If I had to start over... what I would buy again, what I would pass...

[IdahoRubicon]

I would probably get a different color than Sarge. The paint is the softest I've ever seen and anything seems to scuff or scratch it.

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[Mojave2021]

I like the idea behind this thread. So far, I've been quite happy with the few mods I've done to date:

• Hellwig rear sway bar
• Teraflex 2.2 adjustable steering stabilizer
• Metalcloak rear sway bar end link reinforcement

They came with my Mojave but I've been pleasantly surprised by the 33" Falkon M/Ts and how well they've handled and the minimal road noise. I still will probably upgrade them to 35s when they wear out. I'm glad that I went with the Mojave model in general.

 

[Rusty PW]

Think the only thing I would change is maybe the color. If Jeep had impact colors like Dodge had. Think I would have picked one of them. Plum Crazy, Hemi Orange, Bahama Yellow, Go Mango, Sublime Green, Pink Panther.

Everything I've done. I'm happy with. Still not done modding it. Taking my time and researching.

 

[redriderjf87]

Getting Nacho may have been the only thing I would've done differently, out of things that Jeep offered from the factory. A shorter diff gear would've been the next (and will be once I'm ready to tire up)

 

[Bonanza]

I like the idea behind this thread. So far, I've been quite happy with the few mods I've done to date:

• Hellwig rear sway bar
• Teraflex 2.2 adjustable steering stabilizer
• Metalcloak rear sway bar end link reinforcement

They came with my Mojave but I've been pleasantly surprised by the 33" Falkon M/Ts and how well they've handled and the minimal road noise. I still will probably upgrade them to 35s when they wear out. I'm glad that I went with the Mojave model in general.

What's the reason for being so happy with the rear sway bar?

 

[Mojave2021]

What's the reason for being so happy with the rear sway bar?

Because the Gladiator corners and handles much better on road.

 

[chorky]

I would probably get a different color than Sarge. The paint is the softest I've ever seen and anything seems to scuff or scratch it.

this might be the only thing Inwould change also. Maybe i would choose the tan seats instead of all black. Not a fan. The paint is so soft and scratches SO easily that I took it to a body shop only a week after ownership. They said all modern paints were soft like this. But it seems like it doesnt even have a clear coat. But I also love this color a ton! Other than that super happy with the JTR.

 

[Jeepaholic]

I love my Jeep, but I was keeping budget in mind when I ordered it. I skimped on a couple options from the factory I wish I would have gotten. Auxiliary switches and the bed plug are the two big ones. As for aftermarket, I take my time when picking what I want to do, so I have no regrets there.

 

[Zachanadandy]

I almost got slammed into yesterday on the drive home by someone swerving to avoid a street sweeper. With a HUGE sigh of relief, I avoided issue. But, it got me thinking, what I would do if I had to start all over again. I've bought a ton of stuff for my gladiator, which I use to camp, commute, rockcrawl, you name it. I'm also interested to hear what you would all buy again, and also pass. So, here we go:

What I would buy again:
Rock Hard Sliders
Rusty's shock and LCA skids
JKS lift 3.5"
Badlands winch
Mopar grab handles
Amazon console tray
Amazon sticky cubbies that hang from the shift area
BlackArmor Bedmat
Buggy Whips Light Whip
37" Baja Boss AT
stubby antenna
LED headlight complete
Oracle Taillight
Hitch Skid
Rigid Side Shooter pod for A pillar
Seatjacker (begrudgingly for its price)

What I would pass:
Lux Rock lights
Front bumper (Pritchett Canyon from barnes4wd)
Rear bumper (Magnum something, can't even remember where I got it)
4.88 gears (5.13 or bust)
37" Milestar Patagonias
KC Cyclones
Quadratec 4" Aux lights
LED bulb
Bulletpoint cell phone mount


If I really, really had to start over.... I might just pass the lift altogether and slap a 74weld portal axle kit on a Mohave and call it a day-- not only because it's cool and the "new thing", but to save the time of regearing and lifting. With kids, I just don't have time to build another vehicle.

