Supazuk
Well-Known Member
- Thread starter
- #1
This is going to be a compilation of much of what I have posted already here on the Forum and document the Journey from Die hard Zuk guy to Dark sided crossover adventures in my first Jeep; a 2023 Gladiator Sport S with max tow package
As I said I am very much a Suzuki guy at heart and over the years I have documented my journey through life via forums
From Off road.co to Pirate. If some of you may know my name or my zuk, reach out
my zuk build on P4x4 : https://www.pirate4x4.com/threads/supazuk-ever-changing.681910/#replies
2002 - This is where it all started, fresh out of boot camp with my then GF (now wife) on my first PCS to Cali in my 1994 Samurai on a trail in AZ!
And some how 22 years latter I still have both
and yes Both the Zuk and I have both grown!
Fast Forward to Mar 2024,
I miss the Open air Trip home from the trail and just hit dirt roads
I'm driving home from the Beer store and a I see a white '21 gladdy at the local buy here pay here used lot, see the price think that's not bad
After a couple cold ones, I wonder what can I afford... Hit the old USAA loan site ... I'm approved for far more then I thought .....
a few weeks go by and I came into a unexpected extra money ... the next day we are in the car and we hear and ad o the radio for 13% off all '23 jeep gladiators. wife looks at me and says do you really want someone else's problems.. you never really got a retirement gift and the money did come from the VA
she is right .... as always my absolute financial compass
April 2024,
So I do a thing, I buy a Left over 2023 Jeep Gladiator Sport S and I get it for a smoking deal its got 22 miles on it ...
It has the Max tow package 4.10's trac-loc, hard top, Dual door group, Mopar spray in bed liner, tri fold soft tonneau, full alpine premium sound
Here is the window sticker:
Took home the gladiator ( this poor truck has no idea what it is in for!)
(save room for first pic)
I put a stubby antenna that I ordered before it was home .... by day three it was back in a box, The reception was so bad!
May,
already put Rough county seat covers and a tazer JL
(holding place for winch and bumper install) apex winch and Barricade HD bumper
June 13 2024,
Put on half doors (factory Dual door group) and installed a new Rugged Ridge Voyager Soft Top.
2 months old (left over 2023 had 2 2miles I have 3600 already ) and the doors just came out of the box !
Of course they next day it rained ugg!
July 16 2024,
First Oil change 6,094 miles
July 27 2024,
Finally got the wiring done on the winch
Pic of just the half doors on, top almost off and soft top hardware install:
March 17 2024,
purchased and installed the Redarc brake controller
I wanted to keep a 12v out let so I routed the harness over to the glove box (its just zip tied for now, till I make a mount)
Aug 19-23 2024,
First trip family vacation: Lego land NY then Lake George (6 Flags) and finished at lake Placid (Herb Brooks arena)
Oct 20 2024,
My Kid had a hockey game in Berlin NH and while waiting to get out I noticed Jericho MT off road park was 4 miles away, hey lets take a look, now I was not planing on wheeling...(first owner left over 2023 Sport S Max Tow bought in May 2024 with 20 miles on it)
Went to the info booth, next thing ya know I have a hang tag......
I only got pics entering the gate ... skid plates got used and scraped up the rims a lil had fun, but didn't have to pull any line...
Now I need Rubicon fenders, Soft 8 steel wheels and 35's
So this is how Bad Ideas happen...
and just like that the wheeling and building bug got me !!!!
Oct 28 2024,
Second Oil change 15,155 ... they also replaced the rearview mirror that was de-laminating
And that's it for dealer Wave Oil changes
Bought a take off rubicon suspension
Ordered a Terflex 2 1/2 leveling kit
Dec 19 2024,
Did my first Oil change at home 19,929 also put in a K&N air filter ahead of FL Road trip
Dec 20 - 31 2024,
Second Family trip: Drove the gladiator from NH to FL for Christmas at my Parent's House in the villages with a Side trip to the Freedom factory for the Christmas light display and got to drive on the Track!
