Break in period oopsie.

[PuddleJumper]

There’s no such thing as a break in anymore. The materials used now are different than the old rings and camshafts from the 60s. I did burnouts right off the showroom floor.

SAME!!!!

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[PuddleJumper]

There absolutely is. Gears still need break-in.

Dana gearsets have REM Isotropic finish coating. This removes the need for differential break in on any jeep produced after 2012. And as long as you regear using a dana spicer gear set. the rule still applies.

 

[chr15m]

Dana gearsets have REM Isotropic finish coating. This removes the need for differential break in on any jeep produced after 2012. And as long as you regear using a dana spicer gear set. the rule still applies.

Good info

 

[Catahoula7]

In regard to the motor itself, 90 is not really the concern. Perhaps on other moving components , but the transmission will make that 90 the same as doing 35 with more throttle input.

Long idles, not 20 minutes, are not ideal just because they can result in improper detonation, but I'm guessing you didn't end up with any CELs. Good idea not to make a habit of it, yet many do without issue. In my experience that is a concern for work site guys, running idles for hours.

I'm just going to be concise with it, your truck is fine, the pulls were probably more beneficial that harmful, the idling certainly did no permanent harm and the speeds aren't anything I'd lose sleep over.

Just try not to do any stoplight WOTs until you have more time on the clock and the oil is hot.

Sweet. Thanks for the info. I figured I was being overly paranoid, but 44500 dollar new Rubicons are 44500 dollar new Rubicons.

There absolutely is. Gears still need break-in.

Dana gearsets have REM Isotropic finish coating. This removes the need for differential break in on any jeep produced after 2012. And as long as you regear using a dana spicer gear set. the rule still applies.

I had figured since the Diesels have no break in instructions that the gears were alright to be used normally. I had the quietest whine when coming off the accelerator on the highway that night though, and I instantly had pinion gear PTSD. I has crossed that off as road noise and thinking too hard though.

If they are coated for no break in that would make me feel better, lol.

 

[MrBones]

All personal opinions aside, it's in the manual.. doesn't sound like the OP violated any recommendations in the manual. For others, no, low gear full throttle is not recommended and advised against explicitly. Full throttle from higher gears though, is recommended, so the details matter, at least in regard to OE recommendations.

It's your vehicle though, everyone drives theirs differently so I'm sure break in is a fairly forgiving period as long as you're reasonable.

Also, no recommendations for early oil changes, rather to follow the same guidelines as all other oil changes. I have no doubt that'll remain a widely contested thing.

I personally drive it casually for the first 500ish miles and gave it a couple good highway pulls after reaching temp. The truck has treated me well, not burning any oil and can easily get 18-20mpg in the summer on 35s.

Enjoy the truck

True enough but this presupposes that every owner got their vehicle with zero miles on the clock. My JTM had 160 on the clock when I drove it off the lot. No one will ever be able to say how it was driven those 160 miles. When I bought my '03 Cobra it had over 100 miles on the clock. Lord only knows how that beast was flogged before I got it. This manual recommendation is a CYA if there ever was one.

 

[Badunit]

Owners manual for '23 says drive moderately for 300 miles. After 60 miles speeds up to 55 are desirable. Brief wide-open throttle applications contribute to a good break-in, but not wide open in low gear.

That's what it says. I doubt many people actually do that, certainly not the people who test drove the vehicle before you.

On the other hand, some years ago a friend of mine and his brother bought the same model dirt bike at the same time from the same dealer. My friend broke in his according to instructions. His brother rode his from day one like he stole it. His brother's always ran stronger.

 

[Minty JL]

I have heard some abuse stories from builders I know, though tbh, I would trust a built LS3 a whole hell of a lot more than a pentastar. You can sell the Trans-Am mullet guy a jeep, but you can't take the LS cult out of him. lol.

I have been driving more, keeping it under 4k until I hit 50 and then manually shifting around before doing short full throttle pulls from 50. That seems to be what the instructions are.



I did some of those, and I was decently gentle, lol. Fingers crossed.





I have been keeping it under 4k while I get up to 50, manually shifting around and slowly surging speed up and down, cruising between 50-55, while doing occasional full throttle pulls from 50-70ish. That is kind of what I got out of the instructions in the manual, but they are so vague.



I have been meaning to look up lube schedules for the gladiator. Is 5k enough? I have heard 1000-2000 for first fluid rotation.



I was about 10-20 of those. I gently pushed it to 60 to feel if the rubicon was really that abusing on highways before buying. I decided the internet was full of babies and the ride was what I expected out of a truck, so I bought it.

That's why when I swap my JTM I'm going GM power and not a Hemi. Less weight, power, reliability, super easy to work on and can get LS parts at any local part joint

 

[Catahoula7]

Owners manual for '23 says drive moderately for 300 miles. After 60 miles speeds up to 55 are desirable. Brief wide-open throttle applications contribute to a good break-in, but not wide open in low gear.