I love the idea of portals and keeping the stock mojave suspension. I'm only 6 weeks into the 2023 mojave so I can't say there's anything I'd do differently at this point. AEV 2" spacer kit retained the factory goodness of the suspension. $94 37's from Walmart are good, and absolutely fantastic at the price. Might throw on some front drop brackets and the rock krawler rear 4 link in order to make the geometry and ride even better than they were stock.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

What I have is no longer available. I'd have to figure out a way to get the things I have and stay in my budget area. I tried to build one like this and couldn't - this combination of options wasn't there. So looks like this one had better last a long time.
The reason I traded the 20 for a 22 was options that I could not get in October 2019 - SelecTrac, Gorilla Glass, and this time I opted for aux switches, the first time around telling myself "meh, I'd never use such a thing" - hahaha, wrong!
So it's the same as the 20 save for the transfer case, windshield and aux switches (which got me more battery capacity by a bit)
2nd time around I skipped the Rubicon take-off springs and shocks - not impressed. I went with Synergy springs. If I did it again, I'd possibly go 3" front springs instead of the 2" due to the weight I have on this truck, but then maybe not, it's really pretty ok.
I'd think again about Eibach rear shocks - they are really harsh, you feel every pavement crack or pot hole in the road at less that highway speeds, which means some of the roads to and from home are quite harsh and rough now. Surprised my wife hasn't said "what's wrong with your truck". Her JLU Rubicon ride better now. Should have left the stock rear shocks on. The Eibachs are extremely rigid for the first small bit of travel, making you feel all of the small stuff. For the first inch, it's like there's no spring taking the shock of the road imperfection.
So I'd probably rethink that. Disappointed after a couple of months with them. I think they are meant for a much heavier truck than mine.

 

[Badunit]

I'd think again about Eibach rear shocks - they are really harsh

I'm thinking about the Fox 2.0's I put on mine a month ago. They are more supportive than the red shocks and soak up the small stuff but I think still too floaty/soft for my taste. Was considering Eibach Pro Truck but now I'm wondering about Bilstein 5100's

 

[ShadowsPapa]

but now I'm wondering about Bilstein 5100's

I looked into those but decided against the digressive type shock - didn't like the description I found on motortrend and other sites - not for my uses.
Mine is a daily driver - needs comfort for two older people.

 

[Badunit]

Same reason I bought the Fox 2.0's instead. But now I'm not so sure.

 

[chorky]

I looked into those but decided against the digressive type shock - didn't like the description I found on motortrend and other sites - not for my uses.
Mine is a daily driver - needs comfort for two older people.

Same reason I bought the Fox 2.0's instead. But now I'm not so sure.

I have the 5100's that came with the AEV kit and I would agree with Bill. It depends on how much weight you are hauling. If it is a relatively unloaded truck and a daily driver, I dont know that the 5100's would be the best fit. Even without camping gear, water, extra fuel, etc.. I am pushing the weight limit, so I'm pretty much maxed out every time, and they work great in that regard. But I do feel the small imperfections more than with the crappy stock fox shocks. For ME and my situation, the 5100's are a great choice. But I don know that I would say the same if I was unloaded and daily driving.

It's crazy to me that it's so hard to find a progressive shock. It makes logical sense that progressive shocks are the way to go for nearly any situation.

I hav not heard much in regards to OME or ICON shocks - I wonder what 'style' they offer.

 

[KevinC]

I hav not heard much in regards to OME or ICON shocks - I wonder what 'style' they offer.

As I have ran OME shocks and coil springs on numerous Jeep's I've owned over the years; I'm highly disappointed they have not R&D the Gladiator.
Is there a market for springs and shocks with all the other manufacturers currently? IDK, maybe they feel the market is flooded and there isn't that many JT's in Australia that they are getting many requests.

Definitely one of the best shocks I've ever ran.

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