Got to Drive it on the Freedom Factory track in Bradenton FL durring the Christmas light display, However didn't make it to Daytona to drive on the beach, kids got sick
Dec 27, 2024,
Not a Mod, but needed to change wiper blades .. walked through changing the driver side with my 15 year old ... he did the passenger himself ... part of my plan to teach him basic maintenance before he gets his license
Jan 26-28 2025
Hockey tournament trip: to St Alban's VT (just shy of the Canadian border) with my daughter, Team goalie and I help coach her team This is the first daddy daughter over night trip we had a great time they came in second she was bumbed out for that championship loss but what doesn't fix that but we are in VT a trip to Ben & Jerrys!!! she is all smiles, and at that moment it hit me why we do all these crazy sports
Feb 5 2025,
Factory running boards came off and put on Barracade enhanced rubi rails
Feb 8 2025,
Technically last night and also i didn't do it....
Alarm was going off I ran out in the snow like a wild man .... to find no one there and the doors locked ...
I ran back in to get the keys to shut it off .... I stop it ... and it starts again....
I realize the washer is running and my hoodie is not where I left it ...... ...
nooo key is in the washer ..get the fob out.. pry it open get the soaked battery out ... my fault left keys in my hoodie but we have been here before with our mini keys .... at least I got the key insurance this time
Feb 21 2025
Did the oil 27,958 and put some LED bulbs in the fog lights (used the Tazer to change the LED setting)
Feb 22 2025
My 3 am commute this morning confirmed they are a great upgrade!
Mar 7 2025
installed Oracle Rear Bumper LED Reverse Lights used the plug and play harness
Mar 16 2025
Watched the Odometer read 30,000 miles
April 10 2025
Removed the Max tow flares and installed some Take off Rubicon flares with LED turn signals I got for $250
April 11 2025
Dealer finally got my replacement Key and went in to get it programed
after that drive over to Tire shop to order 35's
April 12
installed terraflex 2 spacers up front with lower control arms and track bar, bump stops and swaybar links
At the time I took this picture my wife came home... looked shook her head and said "Oh we are already at this point, well I know where this is headed "
On top of That I swaped out the sport S max tow front springs for JL rubi springs . Here is side by side pic of front rubi springs and sport springs:
and a pic before I did the rear 1 inch spacer:
Now it sits nice and level. I will post more pics after I finish adjusting the front trac bar ( front is off center 1 inchto the left) and torquing it all down!
I Know it looks like the JT skipped leg day! Monday I'm having 35x11.5r17's mounted on the factory rims (will be good for winter wheels)
The eventual plan is 37's and wider wheels but have not decided on what rims or back spacing / offset. and I will want gears
April 13 2025
Did a final torque on everything (installed a teraflex lift on Friday), did a quick string and tape measure alignment to to adjust the front track bar and drag link to center the steering wheel checked lug torque and went for a ride. On pavement and smooth dirt it drove great. However, when I got to some washboard there was rattle front passenger (not sure maybe a shock bolt or the sway bar links) and in the deep washes it bottomed out fast (thinking the bump stop extensions are too tall)
It's headed to the tire shop after work (just a few miles down the street) to get 35x11.5r17's Toyo open county A/T's and an alignment maybe they will see something I missed. I'm gonna flex it all out and hit every bolt when I get it home from the shop anyway to see if anything rubs or rattles still
April 14 2025
At the shop... 35's all mounted now waiting on an alignment ...I haven't been this excited about new rubber since high school!
after it got off the alignment rack the tech came out with the sheet all smiles, asks did you say you set this up with string and a tape measure. Yep I did (ok I also used an angle finder on the axle for caster) Numbers were dead on I will post it when i can scan it
They also gave me tape measure so I could get tire height. I used J-scan, in the parking lot, to set tire height, its just easier then tazer TBH
***
Just an update,
The bonehead installer (ME) missed tighting the upper passenger shock bolt, and after flexing it out, it turns out the front bumps stop extensions are in fact an inch too long. While that tech (ME) needs to remember check each box, The Service writer (Wife) was impressed that the Tech (ME again) diagnosed the symptoms on the test drive.
Tech was reprimanded by Service writer, removed from JT project until her 2015 Countryman All 4s Project gets finished and I owe her a night out without the kids
****
April 15 2025
I drove it to work this morning for the first time after lift and tires !!!!!
