Tango, the 2020 Gladiator "Overland"

[Tango270]

Now that I've owned the truck for over three years, I suppose I should finally get around to doing a build journal. So here we go! Starting in February of '21:

The day I got the truck. 2020 Overland, 1500 miles. Full safety suite (adaptive cruise, the works), premium stereo. Oddly, however: Cloth seats, no tow hitch, halogen fronts. A weird build, and I got it for a lot cheaper than the red Rubicon with no options and similar mileage. In hindsight... Eh lol.


First thing's first: Begone, street tires!

Threw on some "33s" with some more meat: Dick Cepek Trail Country EXPs. They were great tires, especially for what they cost at the time.

Next up: "Beautification"

The halogens had to go, as well as all the chrome/silver trim (not my thing). The end result:

Went with the Mopar Satin Black Grille, black bumper trim, and Morimoto lights all around.

After a few more months, I got the itch. And that's the moment this build crossed into a very, very poor financial decision.
So of course, up next are lift, wheels/tires, and sidesteps:

AEV DualSport 2.5 inch lift, Method 703s +25mm, General Grabber ATXs in 35x12.50R17. Sidesteps were N-Fab, I think; they were a sale pickup. Also picked up some vinyls from @pixeldecals, which turned out awesome:

Next up, we go wheeling for the very first time! I have never owned an offroad vehicle (not counting 4x4 pickups), and all I knew was from watching youtube. We managed to survive Hot Springs ORV (and earned a badge of honor!), the entire time with our swaybar connected... It wasn't until we got back that my friend explained swaybars to me.

A little while later, we add sequential brake LEDs, a tonneau cover, and change the badging. Oh, and a front bumper/winch.

After a few months of ground camping, I get the thumbs up to pull the trigger on a RTT/rack setup. I went with a Rebel Offroad Halfrack with an iKamper Skycamp Mini 2.0.

Other goodies during this time: Dometic 55IM and slide/mount, ARB Treds, and a Sunrider.

Then, something happened: My wife bought a JL! And that JL needed a front bumper and winch. And as a very gracious husband.... I gave her mine.
Well, karma is a bitch, because I replaced it with the most pain in the ass thing I have ever installed(but it's so beautiful): The AEV EX Front Bumper and all the fixins.

After this, we keep adding overland goodies (seat delete, water tank, etc), air lockers, 4.88 regear, manual swaybar discos, just replacing things as we learn.
And the next thing we learn is: Weight!

So, we upgrade to AEV's 8100XP shocks and HC coils. I love this suspension, but buyer beware: unless you put A LOT of weight in your bed, you will have substantial rake. The rear rides terribly if you're just running an empty bed. My setup was fairly permanent, so no issues. The we redeemed ourselves with more wheeling! And even with the weight it rides beautifully.

We run this setup (more or less) over a year, with a few changes here and there.
-AEV Snorkel (cutting into your hood is terrifying)
-Metalcloak Trackbars/control arms
-RSE Step Sliders
-LRA Aux 17gal fuel tank
-Some other overland stuff probably

And that's the end of "Phase One"!


The tail end of '23 marked the beginning of "Phase Two". It began with a search for a bit more comfort for my wife, and was influenced by expos and youtube and here, you know, the usual research. In the end, I asked my wife's opinion for a tie breaker between the Skinnyguy Camper or the Alucab.
The flushing toilet won.

I'll probably make a thread about the camper at some point, still working out some issues. The manufacturer is being responsive so far, so we'll see. Amazing design, it's just the execution needs fine tuning.

Next up, one of my favorite mods: the Kaymar JT Rear Bumper. The best looking (in my opinion) tire carrier for the JT.

And then, big life changes happened, and I moved. Luckily, I had a camper, so waiting for a place wasn't so bad! Had some adventures along the way.

Fast forward to April, and it's time to replace the Grabbers. I decided to try out 37x11.50x17 Recon Grapplers, to see how I like the thinner, more tucked tire. So far, I love it, but haven't been hard wheeling in them yet. Also grabbed some Daystar 3/4 inch Front Spring Spacers to help clear the taller tire, and reduce the rake. Also added amber lenses to the lights!

