First Lift & Tires - High Altitude

[TopperGT]

Hi Everyone,

I own a 2022 High Altitude and will be getting some work done to it this week and wanted to share some of my details for anyone that might find it helpful. It’s a long write up but if you’re interested, I hope you find something that helps you.

I bought my JT new just before my son was born and have spent the past few years on this forum reading about everyone’s stories and situations to learn about what I wanted to do with mine.

Now that he is a bit older and loves the Jeep as much as I do, I felt the time was right to get the things I’d been wanting to do to it done. I don’t plan on doing any rock crawling but I want to take him out on some easy trails to go camping or fishing. I live in an urban part of New Jersey but there are some spots in south Jersey that seem like good places to start.

My goal with this was to try and have my Gladiator look like what I felt it should have from the factory. I didn’t aim for anything too over the top but instead wanted just enough lift to fit the bigger tires I liked while keeping some of the existing rake.

As for the ride I don’t honestly know what to expect from a lifted Jeep, but my hope was to keep it controlled without being too harsh after the lift and tires. I fully expect to lose the stock ride but am totally OK with that trade off.

The best part about being on this forum is when I’d find a post with that one oddly specific detail I was looking for. All that said, here a bunch of my oddly specific details which I hope helps the next person. After I get my Jeep back, I’ll update this post with my thoughts on everything I’ve done.


My Jeep

• Year: 2022
• Trim: High Altitude
• Engine: Gas V6
• Transmission: 8 Speed Automatic
• Gearing: 3.73
• Wheels: Stock 20" x 8”
• Stock Height (bottom of hub center cap to trim on fenders – did this for consistency
  • F Driver Side: 23 3/4
  • F Passenger: 23 3/4
  • R Driver Side: 24 3/4
  • R Passenger: 25 1/4 (had ~3/8 tank of gas so figured that might be why it was slightly off)

What I am Getting:

Tires:
I spent most of my time debating this, reading through anything I could find and the impact size and weight have on the ride. With the 3.73s I knew going to 35s was the absolute max I’d be will to live with. Stock HA tires are just over 32. Lots of great threads of people sharing their experiences with this so I feel like I have a fair idea of what I’m in for. As for the KO3s, I chose them because the overall good reviews but honestly a lot because of how the look. Their side profile to me is as cool as it gets. I wish the weight was a little less but that size only came in load range E.

• BFGOODRICH ALL TERRAIN T/A KO3 LT295/65R20 (about 35 x 11.5 at 66 lbs load range E)
• Stock HA tires are about 40l lbs I think
• Kept the Stock 20" x 8” (Aluminum Wheel - Mopar (6YZ48DX8AB)
• Tazer JL Mini for size recalibration

Suspension: Lift
At first I had considered just doing a spacer, but I realized that if was going to pay for an install, then I might as well go all in once. I’d seen a lot of postings on the Clayton 2.5 or 3.5 by they all seemed a bit higher than I wanted, so I’m hoping the 1.5 with the new tires works out just right. I really like the the idea of the Clayton being adjustable and modular so if the day comes to add more or go bigger I can.

• Clayton 1.5” Ride Right Lift Kit

Suspension: Shocks
This one I’m taking a complete gamble on but at this point why not. I really wanted something adjustable but ultimately didn’t want to spend more on it especially if it didn’t work out how I’d hoped. The Fox 2.5 HTOs have almost no reviews but based on what I did find they seem to be a “better 2.0”. The price difference wasn’t crazy so this was my middle ground. Really hoping I didn’t make a dumb decision lol.

• FOX PERFORMANCE SERIES 2.5 HTO SHOCKS (2-3”)

Steering Stabilizer
Finally I knew I wanted to have a little more control over steering and with the heavier tires I assume I’ll be dialing things in a bit. This one seemed to be the right combo but we’ll see once I get things settled to how I like to drive.

• FOX OFFROAD SHOCKS FACTORY RACE SERIES 2.0 ATS STABILIZER

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[NotSo Bright White]

You may want to check out the Falken Wildpeak AT4’s. My 35 x 11.5 x 17’s on my Mojave looks as big as my 37’s on my Rubicon. If you want a stock ride and not a lot of height, a Mopar lift with the Fox shocks is not a terrible way to go.

 

[acruz44]

I went a year without regearing on 35's in FL on the 3.73 axel ratio. It was fine. 2 weeks ago I went to 4.88. It just feels better. I know you didn't mention it, but I suggest it.

I did not change the steering stabilizer or shocks. I did throw a 1.5 Teraflex level in. No change in ride quality from stock. You may be able to save some coin there.

 

[TopperGT]

You may want to check out the Falken Wildpeak AT4’s. My 35 x 11.5 x 17’s on my Mojave looks as big as my 37’s on my Rubicon. If you want a stock ride and not a lot of height, a Mopar lift with the Fox shocks is not a terrible way to go.

Thanks for the suggestion, and you’ve got some great looking trucks!

My friend up in Toronto has the Falkens and loves them. At this point for me though, I’m fully committed to what I’ve listed out above. I considered the Falkens but for the 20inch HA Wheels, nearly all options were about the same weight / costs and so I settled one the KO3s.

As for the lift, I looked at the Mopar lift but ended up liking the modularity of the Clayton Kit. I should be getting it back from the shop this weekend so hopefully I can share my thoughts once I’ve driven it some.

 

[TopperGT]

I went a year without regearing on 35's in FL on the 3.73 axel ratio. It was fine. 2 weeks ago I went to 4.88. It just feels better. I know you didn't mention it, but I suggest it.

