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JTR Spartacus Build Journal

Mac Attack

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Planning for cross country camping 🏕 trip to Yellowstone/ Grand Tetons, Mt Rushmore this summer in #JTRSPARTACUS. Working on getting a Softopper and a Cargoglide or Bedslide. Will probably use a ground tent - no rack or RTT. Welcome thoughts, suggestions, cautionary tales.

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Its been years (20) since I've been to the Rushmore Area...but the closer you are to Rushmore or Deadwood...the more commercialized it is. There is a National Park in the valley west of Rushmore and south of Deadwood that puts you in between both...it was nice, quiet, trees, on a lake, hiking trails, fishing, and firewood for sale on site...a mountain lion was spotted in the area...but after 20 years, he/she is probably in your backyard...right now!...lock the doors!
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Bbannongmu

Bbannongmu

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Its been years (20) since I've been to the Rushmore Area...but the closer you are to Rushmore or Deadwood...the more commercialized it is. There is a National Park in the valley west of Rushmore and south of Deadwood that puts you in between both...it was nice, quiet, trees, on a lake, hiking trails, fishing, and firewood for sale on site...a mountain lion was spotted in the area...but after 20 years, he/she is probably in your backyard...right now!...lock the doors!
Thanks!
 
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Bbannongmu

Bbannongmu

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A look at the stock clutch. It really seems to be the weak point. The Centerforce clutch is way better!

Jeep Gladiator Stock Clutch Exposed #JTRSPARTACUS


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JT “Charlie”

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hey brother,

Read up on your build. I’m out of Frederick, MD. I help run the MORE (maryland off-road enthusiasts) group.

I’ve been away on deployment since july off last year. I have an opportunity to pick up a Rustys 4” advanced kit with the Rx performance shocks. After countless hours of research I can’t find many reviews on their lifts. with that being said, can you give me your updated thoughts on your lift?

I’m debating of the 4” will be too much for 37’s. second option of to go with Clayton 2.5” overland.

Secondly I see you mounted the 37’s on your stock gladiator wheels. those the 7.5”? what have you aired down to?

I’ve ordered a lot and can’t wait to get to work on Charlie my gladiator when i get home.

TIA
 
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Bbannongmu

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Thanks for reaching out @JT “Charlie” and thank you for your service.

I pondered the 4” lift but settled on the 2” lift and added a 1.5” Teraflex leveling kit up front and .75” Daystar kit out back so I’m probably netting around 3” or so. I’m clearing my 37s ok with extended bump stops. 4” would not be too big - it would add some extra comfort space for the tires and if I didn’t have a Rubi I’d probably be into my fender flares and need the 4” lift. I think the Rusty’s 2” advanced and 4” advanced are the same kit except for springs. It’s a quality kit, well made and well engineered in the USA 🇺🇸 with quality materials. I added extended Teraflex bump stops after careful measurements and estimates and I think I nailed it. The customer experience, directions and communication are a bit rough /spotty but for the price I can’t see how you beat their lifts.

Re stock wheels and my 37x12.50 Mickey Thompson Baja AtzP3 tires - I’ve aired down to about 14psi to climb black/difficult obstacles at Jeep festivals and on offroad runs with zero issues. Could probably go lower but 14 seemed about right. Mickey Thompson and Discount Tire Direct showed the minimum rim width for the tire as 7.5” (almost every tire manufacturer showed 7.5” minimum rim width for 12.50 tires, 30 years ago but then they started really pushing new wheels to add revenue and mysteriously changed the specs). I’ve run wider tires on stock wheels since the early 1990s and zero issues. I went with this setup because I like the wheels under the flares, like to preserve my ball joints and unit bearings as long as possible, put the “saved” money into other mods, and I like the “stock plus” look.

Please don’t be shy about asking questions. No affiliation with Rusty’s. I’ll do my best to answer. Good luck and safe travels home when the time comes!
 

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JT “Charlie”

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Thank you for your service JT Charlie.
i just signed up for MORE this am.
long time Jeep owner, & off-roader.
got my JT on order (in addition to my 2 other Jeeps).
great news! If you like to wheel to destinations and camp be ready for some when i get home.

A lot of our adventures you can watch on You tube @kraft-offroad as well as @allhartzadventures
 
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Bbannongmu

Bbannongmu

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Just ordered extending drawer slides for a DIY slide out type of solution. Thinking more like Bedslide or Cargoglide vs a drawer like decked. The open “tray” seems more versatile. I wanna make it easily removable. Not fully formed yet but I think I can make this work with some wood I have lying around and probably pick up some angle steel or aluminum. Can probably do this for $250-$300 vs paying $1500 for a bought solution.
https://www.vevor.com/products/heav...old-rolled-steel?_pos=14&_sid=ffdd0407f&_ss=r

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Bbannongmu

Bbannongmu

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Just got these delivered today. They seem pretty good. They extend out a full 59” or nearly 100%.
Already ran into an issue. I misinterpreted the dimensions. The handle makes it longer than the bed. I’ll need to cut it and make it work a different way so I can close the tailgate. I’ll need to include this in my design - maybe a lifting handle under it in the tray? Not sure.

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Bbannongmu

Bbannongmu

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Very close fit for the non locking slide. Probably 1/32” or so.

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Bbannongmu

Bbannongmu

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plans coming together. I decided to go with aluminum after my 1st build list weight for the steel was nearly 200lbs for just the frame. The 3/8" thick Aluminum is about 62 lbs. It should be here soon. Now need to determine if I'm using 5/8" or 3/4" plywood. Probably do 3/4" and add some roller bearings to the bottom to roll in case of sag.

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Gatorized

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Bbannongmu

Bbannongmu

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Cut the handle off and attach a nylon strap to pull it out.
Thanks. That’s what I’ve been thinking too - simple and cheap.
 
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Bbannongmu

Bbannongmu

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Not Jeep Gladiator related but still “off road”!!!!
Preview of my family trip to Bridger-Teton National Forest for snowmobiling. Also visited Tetons National Park and the National Elk Refuge in Jackson, WY. Very fun. Pre scouting for my summer trip to Yellowstone in the JTR.

#JTRSPARTACUS
 
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Bbannongmu

Bbannongmu

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Got my Aluminum in for my bed pull out. Gotta find some time to measure, mock up, cut and braze (no TIG welder). Maybe this weekend? I’ll share more on YouTube too.

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