And, now we're caught up!! I'm now sitting just shy of 70k miles, and while it doesn't have much passing power it's still going strong. It's a very enjoyable truck to drive, especially for a lifted SFA vehicle.

-Upcoming mods: Steering upgrade, brake upgrade (near term), Accuair suspension (mid term), Hemi swap??(long term)

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[HorsesRear]

I installed some new hood latches on my Willys Gladiator. I plan to do some cup holder inserts next.

 

[HorsesRear]

I forgot. That is one heck of a truck and you have done some fantastic mods. Nice job.

 

[Riding with Gladys]

Man, you are all in. Looks great. I love the Sting Gray Vinyl!

 

[Tango270]

I forgot. That is one heck of a truck and you have done some fantastic mods. Nice job.

Thanks! I'm actually thinking of doing some latches myself. Been looking at the DV8 pin latches.

 

[Tango270]

Man, you are all in. Looks great. I love the Sting Gray Vinyl!

Haha yeah, we passed "sunk cost fallacy" a few years ago lmao

 

[Sw00per]

Next up, one of my favorite mods: the Kaymar JT Rear Bumper. The best looking (in my opinion) tire carrier for the JT.

[/QUOTE]

That is a nice bumper. What did that run you with the tire carrier and dual jerry can holder?

 

[Tango270]

That is a nice bumper. What did that run you with the tire carrier and dual jerry can holder?

Thanks! I don't remember exactly but it was right around $3k.

 

[WestwallNF104A]

Now that I've owned the truck for over three years, I suppose I should finally get around to doing a build journal. So here we go! Starting in February of '21:

The day I got the truck. 2020 Overland, 1500 miles. Full safety suite (adaptive cruise, the works), premium stereo. Oddly, however: Cloth seats, no tow hitch, halogen fronts. A weird build, and I got it for a lot cheaper than the red Rubicon with no options and similar mileage. In hindsight... Eh lol.


First thing's first: Begone, street tires!

Threw on some "33s" with some more meat: Dick Cepek Trail Country EXPs. They were great tires, especially for what they cost at the time.

Next up: "Beautification"

The halogens had to go, as well as all the chrome/silver trim (not my thing). The end result:

Went with the Mopar Satin Black Grille, black bumper trim, and Morimoto lights all around.

After a few more months, I got the itch. And that's the moment this build crossed into a very, very poor financial decision.
So of course, up next are lift, wheels/tires, and sidesteps:

AEV DualSport 2.5 inch lift, Method 703s +25mm, General Grabber ATXs in 35x12.50R17. Sidesteps were N-Fab, I think; they were a sale pickup. Also picked up some vinyls from @pixeldecals, which turned out awesome:

Next up, we go wheeling for the very first time! I have never owned an offroad vehicle (not counting 4x4 pickups), and all I knew was from watching youtube. We managed to survive Hot Springs ORV (and earned a badge of honor!), the entire time with our swaybar connected... It wasn't until we got back that my friend explained swaybars to me.

A little while later, we add sequential brake LEDs, a tonneau cover, and change the badging. Oh, and a front bumper/winch.

After a few months of ground camping, I get the thumbs up to pull the trigger on a RTT/rack setup. I went with a Rebel Offroad Halfrack with an iKamper Skycamp Mini 2.0.

Other goodies during this time: Dometic 55IM and slide/mount, ARB Treds, and a Sunrider.

Then, something happened: My wife bought a JL! And that JL needed a front bumper and winch. And as a very gracious husband.... I gave her mine.
Well, karma is a bitch, because I replaced it with the most pain in the ass thing I have ever installed(but it's so beautiful): The AEV EX Front Bumper and all the fixins.

After this, we keep adding overland goodies (seat delete, water tank, etc), air lockers, 4.88 regear, manual swaybar discos, just replacing things as we learn.
And the next thing we learn is: Weight!