I did not change the steering stabilizer or shocks. I did throw a 1.5 Teraflex level in. No change in ride quality from stock. You may be able to save some coin there.

I appreciate the input on your experiences with the 3.73 / 35’s combo - this is generally what I read others experience too (for the most part).

My JT isn’t my DD, but I do daily it whenever I can and I fully accept the sacrifices it comes with lol. That said, I think my plan is to go up in gears at some point, especially if I decide to do other work down the line. For now thought I hope this works for my use case!

 

[Specifically Vague]

I'm considering the Clayton 1.5" kit myself. Will be very interested in what you think of it once it's installed.

 

[TopperGT]

Posting a follow up now that I’ve got my truck back.

Picked it up Friday afternoon, and all I can say is that it met every single one of my expectations. I’ve posted a few pictures for anyone who is interested. The shop I worked with did an incredible job and the lift / tires combo looks exactly as I hoped it would – really what I think it should have looked like from the factory.

The Clayton 1.5 Ride Right to me is exactly what I was hoping for. With all said and done, I netted approximately 2 ½ inches in every corner. That plus the tires is about 4 inches above stock.

I drove it home from the place that did the work about 70 miles Friday, good mix of country roads, highways, and city rush hour traffic. Another 70 or so miles since then.

I guess the most important statement I can make is that it drives nearly as good as it did stock. The obvious shortcomings are that it’s a little worse in acceleration and braking. Nothing significant, but noticeable to me who was paying super close attention leading up to this and now after it’s been modified.

The 35’s with the 3.73s are completely manageable. You absolutely notice the riding lower gears at highway speeds, but my VERY rough observations on gas mileage is about -2mpg Highway and -3mpg City. You definitely need more throttle everywhere, but I’m still able to accelerate how I need to and drive defensively in the NYC area.

If anyone is interested in any additional feedback on any of the specifics, just let me know!

Overall, I’m super happy with the parts I used, the work the shop did, and how it all came together. Even more cool is that somehow, my 3 year old son is more excited than I am by his new ‘monster truck wheels’.

 

[Mystsoftyme]

Posting a follow up now that I’ve got my truck back.

Picked it up Friday afternoon, and all I can say is that it met every single one of my expectations. I’ve posted a few pictures for anyone who is interested. The shop I worked with did an incredible job and the lift / tires combo looks exactly as I hoped it would – really what I think it should have looked like from the factory.

The Clayton 1.5 Ride Right to me is exactly what I was hoping for. With all said and done, I netted approximately 2 ½ inches in every corner. That plus the tires is about 4 inches above stock.

I drove it home from the place that did the work about 70 miles Friday, good mix of country roads, highways, and city rush hour traffic. Another 70 or so miles since then.

I guess the most important statement I can make is that it drives nearly as good as it did stock. The obvious shortcomings are that it’s a little worse in acceleration and braking. Nothing significant, but noticeable to me who was paying super close attention leading up to this and now after it’s been modified.

The 35’s with the 3.73s are completely manageable. You absolutely notice the riding lower gears at highway speeds, but my VERY rough observations on gas mileage is about -2mpg Highway and -3mpg City. You definitely need more throttle everywhere, but I’m still able to accelerate how I need to and drive defensively in the NYC area.

If anyone is interested in any additional feedback on any of the specifics, just let me know!

Overall, I’m super happy with the parts I used, the work the shop did, and how it all came together. Even more cool is that somehow, my 3 year old son is more excited than I am by his new ‘monster truck wheels’.

 

[Specifically Vague]

Looks great! So the Clayton 1.5 ended being more like 2.5? You mentioned 2.5 in every corner, did you something to rear also?

 

[TopperGT]

Looks great! So the Clayton 1.5 ended being more like 2.5? You mentioned 2.5 in every corner, did you something to rear also?

Thanks! And yea, the kit I did was the 1.5 Ride Right which includes springs for front and back. They sell a 1.5 “Leveling Kit” but given my starting rake was about 1 inch, adding only front springs would have left me with a squat for sure.

Doing the front and back kept the same rake but that’s what I was aiming for.

 

[Specifically Vague]

Ah, got it. I'm looking at the 1.5 leveling kit from Clayton. I have a pretty good rake in mine and my current plan is to stick with 33s. But, as you mentioned, if you are getting 2.5 that might be a bit to much.

 

[TopperGT]

Great color! And that roll bar / tonneau cover combo is cool…was thinking about something like that too, but will probably keep it as is for now. Looks awesome on yours!

 

[TopperGT]

Ah, got it. I'm looking at the 1.5 leveling kit from Clayton. I have a pretty good rake in mine and my current plan is to stick with 33s. But, as you mentioned, if you are getting 2.5 that might be a bit to much.

Yea that was my plan originally, but when I saw the few pics of people just doing the leveling kit it looked a little off to me and so I ended up down this path.

That said, there are others who have done the leveling kits with pucks that seem to be great alternatives. I hope whatever you end up doing works out, and post pics if you can!

 

[Casique]

TopperGT the truck looks awesome!

I have the same truck and color but 2021. I'll need tires soon, do you think the 35s will fit without a lift? No wheeling here just a commuter. Thanks.

 

[Stan H]

TopperGT the truck looks awesome!

I have the same truck and color but 2021. I'll need tires soon, do you think the 35s will fit without a lift? No wheeling here just a commuter. Thanks.

Yes it will fit .

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