New Gladiator Owner. Could use opinions.

[Jcedvm]

Hello. I am new to the world of Gladiator ownership and this is my first post to go along with it. I completely understand this information is likely thick in these forums but I have read so much my head hurts. I purchased a brand new 2023 Diesel Gladiator Rubicon. I am looking into lift kit options and wheel/tire combos. The local shop that has a pretty good reputation for installs etc has been very nice and helpful, however, their recommendations are not what I was personally thinking. Therefore the reason for this post is to ask the opinions of the community. If the shop's recommendations are accurate then that's how I'll be going.

So, here's what I WANTED: Clayton 3.5" Overland lift kit, XD FMJ 20"x 12" (5x5) wheels, with Mickey Thompson Baja Legend EXP 37x 13.5R20.

Shop recommends: Rock Krawler 3" lift kit with shocks, XD FMJ 20"x9" (5x5) wheels, With Mickey Thompson Baja Legend EXP 37x 12.5R20.

My intentions with this Gladiator is a weekend driver/toy. I've got young children that love to ride around with the top off etc. I do not have immediate intentions to off road to speak of but I'm not ruling it out for the future so I kind of want to be 'prepared' for it instead of having to do redo the kit. I'll be cruising on weekends with the family. Long trips possibly to jeep gatherings but otherwise all local.

Therefore, if the shop is correct, so be it. I'm definitely into eye appeal not necessarily functionality however, I do want it to be safe for the family and I want to take care of it and have it last me for a very long time. I honestly cannot picture the end result so it makes it very difficult to know what the 'right' answer is.

Being this is my first post I apologize if there's a thread that answers this already. I also am happy to answer further questions.

Thank you in advance for all of your input.

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[KevinC]

Your going to get opinions here. You need to make your own decision and based on what you have researched I would not let a shop make those decisions for me. If your research brought you to Clayton, hold to it and tell the shop that's what you want.

My opinion (see, I told ya). 37x12.50x17. I don't like 20" for this size tire. The more rubber the better for on and off road,

 

[Free2roam]

Clayton all the way!

 

[High Alextude]

If you like the way it drives currently, don’t change a damn thing. Once you mod the suspension, you’re going to be upgrading a lot more than you think, especially if the goal is 3-3.5 lift and 37’s.

Have you driven a lifted Jeep before? I hate to see people who upgrade for looks then hate how it drives after to only keep it short term and then be pissed about trade in values.

 

[LouisvEarlleJT]

Find a local shop truck, etc., that is lifted in a similar way to what you're wanting and go test drive it. Lifted trucks drive differently (and gladiators/jeeps already drive differently than most things).

20's are a bad decision for the long run. More expensive tire options, harsher ride, worse capabilities off road (if you every decide to do that).

 

[Wolf Island Diver]

If your plans are to primarily drive on road, then go with the lift that has the best road manners. I wouldn’t go with a Rock Krawler lift. I wouldn’t go that route for a trailer queen, honestly. I’d probably run Metalcloak et al. For primary on road use that’s still plenty off road capable, I would go with an AEV lift, Clayton 2nd. You want to keep your rake so you can actually carry people and stuff, or at least not have a really soft rear and. I also wouldn’t do 20s for the same reasons others have stated.

I have a JTRD as well and the AEV lift was a night and day difference. My 21’ truck was pre-Fox shock TSB and was borderline dangerous on road. The front was so underdamped it would bottom out going down the driveway. With the AEV lift, the truck has excellent road manners, a good ride and still performs extremely well off road. Also a 2.5 AEV lift is at least as tall as a 3” Rock Krawler. It’s over 3 inches. RK over estimates their lifts. Trail Recon, among others has demonstrated lift stated height vs reality. AEV lifts are taller than advertised because they come with what are basically overlanding springs. I now have the 3” AEV springs which is more like a 4.5” lift. Clayton also makes a good lift and actually cater to overland use but I would still chose the AEV for simplicity and their in-house drivability testing.

Also, probably the most important thing to research is the shop. Most of the 4x4 shops around here cater to folks that just want to lift their trucks for looks. I know that’s what you’re talking about, but that means they tend to slap stuff together because it’s not going off road. Most of the ones around here have a rep for putting dangerous junk on the road and/or ruining peoples trucks. Personally I don’t trust most shops to take the time to properly set adjustable control arms and they’re hard to do without a lift. Another plug for the AEV lift is that it doesn’t include replacement control arms. It uses drop brackets. It’s easily installed by yourself in your driveway which is what I would recommend. It also comes with a base for the stock jack so you can actually change tires and a programmer, WHICH YOU MUST HAVE. Don’t drive this truck with the wrong size tires set in the ECU.