So, we upgrade to AEV's 8100XP shocks and HC coils. I love this suspension, but buyer beware: unless you put A LOT of weight in your bed, you will have substantial rake. The rear rides terribly if you're just running an empty bed. My setup was fairly permanent, so no issues. The we redeemed ourselves with more wheeling! And even with the weight it rides beautifully.

We run this setup (more or less) over a year, with a few changes here and there.
-AEV Snorkel (cutting into your hood is terrifying)
-Metalcloak Trackbars/control arms
-RSE Step Sliders
-LRA Aux 17gal fuel tank
-Some other overland stuff probably

And that's the end of "Phase One"!


The tail end of '23 marked the beginning of "Phase Two". It began with a search for a bit more comfort for my wife, and was influenced by expos and youtube and here, you know, the usual research. In the end, I asked my wife's opinion for a tie breaker between the Skinnyguy Camper or the Alucab.
The flushing toilet won.

I'll probably make a thread about the camper at some point, still working out some issues. The manufacturer is being responsive so far, so we'll see. Amazing design, it's just the execution needs fine tuning.

Next up, one of my favorite mods: the Kaymar JT Rear Bumper. The best looking (in my opinion) tire carrier for the JT.

And then, big life changes happened, and I moved. Luckily, I had a camper, so waiting for a place wasn't so bad! Had some adventures along the way.

Fast forward to April, and it's time to replace the Grabbers. I decided to try out 37x11.50x17 Recon Grapplers, to see how I like the thinner, more tucked tire. So far, I love it, but haven't been hard wheeling in them yet. Also grabbed some Daystar 3/4 inch Front Spring Spacers to help clear the taller tire, and reduce the rake. Also added amber lenses to the lights!

And, now we're caught up!! I'm now sitting just shy of 70k miles, and while it doesn't have much passing power it's still going strong. It's a very enjoyable truck to drive, especially for a lifted SFA vehicle.

-Upcoming mods: Steering upgrade, brake upgrade (near term), Accuair suspension (mid term), Hemi swap??(long term)

How much does the kaymar bumper weigh?

 

[Tango270]

How much does the kaymar bumper weigh?

No idea, though I was able to install it myself. Of course with the spare and the Jerry cans, she's hefty.

 

[WestwallNF104A]

No idea, though I was able to install it myself. Of course with the spare and the Jerry cans, she's hefty.

I was considering the Expedition One, but it weighs 200 pounds! I like the look of the Kaymar too. Is it aluminum or steel?

I have the same AEV front bumper set up, and absolutely love it, but it was a stone cold bitch to install. Took 10 bloody hours!

 

[Solar Sparky]

Now that I've owned the truck for over three years, I suppose I should finally get around to doing a build journal. So here we go! Starting in February of '21:

The day I got the truck. 2020 Overland, 1500 miles. Full safety suite (adaptive cruise, the works), premium stereo. Oddly, however: Cloth seats, no tow hitch, halogen fronts. A weird build, and I got it for a lot cheaper than the red Rubicon with no options and similar mileage. In hindsight... Eh lol.


First thing's first: Begone, street tires!

Threw on some "33s" with some more meat: Dick Cepek Trail Country EXPs. They were great tires, especially for what they cost at the time.

Next up: "Beautification"

The halogens had to go, as well as all the chrome/silver trim (not my thing). The end result:

Went with the Mopar Satin Black Grille, black bumper trim, and Morimoto lights all around.

After a few more months, I got the itch. And that's the moment this build crossed into a very, very poor financial decision.
So of course, up next are lift, wheels/tires, and sidesteps:

AEV DualSport 2.5 inch lift, Method 703s +25mm, General Grabber ATXs in 35x12.50R17. Sidesteps were N-Fab, I think; they were a sale pickup. Also picked up some vinyls from @pixeldecals, which turned out awesome:

Next up, we go wheeling for the very first time! I have never owned an offroad vehicle (not counting 4x4 pickups), and all I knew was from watching youtube. We managed to survive Hot Springs ORV (and earned a badge of honor!), the entire time with our swaybar connected... It wasn't until we got back that my friend explained swaybars to me.

A little while later, we add sequential brake LEDs, a tonneau cover, and change the badging. Oh, and a front bumper/winch.

