Just got my first Gladiator! Need help on mods new to jeeps

[rr11]

As others have said use your Jeep some, find out what you need. I'm in the Panhandle I mainly ride on the beach, I bought a set of Rubicam take offs and that was really all I needed. However" wanted" will take over after a while. Just have fun and enjoy your Jeep.

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[offroad_source]

If your looking for a guide to start your wheel and tire journey, We created this along with the input of many forum members here.

https://offroad-source.com/jeep-gladiator-wheels-buyers-guide/

Would love to set you up with a Wheel, Tire and Lift package. Mounted and balanced and shipped free. Feel free to send me a message with any questions you may have.

 

[WILDHOBO]

It’s good advice in the replies so far. Advice depends on how you want to use it. I’m happy to spend time talking to you anytime about your goals for it. Mine has been an amazing journey from mild to wild, and I’ve learned what I like and don’t like. My group of gladiator friends have a large differential in build types, based on individual goals. From rock crawling, to basic overlanding, to desert running/crawling, to extremely capable but looks stock. Send me a pm anytime and I’ll share my cell number. Others on here can attest to the fact that I try not to push people to build things like mine. If I can provide advice for your goals, I’m happy to do it anytime. There are so many people on this forum that are unbelievably knowledgeable. I’ve learned a lot from them.

 

[Camaroboi13]

Tons and 40s. The only way to go.

But seriously do some research and figure out what the end goal is and start searching from there. How much maintenance you want to do on your setup, how often you want to replace tires, lots of things to consider. Definitely switch to a 17” wheel, it makes finding tires a bit easier.

 

[Billkowski]

I drove and wheeled my JT for 2yrs without any mods. You’ll be surprised how capable these JT’s when they’re stock. Take it to a trail and see the limits and that’ll dictate your lift and tire size. Here’s mine now with AEV 2” spacer lift and skinny 37” Nitto Recon Grappler tires look. I picked the skinny 37s so that I can keep my stock wheels and 4.10 gears for now. Everything else are mostly stock. My type of wheeling is desert running and exploring with almost no rock crawling.

I just put the AEV lift on my Mojave, and am torn between the 37 11.5 Recons and 37 12.5 KO2s. Oddly enough the KO2s are 6 lbs lighter. How much of a performance hit did you feel with the Recons?

 

[WILDHOBO]

I just put the AEV lift on my Mojave, and am torn between the 37 11.5 Recons and 37 12.5 KO2s. Oddly enough the KO2s are 6 lbs lighter. How much of a performance hit did you feel with the Recons?

Ko2’s are probably lighter because they’re the smallest diameter 37’s money can buy. They’re big 35’s.

 

[Jeep-of-Eli]

I just put the AEV lift on my Mojave, and am torn between the 37 11.5 Recons and 37 12.5 KO2s. Oddly enough the KO2s are 6 lbs lighter. How much of a performance hit did you feel with the Recons?

I now only see 8 gear on flat roads and down hills, but it still peppy if I floor it from the get go.. I also considered 37x12.5 KO2s for the weight savings but since my buddy is running the same tires I went with the Recons instead just to be different . I might get the KO3s 37x12.50 once I’m done with this Recons. I’m sure by then I will have 4.88 gears already.

 

[Jeep-of-Eli]

Ko2’s are probably lighter because they’re the smallest diameter 37’s money can buy. They’re big 35’s.

That’s my impression as well on KO2 37s when i compared them side by side with the Recons at Americas Tires.

 

[Billkowski]

I now only see 8 gear on flat roads and down hills, but it still peppy if I floor it from the get go.. I also considered 37x12.5 KO2s for the weight savings but since my buddy is running the same tires I went with the Recons instead just to be different . I might get the KO3s 37x12.50 once I’m done with this Recons. I’m sure by then I will have 4.88 gears already.

Really not bad at all, I only see 8th now in those conditions. Never see it going up hill.

 

[Tank555]

As previously stated, I would find some experienced Jeepers, go out on some easier trails, and see what kind of wheelin you will want to do. It really depends on the amount of money you are willing to spend. I am on my 4th Jeep and I finally have the Jeep I want , but it took a lot of money and time before I could attain that dream. Just know, you will get hooked and be just like the majority on this forum, obsessed!! So, just remember to have fun and wave!! Some before and after pictures...

 

[RealTruck]

Everything above is sound advice. Welcome to the forum, and happy trails!

 

[Sweetums]

Hello everyone!
I just got this jeep gladiator overland and I want to do a couple things to it! So to start of I want to lift it not an excessive lift but for it to look nice. And of course a set of wheels I’m not sure what offset, width to get since I’m not to this platform I come from the Mustang 5.0 world and it’s completely different lol. Another thing is tire sizing when I do get wheels I’d like to know what should I run! And if you guys have any suggestions on what I should do to it let me know!

The OE wheels are pretty narrow and limit tire sizes; before the Jeep I've never purchased wheels. I always had the attitude of "it came with wheels, they are round." I went with Method wheels for the bead-grip, overall look, and reputation for quality. They are not the cheapest wheel, but I think the quality is worth the cost.

As for other mods, it really depends what you want to do with the truck. I wanted an all-around vehicle that could carry camping gear off road, tow motorcycles or a small camper, be a daily driver, and a road trip vehicle.
I went with a 2.5" Game Changer lift from Metalcloak since I'd used their kits before on our LJR. The Method wheels were needed for the correct backspacing to make room for the outboard shock mounts for that kit, which also allowed me to get a wider wheel to open up more tire options. Future plans include rock sliders to replace the MOPAR Performance rails and a full set of Artec Industries aluminum skid plates.

I also added RockBlokz mud flaps to help protect the paint from stone chips and salt, MetalCloak rear swaybar reinforcement brackets, and a few other minor things like a dead pedal.

 

[WILDHOBO]

The OE wheels are pretty narrow and limit tire sizes; before the Jeep I've never purchased wheels. I always had the attitude of "it came with wheels, they are round." I went with Method wheels for the bead-grip, overall look, and reputation for quality. They are not the cheapest wheel, but I think the quality is worth the cost.

As for other mods, it really depends what you want to do with the truck. I wanted an all-around vehicle that could carry camping gear off road, tow motorcycles or a small camper, be a daily driver, and a road trip vehicle.
I went with a 2.5" Game Changer lift from Metalcloak since I'd used their kits before on our LJR. The Method wheels were needed for the correct backspacing to make room for the outboard shock mounts for that kit, which also allowed me to get a wider wheel to open up more tire options. Future plans include rock sliders to replace the MOPAR Performance rails and a full set of Artec Industries aluminum skid plates.

I also added RockBlokz mud flaps to help protect the paint from stone chips and salt, MetalCloak rear swaybar reinforcement brackets, and a few other minor things like a dead pedal.

Lots of tires for fine on stock wheels. They’re 7.5” wide. I ran 37’s on them for 2 years. As have many others. Depending on width, spacers might help, but there are great narrow tire options that take care of that.

 

[Jchap1987]

If you’re around my area (SC). Just buy every part off Amazon. It doesn’t matter how tacky and load that jeep up. Oh and make sure you have no dash space left with all the ducks you need.

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