First upgrade to our ‘24 JT Rubicon

[Venator]

Hi all, just did a OEM steel bumper upgrade to the JT. Got rid of the plastic. Wasn’t a bad swap over. Also replaced the hood latches with custom ones my wife purchased at the NJ Jeep Invasion.
I also have a Warn winch plate and a Warn 10k winch to install. I was reluctant to install the plate and winch due to weight. Will the extra weight affect anything without a lift or leveling kit?
any experience with this mod? Did you add a lift and how high to level with the winch weight.
any experience and or recommendations is greatly appreciated.

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[Hootbro]

 

[chaosjake]

Will the extra weight affect anything without a lift or leveling kit?

It looks like you're still running the 33" Falkens, so you shouldn't notice a difference. I was already running 35" KO2's when I added the winch. I had some mild rubbing at full lock on wheels with +25mm offset, and the weight of the Badlands Apex 12k winch and Bulldog winch plate noticeably exacerbated the rub. I have mostly resolved that for now by zip tying the fender liners to the frame rails, but 1" lift pucks or less offset would probably be a better long term solution.

 

[Venator]

Yes, I still have the stock tires as the jeep is only 7 months old. I’d like to go to 35s possibly when these wear.

 

[Gvsukids]

Will the extra weight affect anything without a lift or leveling kit?

Your front will drop. Usually 1.5" will level. Just depends on what you want to live with.

 

[Venator]

Thanks, I’m thinking of going with a leveling kit for now. And then a 2.5” lift when I’m ready. Not sure when to do the lift.
Any recommendations on a good leveling kit? I’m assuming the leveling kit stays on with the lift kit.

 

[imallcrawl]

...I’m assuming the leveling kit stays on with the lift kit.

From what I've heard some kits have taller front springs to level things out, so you wouldn't need the leveling kit. But don't quote me on that, lets see what the pros here have to say

 

[AstroZombie]

It's not cheating because it's YOUR dog!!

 

[Venator]

From what I've heard some kits have taller front springs to level things out, so you wouldn't need the leveling kit. But don't quote me on that, lets see what the pros here have to say

I’m not sure, I heard both. I guess it depends on the lift kit.
any insight from the pros would be great.

 

[Stan H]

Hi all, just did a OEM steel bumper upgrade to the JT. Got rid of the plastic. Wasn’t a bad swap over. Also replaced the hood latches with custom ones my wife purchased at the NJ Jeep Invasion.
I also have a Warn winch plate and a Warn 10k winch to install. I was reluctant to install the plate and winch due to weight. Will the extra weight affect anything without a lift or leveling kit?
any experience with this mod? Did you add a lift and how high to level with the winch weight.
any experience and or recommendations is greatly appreciated.

Once you get a lift then add winch bumper and winch it may show a rake after a year or so. Some like a little rake that way when they load the bed it sits level. Instead of when its empty.

 

[Gvsukids]

Any recommendations on a good leveling kit? I’m assuming the leveling kit stays on with the lift kit.

Tereflex. You can keep it around in case you need it after lifting.

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/how-to-level-after-lift.34600/

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/leveling-and-lift.52238/

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