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

[Stan H]

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?

Only if your short

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[Stan H]

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.

I would find some way to keep the seatbelt from constantly squeezing tighter and tighter and tighter.
2nd a Fan controller

 

[BourbonRunner]

Mine is a daily driver that sees trails and the beach but also gets used like a truck. I got lucky that the previous owner did some solid improvements: Sunrider, bumper with winch, rock rails, tonneau, auto start eliminator and a full set of Amazon storage trays and cubbies.

But assuming that Jeep came out with a 5.7 Hemi equipped Mojave X and I were in the position to order it, I'd pull the above from the JTM and then add the stuff I put on it first:

-Locking hood latches
-Tazer
-deal pedal. I drove it 1200 miles after a fly and buy and it was not pleasant.
-seat jackers. See above.
-dog hammock and door protectors.
-neoprene arm rest cover (for dog paws/claws and my arm doesn't stick to it like the stock cover)
-phone mount. I settled on the Bulletpoint Rubigrid.
-bed molle panels. I wasted my time and money buying a hi lift mount first, should have just bough the panels.
-GPCA Pro grab handles. I like the low profile. Not a fan of the 550 type that came with the truck (they're for sale in the marketplace right now along with the autostart eliminator)
-Console Vault. Good spot to store your stuff if even if you don't carry a pew pew.)

Outside of that adding mirrors for doors off is a must for legalities. I have Lange Coyotes.

Pic of said pup who necessitates his own build category:

 

[DanW]

I´d get a hitch skid plate first, probably, then right back the way I did it before....lift and tires, then bumper, winch, FAD skid plate, bed rug, and lights.

If it wasn´t a Rubicon, the first mod would be a front sway bar disconnect. That´s the cheapest and quickest way to improve off-road traction.

 

[Cape taco12]

For me I would say mudflaps right away. My door hinges are destroyed.

Then Undercoating as I live in NE.

Then waterproof seat covers, then again I bring dogs and kids home from the beach for half the year.

 

[WambliSka]

This exercise is interesting because it all depends on the trim you get.

I owned a ‘22 Overland and I started with the dead pedal, 34” tires, leveling kit and I’ve been consistently studying what upgrades I wanted to do from there to better suit my desert runner needs.

By the time I was done with what I wanted to do to it and figured out costs I just traded it in and bought a new ‘26 Mojave X. I had EVERYTHING I was going to do to the Overland plus much better electronics, radio, seats etc. and all I want to do to it is go to 35x11.5s and I’m done. And quite frankly I do NOT need the 35s.

Oh yeah, did the dead pedal the day after I bought it. Can’t drive long distances without one.

 

[JeepOfTheseus]

VOSwitch JL200 8-gang switch panel and relay box, except they don't make that panel anymore.

 

[Bandit’s Lair]

VOSwitch JL200 8-gang switch panel and relay box, except they don't make that panel anymore.

Thinking this one. Don’t think I’d like the 8 switch grab handle thing. I’m average height so I use the grab handle to get in the jeep.

https://www.voswitch.com/Voswitch-J...llation-Waterproof-Power-Module-p2683493.html

 

[heretic]

Sunrider top from best top, then tazer

 

[JeepOfTheseus]

Thinking this one. Don’t think I’d like the 8 switch grab handle thing. I’m average height so I use the grab handle to get in the jeep.

https://www.voswitch.com/Voswitch-JL500-Switch-Panel-Power-Distribution-System-for-Jeep-Wrangler-JL-2018-Gladiator-JT-2020-–-100A-Total-Output-Factory-Look-Clean-Design-Plug-Play-Installation-Waterproof-Power-Module-p2683493.html

Their stuff is quality. Have not run into a single issue with the control module. I love the JL200 box because it let me install my own custom etched switches (from otrattw.net), and it also provides two ball mounting points which I use for my radio mic and iPad mount.

 

[wishiwasfishin2]

A few months ago I sold my built 22 JTR and bought a stock 23 JTRD. It was almost 1,500 away and I flew to get it so there wasn't much I could take with me. The thing I missed the most on the drive home was the dead pedal.

Question on dead pedal. This is my first jeep and dont have one. Just finished a 6hr trip home from vacation and not something that seemed to bother me without having. 3rd time making this trip. What is purpose and benefit of having? Am I missing out on something?

 

[Lunentucker]

1. @Metalcloak Sector Shaft Brace
2. @Metalcloak Rear Swaybar Reinforcement
3. A Quality Steering Damper (Falcon, etc.)
4. Bestop
5. Seat jackers

 

[Idlethunder]

Question on dead pedal. This is my first jeep and dont have one. Just finished a 6hr trip home from vacation and not something that seemed to bother me without having. 3rd time making this trip. What is purpose and benefit of having? Am I missing out on something?

It is a pedal that installs on the left side of your footwell and gives your left foot a place to rest while driving. I didn't get one for the first 10k I put on the first Gladiator but after a few multi hours trips, decided to try one and liked it. I've added a picture of one

 

[ktn]

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.

Mine is a '23 JT is a daily driver in a fairly rural area, I wanted a smaller pickup that didn't break the bank. I did front mudflaps, rock rail sidesteps, tonneau, front rain shields, NOCO 2 amp trickle charger, and license plate light shrouds (for the glare). I still want a front camera, thinking about a tow strap, etc.

Oh, and while the Duelers are fine for now, I'm going to change to Cooper ST/Maxx when the time is right.

So, nothing non-negotiable, just my flavors.

And yes, I know most all those can come OEM, but the deal was on the dealer lot and very hard to pass up to wait for a custom order.

 

[KTMojave]

Replace front bumper with a steel one and a dead pedal

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