Family build but my son might be too young...

[h4281776]

I thought I’d start a build thread to share some of the parts and pieces I’ve bought and maybe save some of you some time. I bought this gladiator as a way for my son and I to bond as he gets older. Oh yeah and the other son that’s on the way. Maybe it’s a bit early but that’s my story at this point. And maybe I’ve been wanting one of these for several years since they’ve been talking about them.

The Jeep is a white rubicon with dual top group and very minimal otherwise. Essentially a base rubicon.

Here’s where we started out

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[h4281776]

Then we added a EAG bumper and Smittybuilt 10k winch with synthetic line. I know I know, EAG is chinesium. I’ll build a bumper someday in the future but currently I don’t have time for that. And this thing was $300 from Amazon with free shipping.

 

[h4281776]

Not pictured is a stubby antenna, factory front grab handles and an alien sunshade up front for a JL. All great upgrades. 13” antenna from amazon and seems to work as well as factory. Grab handles are Mopar but way cheaper on Amazon. Sun shade works as billed. Then came the next upgrade. I went to the PAtruck show in Carslile looking for 35’s... stumbled into a great deal on 37’s. So these are 37x12.50x17 with a 9” wide wheel with a +1mm offset. And to my surprise, no rubbing with street driving. No lift yet BTW...

 

[h4281776]

37’s, no lift.

 

[h4281776]

A 2.5” leveling kit has been ordered but not installed yet. Driving to Florida fro PA in a couple weeks and I don’t want to work out any bugs on a trip that long. Gonna swap the 33’s back on for the drive to put some miles on them. Doing a gator and hog hunt for a buddies bachelor party and I’m driving 4 of us down. That’ll lead to some of the next few posts

 

[h4281776]

Next was a cargo system cheaper than the factory option but that had more fastener options. US Cargo Control was shown to me by a friend. Their 4’ rails worked perfect in the gladiator bed but I did have to drill and countersink new holes to line up with the factory locations. Also you’ll notice the linex bed liner. At the time of my order I couldn’t get the factory liner. Pictured are all the tools for the job.

 

[h4281776]

Forgot to mention the Tazer that allowed me to reprogram for the bigger tires. Definitely a must if you’re adding tire size. My only complaint is that it doesn’t seem to always keep the auto start stop off. Works 90% of the time on that option. This is one of their “live options” and I’m hoping for an update to fix that soon.

 

[h4281776]

So with the Florida trip I need more room for 4 dudes and the respective hunting gear, coolers and the like. So at work I’m developing a rack system that ties in with the US Cargo rail and their stud fasteners. Still in progress and will be powdercoated and support bars added. Oh and one main goal was to use it with the factory bed cover. Not for everyone I know but that’s the goal of this rack.

 

[h4281776]

Totally forgot about the Steinjager doors from the PA Jeep show. A lot has happened in the last few months to the gladiator.

 

[h4281776]

Some random cool pics, a great beer and a who wore it better photo. I often tow this 12’ long box trailer for work and the Jeep does great with it.

 

[TheSolarWizard]

Next was a cargo system cheaper than the factory option but that had more fastener options. US Cargo Control was shown to me by a friend. Their 4’ rails worked perfect in the gladiator bed but I did have to drill and countersink new holes to line up with the factory locations. Also you’ll notice the linex bed liner. At the time of my order I couldn’t get the factory liner. Pictured are all the tools for the job.

Sorry this might be obvious but did you drill the bed or just the rack?

 

[h4281776]

I drilled the aluminum rail to match the factory bolt locations. I’m steering clear of any mods at this point that require any cutting or drilling. Just not willing to break the paint yet. The Jeep bed threaded holes are M6x1 and the 4’ rails fit in perfectly with no cutting needed.

 

[h4281776]

Here is the safari rack in its final edit before the trip. I can walk around on the basket and I’m 200#. Pleased with the result so far.

 

[h4281776]

Here’s a idea of what I’m going for. 4 dudes in Florida to hunt a hog and gator each. So the bed rack may need to hold up to 400# (rough estimate of 100# bring back each and ice). I can put the heavier coolers in the bed if needed on the way back too. I figure a hunting gear tote, gun case, duffel bag and back pack each and I should still have extra room.

 

[h4281776]

The Gladiator in the wild. The rack worked as expected so far. Hopefully we pack the coolers full of meat and I get to test it with some additional weight. A sweet Florida hunting rig next to me.

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