FIRST AFTERMARKET MODIFICATION

[Vegas_Sirk]

Was looking at the AEV ZR2 concept today and noticed the AEV rack has a cool feature where the top cross bars are removable to allow for putting taller stuff in the bed. I hope they do something like this for the Gladiator Rack:

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[SS_Syndicate]

Payload is easy to increase.

Not really... Payload capacity begins with the axle. If the JT still has semi-float axles you are looking at a best case axle capacity of ~5500 pounds. Then you need to deduct the weight of the vehicle that axle carries from that. Thanks to aftermarket support, axle swaps are a lot easier these days, but I wouldn't call it easy.

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...as for us... Our first things will be skid plates, recovery, and then a rack for the tent.

 

[Billy]

Not really... Payload capacity begins with the axle. If the JT still has semi-float axles you are looking at a best case axle capacity of ~5500 pounds. Then you need to deduct the weight of the vehicle that axle carries from that. Thanks to aftermarket support, axle swaps are a lot easier these days, but I wouldn't call it easy.

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...as for us... Our first things will be skid plates, recovery, and then a rack for the tent.

My point was that air bags or overload springs are easy. I'm pretty sure the Dana 44 will handle the camper shells.

 

[SS_Syndicate]

My point was that air bags or overload springs are easy. I'm pretty sure the Dana 44 will handle the camper shells.

I figured this, but neither actually increase payload. They just make the vehicle handle loads better. The cab-over camper is ~1300 pounds. Current Dana 44 axles have a GAWR of 3500 pounds. This would leave ~2200 pounds for the Gladiator's weight in the rear. I agree...sounds doable.

 

[Wraith]

35s, winch (assuming the stock bumper can accommodate one), and some sort of bed rack for skis, fishing poles, hi-lift jack, etc. Like this but tubular...

Pretty similar to what I had in mind. Assuming the JT comes with steel bumpers and the front is winch ready ill be putting my Warn winch on almost immediately and after that it'll be 35's tucked under the (hopefully available) high line fenders. I am also hoping the aftermarket comes out with a nice topper for the back but a bed mounted rack for a tent or other accessories is certainly on the want list.

 

[dboz]

I plan to keep it simple. Rims and 35’s. No lift, 35’s fit. Stick with factory suspension. I hope the tailgate locks. Rollback tonneau. See if they come with spray in bed liner as an option or standard. If not LineX. May do a bed carpet to keep thing from sliding around. That’s it for me. Hoping a decked out loaded Turbo 4 will be less than 45k to keep in line with the competition. I really want some luxury items in the interior. High power stereo, heated wheel, front and rear heated seats. Adaptive cruise. That’s it for me. If cool stuff catches my eye, I will add over time.

 

[wooderson]

I plan to keep it simple. Rims and 35’s. No lift, 35’s fit. Stick with factory suspension. I hope the tailgate locks. Rollback tonneau. See if they come with spray in bed liner as an option or standard. If not LineX. May do a bed carpet to keep thing from sliding around. That’s it for me. Hoping a decked out loaded Turbo 4 will be less than 45k to keep in line with the competition. I really want some luxury items in the interior. High power stereo, heated wheel, front and rear heated seats. Adaptive cruise. That’s it for me. If cool stuff catches my eye, I will add over time.

Correct me if I’m wrong but I think it was confirmed that the turbo 4 will not be part of the Gladiator.

 

[Wraith]

Correct me if I’m wrong but I think it was confirmed that the turbo 4 will not be part of the Gladiator.

From my understanding the 3.6 pentastar and 3.0 diesel will be the only options unless something has changed and the 2.0 is going to be available. I have read that they might be putting the BSG technology from the 2.0 onto the 3.6 pentastar for MY2019 but I don't think it has been confirmed or denied just yet.

 

[dboz]

Interesting. I have to admit I have not done a ton of research into engine choices. But I would not be happy with the V6 so by default I would be forced to the diesel. I will assume the 4T is not up to the task in the towing dept.?

 

[Gambrinus]

One of these the day that they have one made... good excuse to roadtrip back to PA to pick it up.

https://diamondbackcovers.com/

 

[Wraith]

One of these the day that they have one made... good excuse to roadtrip back to PA to pick it up.

https://diamondbackcovers.com/

I have never seen those before and I have to admit that is pretty impressive. Really looking forward to seeing what the aftermarket comes up with for the JT.

 

[SKT]

 

[Gambrinus]

I have never seen those before and I have to admit that is pretty impressive. Really looking forward to seeing what the aftermarket comes up with for the JT.

They are the most bomb-proof covers I've ever seen. Being able to haul a pair of quads is no joke. A buddy has one on his 1-Ton Ford... saw it and knew as soon as I had a truck again I'd be getting one of these.

 

[whatroads]

If I go the JT route, the first thing I would want would be a rubber steel enforced bed mat. I've had a lot of trucks. Never needed a spray-in liner. The bed mat will also help keep loads from sliding. Next, would be a soft tonneau cover. Keeps the elements off luggage, when I travel, and I can easily roll it up when I need to haul things.

 

[drogers]

I’m thinking my first addition might be 35s, but jeep may provide those for us if the JLR is any indication. Other than that, I’m planning on getting one of these as soon as they have a compatible version:

https://decked.com/pages/midsize

Pairing that with an adjustable height rack for hauling 4x8 stock (something like the Thule XSporter - https://www.thule.com/en-us/us/roof-rack/truck-and-van-racks/thule-xsporter-pro-_-500xt) and other long stuff will get me about as much flexibility as I could ask for in a convertible.

PS - I’m not a fan of bed covers, but if I were, that diamondback looks amazing.

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