Bobbed Shortbed Gladiators at EJS 2024

[RockJeep98]

I thought I would share some of the photos from our trip to Easter Jeep Safari this year! It was such a blast and I’m looking forward to all of the rides and events we have planned this year! Absolutely love wheeling the bobbed gladiator as it is so stable with the longer wheel base and the bobbed bed just doesn’t get hung up on anything. Also I daily drive mine on 40’s with no issues either!

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[PuddleJumper]

Your Gladiator just called mine broke. ?

 

[RodRecket]

I wheeled metal masher with a JT that had the bobbed bed and 42s! There were a lot more built Gladiators this year. Was really fun to see. I have a whole new list of items to spend my money on

 

[DiehardTory]

Just Curious - - How many were consumer owned? Looking at these many are company display vehicles; is that correct.

 

[drewcnit]

Also I daily drive mine on 40’s with no issues either!

So you're running 40s on the stock D44 axles?

There's a ton back and forth about whether or not the D44 can run a daily 40 and do hard rock tricks, so kudos for showing everyone it can be done.

 

[drewcnit]

I thought I would share some of the photos from our trip to Easter Jeep Safari this year! It was such a blast and I’m looking forward to all of the rides and events we have planned this year! Absolutely love wheeling the bobbed gladiator as it is so stable with the longer wheel base and the bobbed bed just doesn’t get hung up on anything. Also I daily drive mine on 40’s with no issues either!

Looks like a helluva fun time, I look forward to going to EJS one year (hopefully next year).
Hope to see some of the bobbed gladiators at the GAC at AOP later this year.

 

[RockJeep98]

Just Curious - - How many were consumer owned? Looking at these many are company display vehicles; is that correct.

All 3 of these are and there were about 6-8 others that I saw while I was down there but they didn't ride with us.

 

[RockJeep98]

So you're running 40s on the stock D44 axles?

There's a ton back and forth about whether or not the D44 can run a daily 40 and do hard rock tricks, so kudos for showing everyone it can be done.

Definitely not ideal and yes I’ve broken parts but i’ve been to Sand Hollow twice, Moab twice, GAC Stanton KY once, Montrose CO, and Morris Mountain in Heflin, AL. Also towed a 3500 lb trailer from Alabama to LA for the Pomona off road expo before I went to wheel Trail hero this year as well. I’ve busted a front ball joint which luckilly didn’t fully break until it was on the lift at the shop, and a rear locker. Twisted a stock rear shaft but it didn’t’ snap.
Now it has Yukon Chromoly shafts in the back and front with a FAD as well.

 

[TheSolarWizard]

All 3 of these are and there were about 6-8 others that I saw while I was down there but they didn't ride with us.

Dairy Queen has a somewhat similar suspension design to what mine will be this summer.

since I drive mine over the road Im just unwilling to give up my blind spot monitoring. any chance you guys are working on a solution for that? If so id be willing to go to a full length aluminum bed replacement. you guys are making a fuel cell for my project already but its behind the axle and I wanna keep the bigger bed anyway.


42 crew checking in

 

[JTGuy]

I plan on going to EJS next year and camp out in a nice hotel.

 

[RodRecket]

I don't have the pics but I've seen at least a half dozen JTs with a stock sectioned/chopped bed. I really like the look over the motobilt bed. I like the look of stock plus so that's the way I'd go.

The tail dragging is an issue but I like having as much bed space as possible. I think I'll go with the @Artec bumper for a better departure angle before chopping the bed.

 

[Dust]

Will someone PLEASE bob the cab!!!?

 

[drewcnit]

I don't have the pics but I've seen at least a half dozen JTs with a stock sectioned/chopped bed. I really like the look over the motobilt bed. I like the look of stock plus so that's the way I'd go.

The tail dragging is an issue but I like having as much bed space as possible. I think I'll go with the @Artec bumper for a better departure angle before chopping the bed.

Definitely to each their own opinion, however with the stock sectioned/chopped beds, you still have the same thin sheet metal bed. I can go on FB and find you dozens (if not more) pictures of stock sheet metal beds that have been damaged by rocks, trees, and other trail things.

Then you also have to find a solution for fenders/bumper, whether that's trim and re-use oem which will not net you the same departure angle or ability to fit larger tires or go aftermarket.

As far as looks, as I said to each their own, but the Motobilt bob is just bad ass.

I really think the Motobilt option - is the best thought out, full kit for a bobbed replacement on the market.

 

[RodRecket]

Definitely to each their own opinion, however with the stock sectioned/chopped beds, you still have the same thin sheet metal bed. I can go on FB and find you dozens (if not more) pictures of stock sheet metal beds that have been damaged by rocks, trees, and other trail things.

Yup, I have a hardly noticeable, but there, dent in the bedside after my fender came into contact with a boulder and pushed it in.

Then you also have to find a solution for fenders/bumper, whether that's trim and re-use oem which will not net you the same departure angle or ability to fit larger tires or go aftermarket.

Eh, I could debate the front of the vehicle dictates tire size just as much as the bed, so I don't think a bed chop and rear fenders are the limiting factor to the size tire you want. The departure angle sure won't be the same as stock and not the same as motobilt. Which bumper (modified stock or aftermarket has some) is also a personal preference that will change the departure angle. Lot's of variables there.

As far as looks, as I said to each their own, but the Motobilt bob is just bad ass.

This is just opinion and everyone gets to have their own. The aftermarket support that allows so many jeeps to look so different is part of what makes Jeeps so fun. I like a more stock look so the motobilt bed just looks disjointed to me. Not my style is all.

I really think the Motobilt option - is the best thought out, full kit for a bobbed replacement on the market.

For now, maybe. I bet there will be other options. I don't think I'll use any of them because I use the bed space too often, but I could really use the departure angle everytime I hit the rocks!

Good convo and food for thought. I just like talking Jeeps.

 

[drewcnit]

Eh, I could debate the front of the vehicle dictates tire size just as much as the bed, so I don't think a bed chop and rear fenders are the limiting factor to the size tire you want.

True, I'd agree with that. The front is just as important if not more so than the rear in tire size conversations. I was just pointing out that factory rear fenders wouldn't give you that clearance that the Motobilt does.

The departure angle sure won't be the same as stock and not the same as motobilt. Which bumper (modified stock or aftermarket has some) is also a personal preference that will change the departure angle. Lot's of variables there.

Yep and I bet you could make a case for a sectioned/chopped OEM bed, with that Artec high line bumper you mentioned to have a pretty darn good departure angle.

This is just opinion and everyone gets to have their own. The aftermarket support that allows so many jeeps to look so different is part of what makes Jeeps so fun. I like a more stock look so the motobilt bed just looks disjointed to me. Not my style is all.

Yep, someone described Jeeps as 'Legos for adults' and I like that idea, build what looks good to you and what you like. It makes it fun to see them all.

For now, maybe. I bet there will be other options. I don't think I'll use any of them because I use the bed space too often, but I could really use the departure angle everytime I hit the rocks!

That was my excuse for the last year, but then I realized I wasn't using it often any more, so I chopped it off.

Good convo and food for thought. I just like talking Jeeps.

Same, Same.

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