After a few months of ground camping, I get the thumbs up to pull the trigger on a RTT/rack setup. I went with a Rebel Offroad Halfrack with an iKamper Skycamp Mini 2.0.

Other goodies during this time: Dometic 55IM and slide/mount, ARB Treds, and a Sunrider.

Then, something happened: My wife bought a JL! And that JL needed a front bumper and winch. And as a very gracious husband.... I gave her mine.
Well, karma is a bitch, because I replaced it with the most pain in the ass thing I have ever installed(but it's so beautiful): The AEV EX Front Bumper and all the fixins.

After this, we keep adding overland goodies (seat delete, water tank, etc), air lockers, 4.88 regear, manual swaybar discos, just replacing things as we learn.
And the next thing we learn is: Weight!

So, we upgrade to AEV's 8100XP shocks and HC coils. I love this suspension, but buyer beware: unless you put A LOT of weight in your bed, you will have substantial rake. The rear rides terribly if you're just running an empty bed. My setup was fairly permanent, so no issues. The we redeemed ourselves with more wheeling! And even with the weight it rides beautifully.

We run this setup (more or less) over a year, with a few changes here and there.
-AEV Snorkel (cutting into your hood is terrifying)
-Metalcloak Trackbars/control arms
-RSE Step Sliders
-LRA Aux 17gal fuel tank
-Some other overland stuff probably

And that's the end of "Phase One"!


The tail end of '23 marked the beginning of "Phase Two". It began with a search for a bit more comfort for my wife, and was influenced by expos and youtube and here, you know, the usual research. In the end, I asked my wife's opinion for a tie breaker between the Skinnyguy Camper or the Alucab.
The flushing toilet won.

I'll probably make a thread about the camper at some point, still working out some issues. The manufacturer is being responsive so far, so we'll see. Amazing design, it's just the execution needs fine tuning.

Next up, one of my favorite mods: the Kaymar JT Rear Bumper. The best looking (in my opinion) tire carrier for the JT.

And then, big life changes happened, and I moved. Luckily, I had a camper, so waiting for a place wasn't so bad! Had some adventures along the way.

Fast forward to April, and it's time to replace the Grabbers. I decided to try out 37x11.50x17 Recon Grapplers, to see how I like the thinner, more tucked tire. So far, I love it, but haven't been hard wheeling in them yet. Also grabbed some Daystar 3/4 inch Front Spring Spacers to help clear the taller tire, and reduce the rake. Also added amber lenses to the lights!

And, now we're caught up!! I'm now sitting just shy of 70k miles, and while it doesn't have much passing power it's still going strong. It's a very enjoyable truck to drive, especially for a lifted SFA vehicle.

-Upcoming mods: Steering upgrade, brake upgrade (near term), Accuair suspension (mid term), Hemi swap??(long term)

Awesome build! I’m jealous

 

[Mules]

Now that I've owned the truck for over three years, I suppose I should finally get around to doing a build journal. So here we go! Starting in February of '21:

The day I got the truck. 2020 Overland, 1500 miles. Full safety suite (adaptive cruise, the works), premium stereo. Oddly, however: Cloth seats, no tow hitch, halogen fronts. A weird build, and I got it for a lot cheaper than the red Rubicon with no options and similar mileage. In hindsight... Eh lol.


First thing's first: Begone, street tires!

Threw on some "33s" with some more meat: Dick Cepek Trail Country EXPs. They were great tires, especially for what they cost at the time.

Next up: "Beautification"

The halogens had to go, as well as all the chrome/silver trim (not my thing). The end result:

Went with the Mopar Satin Black Grille, black bumper trim, and Morimoto lights all around.

After a few more months, I got the itch. And that's the moment this build crossed into a very, very poor financial decision.
So of course, up next are lift, wheels/tires, and sidesteps:

AEV DualSport 2.5 inch lift, Method 703s +25mm, General Grabber ATXs in 35x12.50R17. Sidesteps were N-Fab, I think; they were a sale pickup. Also picked up some vinyls from @pixeldecals, which turned out awesome:

Next up, we go wheeling for the very first time! I have never owned an offroad vehicle (not counting 4x4 pickups), and all I knew was from watching youtube. We managed to survive Hot Springs ORV (and earned a badge of honor!), the entire time with our swaybar connected... It wasn't until we got back that my friend explained swaybars to me.

