FAD Missing

[Dilly’S Willy]

IIRC there was an option you could order without the FAD and instead they install a block-off plate that internally locks the two side together (like the FAD, but always engaged) as you see in the picture earlier.

BUT, Mopar still lists the FAD for the 2025 MY gladiator: 2025 Gladiator FAD parts

I DID hear the the 2024+ Wranglers stopped coming with the FAD and used that plate, they claimed they didn't see enough MPG loss after all while having an FAD "open" during 2WD vs the reliability for what most Wrangler owners complained about, and saving money, parts availability, etc etc etc.

Sadly you can't use Google to find sources to educate on things anymore since their BS "ai" crap just keeps parroting bs from forums, FB, etc that's wrong and doesn't even show valid sources anymore, just sponsored articles for 5-10 pages. Said both the gladiator and wrangler still use the FAD on all models in 2026 MY, which we can see isn't true.

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[Stan H]

My concern is what do I do if I ever upgrade to aftermarket axles so I can get high pinion?

Get a sugar momma so ya can afford the gas ..

 

[Zachanadandy]

IIRC there was an option you could order without the FAD and instead they install a block-off plate that internally locks the two side together (like the FAD, but always engaged) as you see in the picture earlier.

BUT, Mopar still lists the FAD for the 2025 MY gladiator: 2025 Gladiator FAD parts

I DID hear the the 2024+ Wranglers stopped coming with the FAD and used that plate, they claimed they didn't see enough MPG loss after all while having an FAD "open" during 2WD vs the reliability for what most Wrangler owners complained about, and saving money, parts availability, etc etc etc.

Sadly you can't use Google to find sources to educate on things anymore since their BS "ai" crap just keeps parroting bs from forums, FB, etc that's wrong and doesn't even show valid sources anymore, just sponsored articles for 5-10 pages. Said both the gladiator and wrangler still use the FAD on all models in 2026 MY, which we can see isn't true.

They all still have the FAD, just some aren't functional. If I put my left arm in a cast I still have 2 arms. One just isn't functional. They retained virtually all the parts that tend to fail (breaking axles at the FAD housing being the most common) which is dumb. If they aren't going to use the FAD, order the axles from Dana with a solid axle tube on the passenger side and a single piece shaft. Should be both cheaper and stronger.

 

[WILDHOBO]

IIRC there was an option you could order without the FAD and instead they install a block-off plate that internally locks the two side together (like the FAD, but always engaged) as you see in the picture earlier.

BUT, Mopar still lists the FAD for the 2025 MY gladiator: 2025 Gladiator FAD parts

I DID hear the the 2024+ Wranglers stopped coming with the FAD and used that plate, they claimed they didn't see enough MPG loss after all while having an FAD "open" during 2WD vs the reliability for what most Wrangler owners complained about, and saving money, parts availability, etc etc etc.

Sadly you can't use Google to find sources to educate on things anymore since their BS "ai" crap just keeps parroting bs from forums, FB, etc that's wrong and doesn't even show valid sources anymore, just sponsored articles for 5-10 pages. Said both the gladiator and wrangler still use the FAD on all models in 2026 MY, which we can see isn't true.

I can at least confirm with a friends ‘24 JTR, that is has the plate.

 

[WILDHOBO]

They all still have the FAD, just some aren't functional. If I put my left arm in a cast I still have 2 arms. One just isn't functional. They retained virtually all the parts that tend to fail (breaking axles at the FAD housing being the most common) which is dumb. If they aren't going to use the FAD, order the axles from Dana with a solid axle tube on the passenger side and a single piece shaft. Should be both cheaper and stronger.

Agreed. Lazy. They just decided to put a plate in, because it was cheaper than asking for a new part number. So dumb.

 

[Dilly’S Willy]

Agreed. Lazy. They just decided to put a plate in, because it was cheaper than asking for a new part number. So dumb.

At least you can still add the actuator later if you want 2LO.

 

[WILDHOBO]

At least you can still add the actuator later if you want 2LO.

Or 3 low.

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