Project Wruck

[Anschutz]

After 21 years of Wrangler ownership across two TJs with a JKUR in between, my needs outgrew what the Wrangler could provide. Camping with two kids meant being limited to where the Honda Odyssey could go, and with my wife starting bowhunting, the TJ just wasn’t going to cut it. When I found a 2021 Gladiator Rubicon in my price and mileage range—with an ARE CX topper already installed—I knew it was time. I’ll always love the TJ platform, but the Gladiator lets me keep that Wrangler spirit alive in a way that works for my family.

Out with the old and in with the new. Wruck (Wrangler Truck) or maybe Project Wruck—still deciding. The drive up to Florence even came with a bonus: getting passed by the Scrambler Concept on the way. At the dealer, I gave Wruck a good look over—35s on 18s, no rust, just one scratch on the gas tank skid, and no signs of hard use. A clean slate.

I also learned a hard lesson today: Lil’ Red had a washed title from being totaled in 2014, something I missed by skipping a CarFax (never again). It stung, but that faded fast once I saw my kids’ excitement. My 4-year-old loves the red wheels (I don’t), the Sunrider top, and being high enough to see out. My 1-year-old was just as happy. Instead of mud or a trail, Wruck’s first outing was a rutted fire break down to a pond and back, with my daughter giggling the whole way.

A new chapter, and this one already feels like the right fit.

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[Lost1wing]

Nice color! You sound a bit excited too, not just the kids. You can have a lot of fun with it just the way it is. Enjoy!

 

[Jeep Creep]

Congratulations! It is a beautiful JT!
I came from CJ’s and TJ’s myself and ended up getting a gladiator as well.
You and your family will fall in love with it, and it will become a part of the family.
Enjoy..

 

[Anschutz]

Nice color! You sound a bit excited too, not just the kids. You can have a lot of fun with it just the way it is. Enjoy!

I am excited. This will probably be more of a Rig Journal than build thread. 35s was going to be the stopping point for tires. I will keep my eye out for an OEM Steel Bumper and add a winch. If one of those doesn't come up, I'll get the ARB front bumper. I like those and they hold up great. Likely saved my JK from being totaled when I hit a moose in Alaska.

 

[Stingray 5517]

I am excited. This will probably be more of a Rig Journal than build thread. 35s was going to be the stopping point for tires. I will keep my eye out for an OEM Steel Bumper and add a winch. If one of those doesn't come up, I'll get the ARB front bumper. I like those and they hold up great. Likely saved my JK from being totaled when I hit a moose in Alaska.

Congratulations on your new Wruck, and welcome to the Stingray club.

 

[Flyin6]

Me 2. Went from a JKUR to the AEV JTR and have never been happier.

 

[Jessup]

I am excited. This will probably be more of a Rig Journal than build thread. 35s was going to be the stopping point for tires. I will keep my eye out for an OEM Steel Bumper and add a winch. If one of those doesn't come up, I'll get the ARB front bumper. I like those and they hold up great. Likely saved my JK from being totaled when I hit a moose in Alaska.

I have an oem steel bumper with a place for the winch. Send me a private message if you're interested

 

[Adventure Lab (Team)]

You're going to love it! Tons of memories in the making!

We are in ours a ton. It's the Swiss Army Knife of the "adventure" vehicles.

 

[BennieD]

My gladiators brother!

 

[Alpine Warthog]

Dude, ARE shells are great! Welcome to the JT club!

 

[Neomonk21]

Nice! I came from a YJ and TJ Rubicon to my JT Mojave. I really enjoyed it when I test drove and, since then I have grown to love it. My 5-year old daughter also enjoys it. I took her off-roading in it for the first time a few weeks ago and she had a blast.

 

[Anschutz]

Nice! I came from a YJ and TJ Rubicon to my JT Mojave. I really enjoyed it when I test drove and, since then I have grown to love it. My 5-year old daughter also enjoys it. I took her off-roading in it for the first time a few weeks ago and she had a blast.

I'm hoping to get some trail in this weekend. Light wheeling most likely but something fun. I generally hate mud, but that seems to be the norm in KY. No big plans for this one. Bumper, winch, leveling kit, new rims when these tires wear out which will be a while, and some interior upgrades for comfort/longevity. This is the nicest vehicle I've ever owned, so I want to make it last. Especially since the Gladiator model likely won't be around forever.

 

[Cdubu52]

Im right there with you. I have had 3 TJs, 1 JKU, and just bought a 23 Gladiator Rubicon this summer. Just started with small mods, but have a long list of upcoming projects.

 

[HAMP]

ALASKA! I bought a 2014 JKUR straight out of AIT training in Texas, drove it all the way to JBER. Easily the most beautiful drive I've ever done. Upon reaching AK with about 3ft of snow on the ground I immediately invested it some stout wheels and tires through TrailToyz and a lift kit. Hatchers Pass was my break in trail, both too Jeeps and Off-Roading in general. I am trying to plan a trip up to AK with the JT in the next couple years. I need my Salmon run fix..... it's been too long!
Beautiful JT and welcome!!

 

[NHJeep4x4]

Congratulations, great setup!

Couldn't agree more, gladiators with a topper are a terrific family adventure vehicle. Myself, Mom and our 4 and 5 year old boys fit comfortably, and the dog crate stays in the back. I store the boys' fishing poles in it and the canoe fits great on the 3 roof bars. Just got back from camping last week in fact. The boys and I hit up the easy woods trails every so often. A 1 inch spacer lift and 35x11.50s works for now.

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