Our Willys build.

[staying_tuned]

I've been meaning to start logging a build thread. As winter approaches we've been spending as much time in the woods as possible. We absolutely love the truck. I've had my eyes on a Gladiator since launch. Previously we've owned a TJx2, JK and a JKU. Between the last JKU and Gladiator, we took a Jeep sabbatical with a 4Runner. We loved that truck but got a random great offer on it and haven't regretted moving it.

The Truck:

2021 Willys Diesel - Window Sticker (6% off invoice via Leon at @CriswellJeep in MD a few hours from us. I could write pages on how fantastic that whole experience was. The dealership itself was great, all staff were friendly but Leon himself is next level.)

Mods to date:

• AEV 2.5" Dual Sport Springs, AEV Extended End Links, AEV Geometry Correction Brackets
• JKS Adjustable Front Track Bar
• Falcon 3.1 Piggy-Back Shocks (ESS batt relo’d)
• 35"x11.5" Toyo Open Country A/T III
• 17x9 KMS Roswell (0mm offset variant w/ hub rings) - Custom powder coated
• RokBlokz LX/Long Mud Flaps
• Custom Paracord Grab Handles from @darksidedesign (epic, pics to come)
• Rival full-width front bumper
• Diode Dynamic SS3 Pro pods up front
• SuperWinch SX10-SR
• WeBoost Reach OTR
• Leitner ACS Forged Rack w/ Additional Static Load Bar
• iKamper SkyCamp 2.0
• Diode Dynamics Pro Fogs in Yellow
• Raptor Lined Bed DIY
• MBRP filter back exhaust
• Coverking Topliner

Future plans:

We are currently focusing on extending our ability to be in the woods with our little ones. Misc. comfort & convenience things are top priority at this point. Once I wrap up the WeBoost install, we'll start planning rail storage & layout. We are enjoying the darn thing too much to free up install days/weekends. Aside from the alignment and mounting/balancing of the tires, we've done everything ourselves.

A few pics:

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[RCKLNDR]

Looks awesome ?

 

[staying_tuned]

WeBoost Drive Reach OTR installed. The bracket WireCaps and rail trim, available on the ACS forged rack by Leitner, helped make the finished result quite buttoned up. Their attention to detail is unmatched in my experience.

Opted to not run any extensions on the antenna itself. I wanted it mounted high but not in great danger of being knocked around on trail. The included spring (and all included hardware) felt very top shelf. It offers ample amount of bend so it just bends to the side when the RTT is opened.

I tried to manage my expectations in advance but I'm pretty shocked at how well it performs. We've lived in our current home 9 years. Friends, family, nobody has been able to carry a call within a mile of our place to our home. We are so used to it I'll pull over well in advance and park it if I need to answer a call where a drop (work) is unacceptable. With the WeBoost on, I can not only carry a call but my wife was able to stream music on hers. This unit supports multiple devices. Our iPhones in field test mode show a drop (good) of 3 to 5 DBs which is fantastic. I hard-wired it on a switched source behind the cigarette lighter. The inside antenna is mounted above and slightly behind the drivers seat next to the sound bar speaker (see pics). External wire goes down the bed, dips into a little hex shaped hole, some play for bed flex between it and cab, under the truck for about a foot then up through the floor via a factory grommet. Had to fish it from the inside but its a perfect location to mount the box itself in that little cubby area behind the rear seat. Plenty of room to breath/dissipate heat and easy to monitor if needed.

We'll have our first test in the field this weekend when we head up to bald eagle state park. Near zero coverage on either side of that mountain. So far so good.

 

[VolatileA]

Absolutely love the wheel color combo, that is an awesome lookin Gladiator.

 

[staying_tuned]

Grab handle shots by @darksidedesign, fantastic set of handles.

Also received my fogs although the bracket sent wasn't appropriate for my Willys despite me selecting the plastic bumper option. They shipped a new set of brackets, can't wait to get these on.

 

[staying_tuned]

Diode dynamic pro fogs installed. Ultra bright with incredible spread & depth. Can’t wait for the season’s first snowfall.

 

[staying_tuned]

HiLift and MaxTrax boards mounted via Leitner's brackets and MaxTrax post tabs. Feels very solid. I've got a pair of Quick Fists that I intend on leveraging to mount a full 5' shovel on the inside center. Picked up SS hardware for those yesterday. The layout strategy so far with these rack walls has been:

Right Side - Larger Recovery Items (almost complete)
Left Side - Propane tank mount & gear pod for electronics, first aid, etc. essentially things we want secured and protected but not necessarily in the cab.
Bed - We have 2x 40G rugged containers for misc camping gear, cooler, chairs etc.

