If you had to start your build over, what's the first mod you'd grab?

[WestwallNF104A]

If you got a brand new Gladiator tomorrow, which mod goes on first?

Hey everyone — we’re EZ4X4. We make accessories for Jeeps, and we’ve been debating this internally.

Say you wake up tomorrow with a completely stock Gladiator in the driveway. What’s the very first mod you install before anything else?

What’s your non-negotiable upgrade?

Could be practical, cosmetic, off-road, comfort — anything. No wrong answers.

Curious to hear everyone’s picks.

A Bowen Customs Topper bed, followed closely by another OVRLND camper.

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[GladLad]

Well, I have to start somewhere on this forum. This is as good as any place to start.
Wanting to secure (safeguard) the required 4x4 equipment (stuff) in the back of my new Gladiator (now 21 months old and 12k miles), I purchased a stainless steel camper shell. I then discovered that I could not reach the equipment in the front of the bed because I am old and feeble so, along came a bed slider to bring the "stuff" out where I could reach it. I put all my "stuff" in the bed, under the shell and immediately noticed I was now bottoming out the rear suspension on minor dips in the road. Hmmm, NOT GOOD! Stronger springs and a "slight lift???" Along came an AEV 3" expedition lift. Well, with only 500 lbs in/on the back, the 3" lift actually measured 5.5"at the hitch receiver. Now, my wife and I have to "Climb in" and "fall out" of what had been the perfect seat height vehicle for us. All I wanted was to be able to the same "stuff" in my Gladiator that I had been carrying around in my 2018 4 door Rubicon Recon without worrying about it "walking off!" Is there ever an end to this "J"ust "E"mpty "E"very "P"ocket syndrome? Now, I have to get 35" tires to fill in the gap btw my tires and fenders. This looks stupid with 33's. This means re-gearing to 5:13's, big brake kit, new drive shafts, etc, etc, etc.!!! Please, HELP ME!!!! Where did I go wrong????

You've got a Rubicon with 4.10s, you don't need to regear for 35s (typically 4.10-4.56). If you want 37s, most get 4.88, some stay on 4.10, some go further to 5.13. I don't hear of anyone really regearing to 4.56 for 35s, too small of a jump to bother (extra weight, towing withstanding).

You also won't need brakes, drive shaft, etc. Just get the 35s and call it a day, unless you're adding a lot more weight elsewhere.

Those spring lifts are inaccurate, but an additional 2.5" is pretty ridiculous when you've also got an extra 500lbs. Unless you chose added-weight springs beyond 500. I'd have called AEV after install, see if different springs would fix the issue. Still can try.

Otherwise, all you need is 35s, maybe some steps or rock sliders that act like a step. And then you're all set!

Until you need or want the next thing, or add more weight, tow more, etc. You went wrong getting a Jeep.

 

[mkopec]

For me it's gotta be the rear facing camera since I have a canopy with no view-through windows. It replaces the rearview mirror, and gives me 7 lanes of view behind me + serves as a parking lot monitor, although there is some parasitic drain on the battery when enabled. Close second is definately the dead-pedal!

 

[HOLLYWOOD33]

Dead pedal. I put mine on our new Mojave before I even drove it off the dealer lot!

Does it really make that much of a difference?

I have one in the garage that still needs to be installed.

 

[Bradleyvw]

An auto stop/start eliminator.

 

[CC_Willys]

Does it really make that much of a difference?

I have one in the garage that still needs to be installed.

Well, you can certainly drive just fine without one; but once you get used to having it there, it’s awkward if it’s missing.

 

[VA6489]

Suspension upgrade, Long arms, Coil overs, then D60 axles.

 

[EZ4X4]

It’s from DV8 - really high quality. I was trading in a Willys Gladiator, so I just brought the right sized socket with me when we went to pick up the Mojave, and swapped it in the lot before driving off!

That’s next level prep – coming to the dealership with a socket set ready to go! DV8 makes great stuff. The Mojave must have felt like a whole new truck with that swap already done before you even left the lot.

 

[EZ4X4]

Stock 3.6
It’s fine but a V8 would be more fun. If I got a free JT I could justify the cost
Actual first upgrade would be a phone holder

A phone holder – the most practical first mod of all. Hard to argue with that. Any particular mount you swear by, or still searching for the right one?

 

[ItsmeMrWright]

Wow, before even driving it off the lot? That’s dedication! A dead pedal really does make a huge difference in comfort, especially on longer drives. Did you go with a specific brand or make your own?

I think it was DV8 where I got mine. I wear size 12 and mostly boots. Really helps manage the relatively small foot box area.

 

[ItsmeMrWright]

Well, I have to start somewhere on this forum. This is as good as any place to start.
Wanting to secure (safeguard) the required 4x4 equipment (stuff) in the back of my new Gladiator (now 21 months old and 12k miles), I purchased a stainless steel camper shell. I then discovered that I could not reach the equipment in the front of the bed because I am old and feeble so, along came a bed slider to bring the "stuff" out where I could reach it. I put all my "stuff" in the bed, under the shell and immediately noticed I was now bottoming out the rear suspension on minor dips in the road. Hmmm, NOT GOOD! Stronger springs and a "slight lift???" Along came an AEV 3" expedition lift. Well, with only 500 lbs in/on the back, the 3" lift actually measured 5.5"at the hitch receiver. Now, my wife and I have to "Climb in" and "fall out" of what had been the perfect seat height vehicle for us. All I wanted was to be able to the same "stuff" in my Gladiator that I had been carrying around in my 2018 4 door Rubicon Recon without worrying about it "walking off!" Is there ever an end to this "J"ust "E"mpty "E"very "P"ocket syndrome? Now, I have to get 35" tires to fill in the gap btw my tires and fenders. This looks stupid with 33's. This means re-gearing to 5:13's, big brake kit, new drive shafts, etc, etc, etc.!!! Please, HELP ME!!!! Where did I go wrong????

JEEP: Just Empty Every Pocket!!!

 

[azmojave]

A phone holder – the most practical first mod of all. Hard to argue with that. Any particular mount you swear by, or still searching for the right one?

Bulletpoint

 

[turtle]

Dead pedal. I put mine on our new Mojave before I even drove it off the dealer lot!

Recommendation for dead pedal? I can't discern the difference between the half-dozen I've found.

 

[Sweetums]

Recommendation for dead pedal? I can't discern the difference between the half-dozen I've found.

I like the M.O.R.E. dead pedal because it doesn’t rest on the mat, can be adjusted for longer or shorter drivers, and comes in red for added horsepower

 

[Biff Happy]

Shifter knob. Period.

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