Prospective buyer. From JLUS to Ford Ranger to Gladiator Sport?

[cb4017]

Hi Folks! Thought I would introduce myself. Well, last year I kinda screwed up and traded my JLU Wrangler for a 2020 Ford Ranger. I've been a Jeep guy for years. Even once had a JKU that I had an LS 5.3L/6L80 engine/transmission swap done on by Motech. Anyway, I'm getting old and figured I was over the Jeep thing. Wanted something more comfortable on the road but still able to go off-road.

The Ranger is a nice truck. Very quick, comfortable, does good off road, but I miss having a Jeep.

I got the bright idea a few days ago to look at Gladiators. Prices have come down to earth. A nearby dealer has a Sport with max tow package that would be perfect. Now I'm seriously thinking I have to get one.

Please bear with me as I lurk, ask stupid questions and try to make the right decision.

Thanks
Cliff

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[stingrey]

We knew you'd be back.

They always come back

 

[futzin']

Good luck!!

 

[TREDpunk]

Welcome!

I went from an 08 JKU > F150 > Gladiator-MaxTow.

No regrets and glad to be back in a Jeep.

 

[saintpauljeff]

test drove the Ranger XLT & Colorado ZR2 the same day as the Gladiator, so the Sport S Max Tow is my first Jeep and it was interesting having a feeling that was different, I guess I was looking for something other than the same old truck experience? have no hate towards those other trucks, and I like where I'm at with what I chose ?

 

[HorneyBadger]

Good luck on your decision. Havent drove the new Ranger. The old ones sucked! They brought the Ranger back to deal with the Gen 3 Tacoma. And now try to compare the Ranger/Colorado/Tacoma to the Gladiator. Thing is, you cant take the top or doors off those others. And getting one of the others to match the capabilities of the Max Tow will cost you as much. Wish you the best on your decision.

 

[cb4017]

Good luck on your decision. Havent drove the new Ranger. The old ones sucked! They brought the Ranger back to deal with the Gen 3 Tacoma. And now try to compare the Ranger/Colorado/Tacoma to the Gladiator. Thing is, you cant take the top or doors off those others. And getting one of the others to match the capabilities of the Max Tow will cost you as much. Wish you the best on your decision.

To be fair the new Rangers are pretty nice and will spank the Tacoma. 270 HP and 310 Lb ft of torque. With a tune folks are getting close to 400 hp.
Tow capacity is 7,500 pounds which I think is around the same as the Gladiator.

That said, I still miss a Jeep. Got an appointment to look at a Gladiator tomorrow.

 

[cb4017]

Well, took a couple of days but I drove a Gladiator today. This one. A Sport with the max tow package and a few other options.
I liked it more than I thought I would. Thinking I'm going back tomorrow to make a deal.
For what I do I think at least a Rubicon suspension and tires are in my future.
Thanks!

 

[stingrey]

I don't want to open up a can of worms but would switching to the Rubicon suspension later reduce the Max Tow rating, negating the point of paying extra for it (Max Tow)?

 

[cb4017]

I don't want to open up a can of worms but would switching to the Rubicon suspension later reduce the Max Tow rating, negating the point of paying extra for it (Max Tow)?

I guess that's possible. I figured the tow rating had more to do with the increased cooling capacity for the engine and transmission and the HD 4.10 axles. Besides, my little travel trailer is under 3,000 pounds so I think I'll be ok.

 

[BLK74]

I guess that's possible. I figured the tow rating had more to do with the increased cooling capacity for the engine and transmission and the HD 4.10 axles. Besides, my little travel trailer is under 3,000 pounds so I think I'll be ok.

I am in the same boat as you and researching this too. You keep the rear springs and only swap the fronts and the four shocks.

 

[Sorbs]

You might do a little shopping around on the forum for the right Jeep sales guy vs. making a deal on a dealer’s lot. You can order custom and pay 8% below invoice if you don’t mind traveling outside your zip code. Better to get a Rubicon at a Max Tow price.

 

[cb4017]

I am in the same boat as you and researching this too. You keep the rear springs and only swap the fronts and the four shocks.

So the rear springs in the max tow package are stouter than the Rubicon springs?

 

[BLK74]

So the rear springs in the max tow package are stouter than the Rubicon springs?

Yes. The end result is a 1” level up front with better ride characteristics of the shock upgrade.

 

[cb4017]

Yes. The end result is a 1” level up front with better ride characteristics of the shock upgrade.

Great to know. That sounds like my new plan.
Thanks!

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