Lastly, I don’t know what it is, but I would never trust any shop to sell me rims. It seems every truck and Jeep I see have wheels sticking way the hell out from the side. I know Cheech and Chong loved this look, but personally I think it looks idiotic on a Jeep. More importantly than personal preference it’s terrible for the axle, the frame, the knuckles, the steering components and safe handling. I would get wheels with proper backspacing. Most shops sell what they have on hand. They’ll even sell wheels that don’t fit and spacers. A Rubicon Gladiator with a medium lift and proper backspacing can fit 40s. You shouldn’t need wheel spacers. AEV also makes DOT-approved beadlocks, that can be run with appearance rings and converted later. They balance better than any non-beadlock tire/rim combo I’ve encountered.

Mine on 37s, AEV lift and AEV beadlock wheels so you can see the proportions.

 

[Riding with Gladys]

I agree with most of what's on here and would add a final thought, if you are doing lots of road driving with your family and safety is a consideration I might consider sticking with the 37 x 12.50 for wet weather road handling. Wider tire will hydroplane faster all other things being equal. If you love the 13.50 width go for it just drive accordingly.

 

[MMMojave]

My opinion….

get a second or third job. You just went broke and cashed in your retirement and you DONT even know it yet.

 

[Koolcarguy]

Hello. I am new to the world of Gladiator ownership and this is my first post to go along with it. I completely understand this information is likely thick in these forums but I have read so much my head hurts. I purchased a brand new 2023 Diesel Gladiator Rubicon. I am looking into lift kit options and wheel/tire combos. The local shop that has a pretty good reputation for installs etc has been very nice and helpful, however, their recommendations are not what I was personally thinking. Therefore the reason for this post is to ask the opinions of the community. If the shop's recommendations are accurate then that's how I'll be going.

So, here's what I WANTED: Clayton 3.5" Overland lift kit, XD FMJ 20"x 12" (5x5) wheels, with Mickey Thompson Baja Legend EXP 37x 13.5R20.

Shop recommends: Rock Krawler 3" lift kit with shocks, XD FMJ 20"x9" (5x5) wheels, With Mickey Thompson Baja Legend EXP 37x 12.5R20.

My intentions with this Gladiator is a weekend driver/toy. I've got young children that love to ride around with the top off etc. I do not have immediate intentions to off road to speak of but I'm not ruling it out for the future so I kind of want to be 'prepared' for it instead of having to do redo the kit. I'll be cruising on weekends with the family. Long trips possibly to jeep gatherings but otherwise all local.

Therefore, if the shop is correct, so be it. I'm definitely into eye appeal not necessarily functionality however, I do want it to be safe for the family and I want to take care of it and have it last me for a very long time. I honestly cannot picture the end result so it makes it very difficult to know what the 'right' answer is.

Being this is my first post I apologize if there's a thread that answers this already. I also am happy to answer further questions.

Thank you in advance for all of your input.

Congratulations on the new Jt diesel!. Your going to love it! I have 2 Jt diesel 1 Rubi 1 Sport S. So on my Rubi I went all out in my opion and did a 3 aev lift on the Sport s I did the mopar 2.5 lift. I run 37x12.50 17 Mt Baja Legends on both. Both handle good no complaint really....but for the price and the added warrant factor the mopar lift is the best bang for the buck I've wheeled it alot and been super happy. If I did it again it would be the mopar lift and upgraded Bilstein shocks. I run 17 only I like the extra rubber on the side. Good luck making your Jt just like you want it

 

[Wheelin98TJ]

Clayton and Rock Krawler both make nice stuff. I chose Clayton this time for mine and I'm happy with it.

For the wheels, I agree with the shop recommending a 9" wide wheel instead of the 12" wide wheels you wanted. Unless you want the tires sticking out really far and you're ok with the increased wear on parts.

 

[56cbr600rr]

Mostly I think... 17's. Not 20's. IF you are not gonna offroad really I would say a simple kit. I have the 2.5 inch ReadyLift SST kit. Drives FANTASTIC. I only go offroad 3-4 times a year. I tow a boat. IT is perfect. With 35's..... on a 17 inch wheel.

 

[kevman65]

17" wheels and tires gives you more options and saves you a BUNCH of money.

Rock Krawler makes good stuff, springs may be stiffer than you want.
Personally I won't buy unknown origin shocks rebranded with another company name on them.

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