That's what it says. I doubt many people actually do that, certainly not the people who test drove the vehicle before you.

On the other hand, some years ago a friend of mine and his brother bought the same model dirt bike at the same time from the same dealer. My friend broke in his according to instructions. His brother rode his from day one like he stole it. His brother's always ran stronger.

There is always a little bit of luck involved in longevity, but I think irony sometimes loads the dice.

That's why when I swap my JTM I'm going GM power and not a Hemi. Less weight, power, reliability, super easy to work on and can get LS parts at any local part joint

I miss the torque of a LQ9, but design side GM gave up. The new Blazer is such a disappointment. At least the new Bronco can crawl, even if it cannot tow for shit. I would have killed for a return of the K5, but instead we got a crossover.

Still, the Gladiator has been on my to own list since 05 when the concept model return got leaked. I am just praying this one gets me the same kind of life that my other vehicles have.

 

[wadewolf]

Do you think those 1st 41 miles were treated with breakin period in mind? I wouldn't sweat it. Enjoy it!

Trust me, they’re not. I worked at a new and used car lot in college—new Camaros and Corvettes get a very special break-in by the sales staff, and it is not pretty.

Judging by some of the mud and scratches i found on my "new" Gladiator mine was broken in in the same fashion.

 

[Texbaz]

If you are planning to tow, the manual does have recommendations on mileage and speed. Nothing serious just something to be aware of.

 

[Sandman 4x4]

There’s no such thing as a break in anymore. The materials used now are different than the old rings and camshafts from the 60s. I did burnouts right off the showroom floor.

Yea keep telling yourself that, but only yourself.

 

[Sandman 4x4]

Ever since my first new car/truck, a 78 Scout II TERRA 4x4, 345 V8, after asking a master mechanic about break in. He said basically the first 100 miles do not use full throttle, or more than half way to red line and you will be fine. That I’ve followed all these years in a dozen new vehicles, Chevys, Dodge, Jeep, VW, Mercedes, till finally a 2024 Gladiator Sport S. Without any of them ever using oil between oil changes, even those used for heavy towing. Without any internal engine issues with any, up to an including a Dakota RT with 210,000 miles running strong as ever all original except for alt, starter, water pump and one trans.

 

[Catahoula7]

If you are planning to tow, the manual does have recommendations on mileage and speed. Nothing serious just something to be aware of.

I saw that. I am planning on towing, so I will need to do that break in next. I am really frustrated with Jeep though. I bought this truck because it should have a tow rating of 7000lbs, but the manual tells me to check the website that just says 4500lbs for the Rubicon. My truck did not say it came with a tow package, but it has a class 4 hitch, the aux buttons, and the reverse camera zoom. The dealer said I was right its max tow was 7000lbs when I asked them to check.

But apparently, giving us that info would be too hard.

 

[Texbaz]

I saw that. I am planning on towing, so I will need to do that break in next. I am really frustrated with Jeep though. I bought this truck because it should have a tow rating of 7000lbs, but the manual tells me to check the website that just says 4500lbs for the Rubicon. My truck did not say it came with a tow package, but it has a class 4 hitch, the aux buttons, and the reverse camera zoom. The dealer said I was right its max tow was 7000lbs when I asked them to check.

But apparently, giving us that info would be too hard.

The 4500 usually is for a base Gladiator with a manual trans.
When the automatic 850RE trans is installed it jumps to 6000. But you must have certain accampaning items. Like, customer 24D preferred package that contains, tow package, 250 amp alternator, trailer zoom, electronic trailer anti-sway control, 7pin and 4 pin conector several other items not listed. Actually the Rubicon goes to 7000. I believe max tow is only certain Sport and Sport S models 7700lb


Do you have the monroney sticker? It will have all your equipment and options.

 

[Sandman 4x4]

I saw that. I am planning on towing, so I will need to do that break in next. I am really frustrated with Jeep though. I bought this truck because it should have a tow rating of 7000lbs, but the manual tells me to check the website that just says 4500lbs for the Rubicon. My truck did not say it came with a tow package, but it has a class 4 hitch, the aux buttons, and the reverse camera zoom. The dealer said I was right its max tow was 7000lbs when I asked them to check.

But apparently, giving us that info would be too hard.

You need to check your payload sticker inside the dr. door jamb. That will tell you how much payload capacity is legal. A Max Tow, available only I believe in Sport and Sport S, gives you 1,600 lbs or so, depending upon options. On my Sport S that has not even have a receiver hitch says only 1,044 lbs. That is just fine with me, my towing days are behind me and now the ride is very livable, especially after I install 5100’s. Be aware that your tongue weight of a 5,000 lbs travel will take up as much as 550-750 lbs, including a good weight distribution hitch. Leaving only the rest for passengers and stuff.

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