Mstrpoz's First Jeep build-- 2022 Gladiator Sport!

[mstrpoz]

Thanks for posting this. I am considering the TS-rails and the X-15 cover that you have just installed. Please post a picture of the GO Rhino rack after you get them on. The pic you have posted shows them on a T-slot that has a large plate area either side of the slot. The TS Elevate T-slots are raised and have a much smaller area to carry the load from the base of the Go Rhino posts. I'm curious if this is a real or just imagined problem.

I am very happy with the TS-rails and X-15, both are quality IMO. I was excited to stumble across the new GO Rhino Rack that had Tslots and USED the TS-rails to mount it. This product is still in production and is supposed to ship out in 3-4 weeks so an update will be a ways off but I will definitely post.

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[mstrpoz]

Gave the Jeep her first wash and wax today. Used a ceramic coating and it has a nice deep shine.

Also hit a milestone and managed to snap a picture.

 

[mstrpoz]

Had been considering doing an exhaust chop or adding a muffler and stumbled across an open box deal on EtremeTerrain for the Flowmaster FlowFX extreme dump exhaust. For the price I couldn't not give it a shot. Got it installed today in about 1 hour and am pretty happy. Will go cruising later to give a a true run.

 

[mstrpoz]

So

Thanks for posting this. I am considering the TS-rails and the X-15 cover that you have just installed. Please post a picture of the GO Rhino rack after you get them on. The pic you have posted shows them on a T-slot that has a large plate area either side of the slot. The TS Elevate T-slots are raised and have a much smaller area to carry the load from the base of the Go Rhino posts. I'm curious if this is a real or just imagined problem.

So unfortunately the Go Rhino cross bars did not work out - they interfered with the tonneau cover so I had to send them back. They later changed the listing to list that they were compatible with retractable covers only. I will say that they were well made and looked great and wished they worked out.

After looking around I ended up going with the Front Runner load bars and am happy with the result.

 

[mstrpoz]

Update on the Flowmaster, not exactly the sound I was hoping for and it has a drone when cruising at 2,000-2,300 RPM at highways speed, but I am getting used to it. I can't really complain for $175 and an hour of labor and the fact that the throttle feels a little more responsive with the swap. I had a 2008 Colorado years ago where I installed a Flowmaster 40 series muffler and was hoping the 3.6 would sound more throaty like that setup did.

I do intend to regear soon from the stock 3.73s to 4.88s and am curious how I'll feel after that with smoother shifting at highways speeds. I am worried that running the higher RPM may keep it in the annoying range. I suppose time will tell.

 

[mstrpoz]

Added a Westin (pn 62-41055) bumper hoop to my sport bumper and really like the result. Had to drill a new hole to align with the bracket, but you can't tell it wasn't made to work.

Next to figure out what lights I want to add.

 

[mstrpoz]

Well, after getting rear ended and pushed into the car in front of me the Gladiator suffered minor bumper damage. I took the opportunity to upgrade the front to the Arcus. I am happy with the results, now I just need a license plate bracket, add a skid plate and to fab up a cover for the winch hole as I do not have immediate intentions to add a winch.

 

[mstrpoz]

Few updates:

Radio upgrade:
Added an 8" JL TW3 sub under the seat in the storage bin
upgraded to Alpine R-Series 6 1/2" co-axles in the knee panels
added a JL Audio 5 channel amp

Before the upgrade I would cruise with the system on level 25 and anything beyond that the difference was not noticeable. Now my comfortable level is 18-20 and keeps getting louder through the entire range.

Gears:
Finally pulled the trigger on spicer 4.88s. Still going through the break in period, but can tell a major difference. We purchased a travel trailer which finally forced my had to do the gears and I could not be happier.

With the gears I also upgraded to a Detriot TrueTrac.

 

[mstrpoz]

Upgraded to 37x12.5r20 Nittos

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