New Gladiator, what to do?

[Kyllingene]

I am the proud new owner of a 2020 Jeep Gladiator Sport; it has pretty basic trim (3 piece hard top, manual windows/locks), though it does have the towing package. This is my daily driver, but also for offroading and trails. I've yet to do anything to it except buy ATs.

My current (somewhat ordered) list is:
- Rock sliders or steps
- Lift (how high? pucks?)
- Rigid inner door pockets (though I'll keep the netting too)
- Sun net
- (eventually) Trail doors

What's missing? Any tips on where to start?

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[ShadowsPapa]

I am the proud new owner of a 2020 Jeep Gladiator Sport; it has pretty basic trim (3 piece hard top, manual windows/locks), though it does have the towing package. This is my daily driver, but also for offroading and trails. I've yet to do anything to it except buy ATs.

My current (somewhat ordered) list is:
- Rock sliders or steps
- Lift (how high? pucks?)
- Rigid inner door pockets (though I'll keep the netting too)
- Sun net
- (eventually) Trail doors

What's missing? Any tips on where to start?

All depends on what you want to do with it - what are your goals? What will you use it for? Will all of this be for looks/appearances, or will you take it in the rocks?

 

[Kyllingene]

All depends on what you want to do with it - what are your goals? What will you use it for? Will all of this be for looks/appearances, or will you take it in the rocks?

I'd like it to look nice... but that's entirely secondary to function. I'm not sure how many rocks just yet (we don't have much in my area), but I definitely intend on taking it out in the dirt as often as I get the opportunity.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

I'd like it to look nice... but that's entirely secondary to function. I'm not sure how many rocks just yet (we don't have much in my area), but I definitely intend on taking it out in the dirt as often as I get the opportunity.

For me at age 68 (and my wife with her knee issues) the RSE power steps were a must. Steps when you need them, up when you don't, and sliders otherwise.

Spiderweb sunshade also a must - can't handle the sun on my head like I used to - but then I was a hippie type in the 70s and have little of it left today.

I put the pocket storage things on my wife's JLU doors and she uses the heck out of them, but I've not gone that far with my JT yet. Hers have the cup holders and are plastic. She's always got her JLU cup holders full of "stuff".

 

[Old Dogger]

Welcome to the Forum!
Nice looking Ride.
Take your time and drive it for a while as is. This will help you determined, what it is that you really what to add as far as MODS are concerned. Needs and want's may very, but they all cost money.

 

[Old Dogger]

For me at age 68

Heck, your are just a Kid. LOL I am a old Coot, just about to turn 82.

 

[imallcrawl]

Welcome to the Gladiator family!! I like the advice about driving it for awhile. Although I love the way my JT is now, I did rush into my mods and ended up spending way too much money - not good.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

I like the advice about driving it for awhile.

Yeah, they are pretty great as they come.
For us, the power steps had to happen right away. THIS JT got them within 2 weeks, our JLU it took a month.
The sunshade is an easy no-brainer, too. That is IF you take the panels or roof off.
But much can wait - and research and choose the best for one's personal needs.
There's no rush

 

[Stan H]

I am the proud new owner of a 2020 Jeep Gladiator Sport; it has pretty basic trim (3 piece hard top, manual windows/locks), though it does have the towing package. This is my daily driver, but also for offroading and trails. I've yet to do anything to it except buy ATs.

My current (somewhat ordered) list is:
- Rock sliders or steps
- Lift (how high? pucks?)
- Rigid inner door pockets (though I'll keep the netting too)
- Sun net
- (eventually) Trail doors

What's missing? Any tips on where to start?

Lift 2"-2.5" if its daily driver . Then rear bracket will not have to be tampered with and the tires are not too much for off road at least seek a hybrid terrain or all terrain. Some KO2's would work.
I my humble opinion dont do pucks . Everyone that does changes em out later do an honest spring based lift. Cheers.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

I my humble opinion dont do pucks . Everyone that does changes em out later do an honest spring based lift. Cheers.

Depends on the purpose and needs.
If you like the original ride quality and spring rate, don't plan on any really harsh stuff, or it's for looks - go spacers.
Otherwise for more articulation in harsher environments, swap springs.

 

[Kyllingene]

Thanks for all the tidbits! A friend told me I should look into a quick disconnect pin for my sway bar (if I remember correctly), does that seem overkill? I was encountering some difficulty keeping all four on the ground last time I went to the local ORV park for some gullies.

I have heard that spacers are all I really need, and are much cheaper and easier. I think I'll go for those for now. The current ride could be smoother, but it's certainly bearable, considering the cost.

But for now, I'm just browsing my options and dropping dimes in the jar. I hope this can become a life-long hobby, so I'm always interested in learning more!

 

[OldButStillJeeping]

Nice looking Jeep! Leave it alone except for rock rails.

IMO, Since you do actually go offroad...

Rock rails or sliders 1st. The JT has a long wheelbase.

Sway bar discos should be on the 'Last to buy' list, especially if you have the rear locker. Disco links are cheap to buy but a PITA.

As others said. Drive it awhile. Get the feel of it. Then spend.

 

[Gvsukids]

A friend told me I should look into a quick disconnect pin for my sway bar

18mm wrench, or socket on a drill, works great too.

Lift 2"-2.5" if its daily driver .

What kind of daily driving do you need a 2.5" lift?

 

[Dim]

I am the proud new owner of a 2020 Jeep Gladiator Sport; it has pretty basic trim (3 piece hard top, manual windows/locks), though it does have the towing package. This is my daily driver, but also for offroading and trails. I've yet to do anything to it except buy ATs.

My current (somewhat ordered) list is:
- Rock sliders or steps
- Lift (how high? pucks?)
- Rigid inner door pockets (though I'll keep the netting too)
- Sun net
- (eventually) Trail doors

What's missing? Any tips on where to start?

Congratulations . It’s a nice rig . Wish you lot of pleasure . From my own experience , electric stepside from Rockslide engeenering are a nice improvement if lifted . They look nice too.
Lift ? Yeah for sure . If you wanna keep some real daily drivability best choice is Mopar 2inch lift . It’s not pricey at all and it will do the job . 35 inch tires is also nice .

 

[Janster]

Just drive it…….and have fun!!

And honestly….If you get rock rails, make sure they stick out past the body line.
I have ‘slider steps’ - they’re full length rock sliders that I use as a step. I use them to step on while washing the roof. They’re protection against door dings. And…when stones fly up from your tires, they’ll hit the underside of the sliders (And not your paint).

Upgrades will come with time….don’t rush it. Take the jeep on some mild offroad trails just to get a feel for it. The Jeep is far more capable then YOU are.

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