My endless money pit - gladiator sport s

[ltdodge]

Played around with caster
Road force balanced
Ball joints
Trackbar bolts

I basically did all 4 together and solved my DW. I believe the ball joints were the winning ticket along with the Jeep wanting more than the “normal” 6/6.5 degrees of caster.

I found that some other Jeep owners swear on the trackbar sector braces but I would do ball joints next. My originals were not “bad” to the point of making noises but they were certainly loose and too broken in.

my caster is at 6.25. ball joints are original with 62K miles. gonna see what i do.

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[Sandman 4x4]

Wow I must admit that at first I thought you were complaining about multiple breakdowns and parts failing. Not voluntarily throwing $$$$ at multiple lift items and other add ons. That really have nothing to do with the reliability and dependability to get home and staying away from the dealer. But that’s your money and choice, but really all in good taste. But after all that extra money spent? You ever wonder how the Mojave would have been?

 

[jsturges18]

Wow I must admit that at first I thought you were complaining about multiple breakdowns and parts failing. Not voluntarily throwing $$$$ at multiple lift items and other add ons. That really have nothing to do with the reliability and dependability to get home and staying away from the dealer. But that’s your money and choice, but really all in good taste. But after all that extra money spent? You ever wonder how the Mojave would have been?

No, no breakdowns. Other than a warrantied handbrake and constant brake squeal, it’s been solid. The issues are all on me, but the frustration comes from using “bigger” named brands and parts but still having issues with them. Also with the local Clayton Dealer/JEEP shop. I didn’t go crazy putting bumpers and pretty fenders on. I wanted just a solid set up that looks great, looks proportional and works good. I really like the set up right now.

I wanted the Mojave. Honestly the main reason was cause I really like the hood. the shocks, rear locker and other bits are cool but at the time I didn’t want the extra $150 monthly add on. I have to live by my base pay, not by overtime. So overtime covers mods but base pay can only cover base models lol at least that’s what I live by.

A bit of a rant but I also don’t think anything less of base models to upper models like Mojave and rubicons. Lockers and swaybar disconnects don’t get used in Connecticut so it’s more of a status symbol than anything. The closest Jeep jamboree is in the New York Catskills area and they don’t even want Gladiators apparently. Pennsylvania off-road park is about a 5 hour drive. That’s a maybe 2 times a year trip so I can’t justify the bigger price tag of these models for twice a year features.

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