Bobbed Shortbed Gladiators at EJS 2024

[RHugg01]

Your Gladiator just called mine broke. ?

I bought a previously owned Gladiator that was a pavement princes so the first thing I did was go on a camping trip and went out on some trails right after a thunderstorm and gave her a baptism in mud.

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[RockJeep98]

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.


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.


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.


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.


Same, Same.

Besides the 18”s of extra clearance which is more than anything else available after market or the clearance for 43” tires, or the armor all the way around . Do not forget about the TAIL LIGHTS! Hahaha no more busted plastic! And super bright back up Cube light too!

 

[Levi.Butler]

You missed one! HAHA! I saw some of you guys on the trails... I really wish I could have wheeled with you guys when we were out there! Maybe next year!

 

[RockJeep98]

You missed one! HAHA! I saw some of you guys on the trails... I really wish I could have wheeled with you guys when we were out there! Maybe next year!

Nice! Maybe next time!

 

[Stan H]

For off road wheelin that sire looks like those bobtailed Gladiators would be fun. Wished I had 2 of em I would Bob one..I just can't part with the bed in full version. Gotta have some place to rest when I'm out solo camping . Throw the old truck tent in and crawl in .

 

[RockJeep98]

This is a buddy’s bobbed gladiator that I used to work with who has the best of both worlds!

For off road wheelin that sire looks like those bobtailed Gladiators would be fun. Wished I had 2 of em I would Bob one..I just can't part with the bed in full version. Gotta have some place to rest when I'm out solo camping . Throw the old truck tent in and crawl in .

 

[Stan H]

This is a buddy’s bobbed gladiator that I used to work with who has the best of both worlds!

That's a nice rig for sure. That or a standard ground tent or tent cot.

 

[RubiAR]

Go to EJS one year, go broke the next

 

[phranican]

yeah these are neat, need to see more bobbeds

 

[MaximusTX]

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.

My local Jeep Shop swears by this setup on the D44s and says they can handle up to 43s with no problem with the correct setup. They run this setup on all their Jeeps and have never broken anything so far and they go rock crawling almost every weekend to test everything before they sell it to their customers.

Ball Joint Delete

RCV Axles - Lifetime warranty up to a 43inch tire

 

[drewcnit]

My local Jeep Shop swears by this setup on the D44s and says they can handle up to 43s with no problem with the correct setup. They run this setup on all their Jeeps and have never broken anything so far and they go rock crawling almost every weekend to test everything before they sell it to their customers.

Ball Joint Delete

RCV Axles - Lifetime warranty up to a 43inch tire

That's awesome, because that's my plan right now. I even lucked into a $250 gift card for RCVs at the last event raffle I was at...

 

[TheSolarWizard]

I bent the rear axle flange on 39s with super lightweight wheels and I personally know 8 or 9 people who've broken the front at the FAD with 37s and 40s. nobody will ever convince me that the stock brakes are suitable for 40" tires.

there's zero chance I'd run 40s if I wasn't capable fixing anything on an axle, especially on a trail, myself (I'm not) Would I do it if all I ever did was Broverlanding? sure but you're running more than 37s entirely for ego purposes if you're being honest.

 

[AmishMike]

Ohio George ran a blown, injected 390 c.i. Cadillac in front of an early Ford rear for years without breakage. Driver and luck are 90% of the equation. Personally, I do dumb shit, so I would not do it.

 

[NC_Overland]

At what point is it better off to do this than build a JLU/JKU? Just want that longer wheelbase?

 

[RockJeep98]

At what point is it better off to do this than build a JLU/JKU? Just want that longer wheelbase?

Longer wheel base, larger towing capacity, (yes there is a hitch option for towing as well!) you still have a truck bed to throw your muddy tools, boots, recovery gear, and countless other items. You can mount a 43” tire on the tire carrier and still have room in the bed. The bed also gives a better departure angle then the JLU does with this setup. It also allows for 43” tires to clear in the back fender well as well. You also are converting not only the bed but the rear bumper and fenders which are all 3/16” thick Armor as well! Available in both steel or Aluminum.
Also the tail lights are recessed into the back corner and completey protected along with the optional rear back up light mount as well. You can also sell your factory bed to help recoup some of the cost too.

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