... I was so excited to get up this morning, hop in and drive! the ride was smooth and without a hint of wander.
I think its because this was months of planing and boxes of parts executed in one weekend and not one trip to get a missing bolt, part or a tool that I needed to finish it also I had all 3 of my kids put in some wrench time with me. This is the first build that I got to instantly see results, this excited me more than the day I brought it home.
I know this is not the end .... lets see where this goes!!!!!
Current Bolt On's
(its not a mod if it didn't include cuting or a welder, My build my rules)!
Engine:
K&N filter
Suspension:
Front:
Teraflex 2" front spacer w/ 2 inch bolt in bump stop (bottoms out)
JL rubicon front spring
Rubicon front shocks
Teraflex Forged Track Bar
Teraflex bump stops
Tera flex HD Drag link ( I swear I was gonna not be a teraflex fan boy and get more stickers for my tool box ... oppps)
Rear:
Teraflex 1 " rear spacer (factory max tow spring) and bolt in bump stops
Teraflex bump stops
Tires:
35x11.5r17's Toyo open county A/T's
Exterior:
Barricade HD front bumper
Badlands Apex 12,000 winch w/ synthetic cable
Barricade Enhanced Rubi rails
Red rock rear sliders (kinda a mod had to cut the plastic bumper)
Second black rear tow hook
Bolt Hood lock
key hole covers
Rubicon unpainted Flares (take offs)
Rugged Ridge Voyager Top
Second Badge (so I could move the antenna under the dash)
Lights:
Oracle Bumber back up lights
Led fog bulbs
LED DRL's (came with fenders)
Interior:
lota jungle site plastic cubby / holder things
Rough Country seat covers
cheap para cord grab handles
Bed:
(its not interior but its not exterior)
Teraflex bed rails
High Lift, high Lift mount with 48" High Lift
Jungle site bed mat and collapsible totes
Electricals & Beeb/Boops:
Jscan
Tazer (No more start stop!!!)
RedArc tow controler
PARTS in the Garage
.. I need to make some orders!!!!
PLANS!!!
Front locker
37's and rims
Skids (might make them)
Dreams!!!!
Mojave Hood (this may mover to Plans)
40"s and bead locks
Power wagon axles
V8 392 or LS
As I said I am very much a Suzuki guy at heart and over the years I have documented my journey through life via forums
From Off road.co to Pirate. If some of you may know my name or my zuk, reach out
my zuk build on P4x4 : https://www.pirate4x4.com/threads/supazuk-ever-changing.681910/#replies
2002 - This is where it all started, fresh out of boot camp with my then GF (now wife) on my first PCS to Cali in my 1994 Samurai on a trail in AZ!
And some how 22 years latter I still have both
and yes Both the Zuk and I have both grown!
Fast Forward to Mar 2024,
I miss the Open air Trip home from the trail and just hit dirt roads
I'm driving home from the Beer store and a I see a white '21 gladdy at the local buy here pay here used lot, see the price think that's not bad
After a couple cold ones, I wonder what can I afford... Hit the old USAA loan site ... I'm approved for far more then I thought .....
a few weeks go by and I came into a unexpected extra money ... the next day we are in the car and we hear and ad o the radio for 13% off all '23 jeep gladiators. wife looks at me and says do you really want someone else's problems.. you never really got a retirement gift and the money did come from the VA
she is right .... as always my absolute financial compass
April 2024,
So I do a thing, I buy a Left over 2023 Jeep Gladiator Sport S and I get it for a smoking deal its got 22 miles on it ...
It has the Max tow package 4.10's trac-loc, hard top, Dual door group, Mopar spray in bed liner, tri fold soft tonneau, full alpine premium sound
Here is the window sticker:
Took home the gladiator ( this poor truck has no idea what it is in for!)
(save room for first pic)
I put a stubby antenna that I ordered before it was home .... by day three it was back in a box, The reception was so bad!
May,
already put Rough county seat covers and a tazer JL
(holding place for winch and bumper install) apex winch and Barricade HD bumper
June 13 2024,
Put on half doors (factory Dual door group) and installed a new Rugged Ridge Voyager Soft Top.
2 months old (left over 2023 had 2 2miles I have 3600 already ) and the doors just came out of the box !
