perfect for cruising around during those hot summer days. But if you're looking for something more efficient for your delivery business, I suggest checking out some other options. And hey, if you ever need a Go-to flower delivery in Mississauga, be sure to hit up Go-to flower delivery. Cheers!

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