A little while later, we add sequential brake LEDs, a tonneau cover, and change the badging. Oh, and a front bumper/winch.

After a few months of ground camping, I get the thumbs up to pull the trigger on a RTT/rack setup. I went with a Rebel Offroad Halfrack with an iKamper Skycamp Mini 2.0.

Other goodies during this time: Dometic 55IM and slide/mount, ARB Treds, and a Sunrider.

Then, something happened: My wife bought a JL! And that JL needed a front bumper and winch. And as a very gracious husband.... I gave her mine.
Well, karma is a bitch, because I replaced it with the most pain in the ass thing I have ever installed(but it's so beautiful): The AEV EX Front Bumper and all the fixins.

After this, we keep adding overland goodies (seat delete, water tank, etc), air lockers, 4.88 regear, manual swaybar discos, just replacing things as we learn.
And the next thing we learn is: Weight!

So, we upgrade to AEV's 8100XP shocks and HC coils. I love this suspension, but buyer beware: unless you put A LOT of weight in your bed, you will have substantial rake. The rear rides terribly if you're just running an empty bed. My setup was fairly permanent, so no issues. The we redeemed ourselves with more wheeling! And even with the weight it rides beautifully.

We run this setup (more or less) over a year, with a few changes here and there.
-AEV Snorkel (cutting into your hood is terrifying)
-Metalcloak Trackbars/control arms
-RSE Step Sliders
-LRA Aux 17gal fuel tank
-Some other overland stuff probably

And that's the end of "Phase One"!


The tail end of '23 marked the beginning of "Phase Two". It began with a search for a bit more comfort for my wife, and was influenced by expos and youtube and here, you know, the usual research. In the end, I asked my wife's opinion for a tie breaker between the Skinnyguy Camper or the Alucab.
The flushing toilet won.

I'll probably make a thread about the camper at some point, still working out some issues. The manufacturer is being responsive so far, so we'll see. Amazing design, it's just the execution needs fine tuning.

Next up, one of my favorite mods: the Kaymar JT Rear Bumper. The best looking (in my opinion) tire carrier for the JT.

And then, big life changes happened, and I moved. Luckily, I had a camper, so waiting for a place wasn't so bad! Had some adventures along the way.

Fast forward to April, and it's time to replace the Grabbers. I decided to try out 37x11.50x17 Recon Grapplers, to see how I like the thinner, more tucked tire. So far, I love it, but haven't been hard wheeling in them yet. Also grabbed some Daystar 3/4 inch Front Spring Spacers to help clear the taller tire, and reduce the rake. Also added amber lenses to the lights!

And, now we're caught up!! I'm now sitting just shy of 70k miles, and while it doesn't have much passing power it's still going strong. It's a very enjoyable truck to drive, especially for a lifted SFA vehicle.

-Upcoming mods: Steering upgrade, brake upgrade (near term), Accuair suspension (mid term), Hemi swap??(long term)

I saw you are using camper jacks to lift the camper on/off the truck. I was worried they wouldn't clear my big tires. Did they work well or did you have to rig it? I'd like something smaller than my rigged up camper jack.

 

[Tango270]

I saw you are using camper jacks to lift the camper on/off the truck. I was worried they wouldn't clear my big tires. Did they work well or did you have to rig it? I'd like something smaller than my rigged up camper jack.

Love your camper build!

They've worked great, though the camper was built with them in mind (has mounting provisions for them). With the exception of the rear swing outs getting in the way, it comes off super easy. If I didn't have the bumper I could take the camper off by myself in about 10 minutes.

 

[Mules]

Love your camper build!

They've worked great, though the camper was built with them in mind (has mounting provisions for them). With the exception of the rear swing outs getting in the way, it comes off super easy. If I didn't have the bumper I could take the camper off by myself in about 10 minutes.

Thanks, your build looks great also!

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