 

[WhippetTaxi]

Very nicely documented build thread. Thoughtful, quality mods accompanied by great photography!

 

[staying_tuned]

Falcon 3.1 with the full size (designed for the 3.6 gas model) reservoirs. Ceramic coated them and relo’d the ESS/Aux battery to the back of the cab.

 

[staying_tuned]

Added an outlet w/ extension for the block heater. On the diesel, the plug is on the passenger’s side, but I wanted it on my side to make it much easier to access. Pulled the bumper entirely off, about 2 hours start to finish with my 4 & 6 y/o “helpers” : )

 

[staying_tuned]

Dedicated snow set on. Got the full setup with TPMS sensors for under $1,100 shipped. $627 for the Toyo WLT1 in 285/70R17 and $479 shipped for the Tactik wheels and a full set of (post 6/15/21 build date) Mopar TPMS sensors. Hit the steelies with ceramic before balancing.

I was looking forward to testing the AT3s but when I realized I could run a dedicated set for right around 1k on the cyber deals etc. I decided to go that route.

 

[Mac Attack]

Dedicated snow set on. Got the full setup with TPMS sensors for under $1,100 shipped. $627 for the Toyo WLT1 in 285/70R17 and $479 shipped for the Tactik wheels and a full set of (post 6/15/21 build date) Mopar TPMS sensors. Hit the steelies with ceramic before balancing.

I was looking forward to testing the AT3s but when I realized I could run a dedicated set for right around 1k on the cyber deals etc. I decided to go that route.

Really like your thread. I'm in Mount Bethel (@4 miles south of East Stroudsburg). Intend to get a diesel also, but wasn't planning on getting the engine block heater...obviously, if I was back in Alaska, it would be a must. Do you really think you will need it in PA...or, just for insurance/trips North?

 

[staying_tuned]

Really like your thread. I'm in Mount Bethel (@4 miles south of East Stroudsburg). Intend to get a diesel also, but wasn't planning on getting the engine block heater...obviously, if I was back in Alaska, it would be a must. Do you really think you will need it in PA...or, just for insurance/trips North?

We have a garage but I keep it in our car port post RTT install. She’s too tall now to fit in the garage. With temps dipping into the teens at night (top of mountain off 903) and this being my first diesel, I didn’t want to take any chances. Any actual diesel pro would probably laugh at me : ) but it also helps get temps up much faster. Two years ago we were hitting -10 so yeah, more insurance than anything although Dodge calls for the grill cover to go on their EcoD Rams at anything under 30 so who knows.

Mount Bethel is a beautiful area! Have you checked out the bald eagle area? A bit of a hike north but wow, great trails, scenery and proper privacy with their massive primitive camp sites.

 

[Mac Attack]

We have a garage but I keep it in our car port post RTT install. She’s too tall now to fit in the garage. With temps dipping into the teens at night (top of mountain off 903) and this being my first diesel, I didn’t want to take any chances. Any actual diesel pro would probably laugh at me : ) but it also helps get temps up much faster. Two years ago we were hitting -10 so yeah, more insurance than anything although Dodge calls for the grill cover to go on their EcoD Rams at anything under 30 so who knows.

Mount Bethel is a beautiful area! Have you checked out the bald eagle area? A bit of a hike north but wow, great trails, scenery and proper privacy with their massive primitive camp sites.

Understand. Would appreciate any insights you have going thru the winter. Ah, the eagles. Live about 2 miles from Deleware River...on a small lake...have 1-3 eagles a week that visit. A couple of years ago, two of them were tearing into a goose carcass @10 yards from our back door. Beautiful birds.

 

[staying_tuned]

Rival full width bumper with a SuperWinch SX10-SR & Factor55 ProLink. Winch cover is inbound. The bumper's fit and finish is impressive and an overall pleasure to install. The included skid plate is robust although I'll be raptor lining it black next weekend. I like the gray but it stands out a bit too much for my tastes.

My Diode Dynamics SS3 Pro pods were originally configured round (OEM LED SWAP) but thankfully they offer interchangeable bezels for $30. I swapped them out and mounting was a breeze. I lost my block heater outlet for now but once we get back from our camping trip this weekend, I'll be mounting it to the inside of the bumper.

I lost about 1/4" in height up front making my total rake around 1.75". I was waiting until I have the majority of the heavy gear in place before moving on a spring solution. Currently I've got AEV's 2" spacers in place.

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