So, why the different grille between Wrangler and Gladiator?

[PBCounty]

If the wider grille slots on the Gladiator allow better airflow, why not streamline the parts chain and allow Wrangler to benefit as well?

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[Crane]

I've wondered this as well. Could it be a fuel economy trade off? Considering the honeycombs are larger but not the seven slots themselves, I'd imagine it was an engineering solution for cooling without having to sacrifice the classic jeep look as well.

 

[Hootbro]

The 24+ grille redesign and part numbers is common across both JL and JT's now.

 

[Vtur]

Better airflow is a myth.

 

[Crane]

Better airflow is a myth.

I always felt like that was probably what they said to justify the face-lift. A face-lift that I think was a step backwards in terms of design. But to each their own.

 

[Camaroboi13]

They’re listening to you…

 

[SamJ3]

There is a reason why the early Gladiators have a different grill - engineering for 'best in class towing'. https://www.jalopnik.com/the-engineering-behind-the-jeep-gladiators-tow-rating-1833657453/ it is an interesting read.

 

[Teqsand]

Diesel have the wider grill openings

 

[RacerAV]

I don't think I realized the grill trim inserts were different thicknesses! I wanted to take mine out, but don't think it's possible. Won't look right. Maybe one day I'll have a satin black grill with no inserts, Id like that on my Sarge Green JTM.

 

[DylanM]

Knowing how bean counters work, they likely kept making the thinner slot grille because they'd invested in making the moulds for it and doggone it, they're going to get their money's worth of use out of those moulds. Logistical complexity be damned, they spent good money and need to meet a minimum ROI figure!

 

[Janster]

Knowing how bean counters work, they likely kept making the thinner slot grille because they'd invested in making the moulds for it and doggone it, they're going to get their money's worth of use out of those moulds. Logistical complexity be damned, they spent good money and need to meet a minimum ROI figure!

….Or…. if its anything like my own company operates …. their departments are so fractured and/or sheltered… nobody took notice and/or realized they were different.

 

[Stan H]

Or it simply was to further place a distinction between the 2 that came back full circle to now all being the same for 24

 

[Hootbro]

Or it simply was to further place a distinction between the 2 that came back full circle to now all being the same for 24

JL came to market about 14 months before the JT was launched. The JT was still going through tow testing when they realized they needed larger grille openings for cooling.

Common sense would make you think the JL would have gone to the larger JT grille in 2020 but they did not for whatever reason

 

[DirkG]

I don't think I realized the grill trim inserts were different thicknesses!

[My inner 15 year old]
The extra thickness needed was probably based on feedback from the ladies.
[/My inner 15 year old]

 

[Brucewillys]

I've wondered this as well. Could it be a fuel economy trade off? Considering the honeycombs are larger but not the seven slots themselves, I'd imagine it was an engineering solution for cooling without having to sacrifice the classic jeep look as well.

My slots are wider than my wife's JL. Found out the hard way ordering Amazon junk that stated it would fit JL and JT and they fit my wife's grille fine but are quite a bit too small for mine.

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