Of course they next day it rained ugg!
July 16 2024,
First Oil change 6,094 miles
July 27 2024,
Finally got the wiring done on the winch
Pic of just the half doors on, top almost off and soft top hardware install:
March 17 2024,
purchased and installed the Redarc brake controller
I wanted to keep a 12v out let so I routed the harness over to the glove box (its just zip tied for now, till I make a mount)
Aug 19-23 2024,
First trip family vacation: Lego land NY then Lake George (6 Flags) and finished at lake Placid (Herb Brooks arena)
Oct 20 2024,
My Kid had a hockey game in Berlin NH and while waiting to get out I noticed Jericho MT off road park was 4 miles away, hey lets take a look, now I was not planing on wheeling...(first owner left over 2023 Sport S Max Tow bought in May 2024 with 20 miles on it)
Went to the info booth, next thing ya know I have a hang tag......
I only got pics entering the gate ... skid plates got used and scraped up the rims a lil had fun, but didn't have to pull any line...
Now I need Rubicon fenders, Soft 8 steel wheels and 35's
So this is how Bad Ideas happen...
and just like that the wheeling and building bug got me !!!!
Oct 28 2024,
Second Oil change 15,155 ... they also replaced the rearview mirror that was de-laminating
And that's it for dealer Wave Oil changes
Bought a take off rubicon suspension
Ordered a Terflex 2 1/2 leveling kit
Dec 19 2024,
Did my first Oil change at home 19,929 also put in a K&N air filter ahead of FL Road trip
Dec 20 - 31 2024,
Second Family trip: Drove the gladiator from NH to FL for Christmas at my Parent's House in the villages with a Side trip to the Freedom factory for the Christmas light display and got to drive on the Track!
Got to Drive it on the Freedom Factory track in Bradenton FL durring the Christmas light display, However didn't make it to Daytona to drive on the beach, kids got sick
Dec 27, 2024,
Not a Mod, but needed to change wiper blades .. walked through changing the driver side with my 15 year old ... he did the passenger himself ... part of my plan to teach him basic maintenance before he gets his license
Jan 26-28 2025
Hockey tournament trip: to St Alban's VT (just shy of the Canadian border) with my daughter, Team goalie and I help coach her team This is the first daddy daughter over night trip we had a great time they came in second she was bumbed out for that championship loss but what doesn't fix that but we are in VT a trip to Ben & Jerrys!!! she is all smiles, and at that moment it hit me why we do all these crazy sports
Feb 5 2025,
Factory running boards came off and put on Barracade enhanced rubi rails
Feb 8 2025,
Technically last night and also i didn't do it....
Alarm was going off I ran out in the snow like a wild man .... to find no one there and the doors locked ...
I ran back in to get the keys to shut it off .... I stop it ... and it starts again....
I realize the washer is running and my hoodie is not where I left it ...... ...
nooo key is in the washer ..get the fob out.. pry it open get the soaked battery out ... my fault left keys in my hoodie but we have been here before with our mini keys .... at least I got the key insurance this time
Feb 21 2025
Did the oil 27,958 and put some LED bulbs in the fog lights (used the Tazer to change the LED setting)
Feb 22 2025
My 3 am commute this morning confirmed they are a great upgrade!
Mar 7 2025
installed Oracle Rear Bumper LED Reverse Lights used the plug and play harness
Mar 16 2025
Watched the Odometer read 30,000 miles
April 10 2025
Removed the Max tow flares and installed some Take off Rubicon flares with LED turn signals I got for $250
April 11 2025
Dealer finally got my replacement Key and went in to get it programed
after that drive over to Tire shop to order 35's
April 12
installed terraflex 2 spacers up front with lower control arms and track bar, bump stops and swaybar links
At the time I took this picture my wife came home... looked shook her head and said "Oh we are already at this point, well I know where this is headed "
On top of That I swaped out the sport S max tow front springs for JL rubi springs . Here is side by side pic of front rubi springs and sport springs:
and a pic before I did the rear 1 inch spacer:
Now it sits nice and level. I will post more pics after I finish adjusting the front trac bar ( front is off center 1 inchto the left) and torquing it all down!
I Know it looks like the JT skipped leg day! Monday I'm having 35x11.5r17's mounted on the factory rims (will be good for winter wheels)
The eventual plan is 37's and wider wheels but have not decided on what rims or back spacing / offset. and I will want gears
April 13 2025
Did a final torque on everything (installed a teraflex lift on Friday), did a quick string and tape measure alignment to to adjust the front track bar and drag link to center the steering wheel checked lug torque and went for a ride. On pavement and smooth dirt it drove great. However, when I got to some washboard there was rattle front passenger (not sure maybe a shock bolt or the sway bar links) and in the deep washes it bottomed out fast (thinking the bump stop extensions are too tall)
It's headed to the tire shop after work (just a few miles down the street) to get 35x11.5r17's Toyo open county A/T's and an alignment maybe they will see something I missed. I'm gonna flex it all out and hit every bolt when I get it home from the shop anyway to see if anything rubs or rattles still
April 14 2025
At the shop... 35's all mounted now waiting on an alignment ...I haven't been this excited about new rubber since high school!
after it got off the alignment rack the tech came out with the sheet all smiles, asks did you say you set this up with string and a tape measure. Yep I did (ok I also used an angle finder on the axle for caster) Numbers were dead on I will post it when i can scan it
They also gave me tape measure so I could get tire height. I used J-scan, in the parking lot, to set tire height, its just easier then tazer TBH
***
Just an update,
The bonehead installer (ME) missed tighting the upper passenger shock bolt, and after flexing it out, it turns out the front bumps stop extensions are in fact an inch too long. While that tech (ME) needs to remember check each box, The Service writer (Wife) was impressed that the Tech (ME again) diagnosed the symptoms on the test drive.
Tech was reprimanded by Service writer, removed from JT project until her 2015 Countryman All 4s Project gets finished and I owe her a night out without the kids
****
April 15 2025
I drove it to work this morning for the first time after lift and tires !!!!!
... I was so excited to get up this morning, hop in and drive! the ride was smooth and without a hint of wander.
I think its because this was months of planing and boxes of parts executed in one weekend and not one trip to get a missing bolt, part or a tool that I needed to finish it also I had all 3 of my kids put in some wrench time with me. This is the first build that I got to instantly see results, this excited me more than the day I brought it home.
I know this is not the end .... lets see where this goes!!!!!
Current Bolt On's
(its not a mod if it didn't include cuting or a welder, My build my rules)!
Engine:
K&N filter
Suspension:
Front:
Teraflex 2" front spacer w/ 2 inch bolt in bump stop (bottoms out)
JL rubicon front spring
Rubicon front shocks
Teraflex Forged Track Bar
Teraflex bump stops
Tera flex HD Drag link ( I swear I was gonna not be a teraflex fan boy and get more stickers for my tool box ... oppps)
Rear:
Teraflex 1 " rear spacer (factory max tow spring) and bolt in bump stops
Teraflex bump stops
Tires:
35x11.5r17's Toyo open county A/T's
Exterior:
Barricade HD front bumper
Badlands Apex 12,000 winch w/ synthetic cable
Barricade Enhanced Rubi rails
Red rock rear sliders (kinda a mod had to cut the plastic bumper)
Second black rear tow hook
Bolt Hood lock
key hole covers
Rubicon unpainted Flares (take offs)
Rugged Ridge Voyager Top
Second Badge (so I could move the antenna under the dash)
Lights:
Oracle Bumber back up lights
Led fog bulbs
LED DRL's (came with fenders)
Interior:
lota jungle site plastic cubby / holder things
Rough Country seat covers
cheap para cord grab handles
Bed:
(its not interior but its not exterior)
Teraflex bed rails
High Lift, high Lift mount with 48" High Lift
Jungle site bed mat and collapsible totes
Electricals & Beeb/Boops:
Jscan
Tazer (No more start stop!!!)
RedArc tow controler
PARTS in the Garage
.. I need to make some orders!!!!
PLANS!!!
Front locker
37's and rims
Skids (might make them)
Dreams!!!!
Mojave Hood (this may mover to Plans)
40"s and bead locks
Power wagon axles
V8 392 or LS
Sponsored
Last edited:
