That very first NECESSARY mod

[LouisvEarlleJT]

First thing was mudflaps. Easy and provide significant quality of life improvements (i.e. no more crap slung on the door handles).

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[Riding with Gladys]

For everyone that said they installed seat jackers: I am 6'5" and am worried that increasing the height of the seat will put my head too close to the ceiling. I currently lower my seat down and put it all the way back.(Slide not recline) Anyone have any trouble like that?

 

[Minty JL]

Why replace a perfectly good factory stabilizer?

Because its hot trash and zero adjustability with it

 

[pvn.jt24]

Depends on what color your roof is. If a light color, this probably won’t matter but the roof on my Sport S is black.

I took delivery the last week of July last summer. The very first thing I did was install Hothead headliner panels because the NC summer sun was baking that black top, and subsequently my bald head. I’m tall, so my noggin was close enough to feel the heat radiating. Hotheads fixed that.

Mopar makes OE headliners too.

I actually have the Mopar Headliners installed as an option. Definitely a nice touch to the interior and actually makes the inside feel complete.

We’ve driven Wranglers and Gladiators without that headliner and it definitely is nice to have it. Slightly sound deadening but aesthetically pleasing.

 

[pvn.jt24]

TAZR and Fox ATS steering stabilizer...........both can be retained as you build it up

What difference did you feel with an aftermarket steering stabilizer? I saw Bilstein also has the 5100 stabilizer which is sitting around $100.

 

[Minty JL]

What difference did you feel with an aftermarket steering stabilizer? I saw Bilstein also has the 5100 stabilizer which is sitting around $100.

Straight from Fox:

FOX 2.0 Factory Series ATS Steering Stabilizer Features:

• Race Series 2.0 ATS Steering Stabilizer
• Improves handling and road performance
• Crafted from 6061-T6 hard-anodized aluminum
• Durable and sleek black finish
• Utilizes Adjustable Through Shaft (ATS) architecture
• External adjuster for additional fine tuning
• Sold individually
• Bolt-on installation
• 1-Year Limited Warranty

Fully Functional Steering Stabilizer For better control and handling during both daily driving and off-road applications, equip your jeep with the Fox Factory Race Series 2.0 ATS Steering Stabilizer. This system features an Adjustable Through Shaft (ATS) architecture that cancels opposing steering forces, resulting in increased steering control in any situation. Moreover, it has 24 clicks of adjustment, so you can easily fine tune the stabilizer for feel depending on your terrain. Additionally, the integrated reservoir allows for additional fluid capacity and improves cooling during extreme use and heavy operation. Hard-Anodized Aluminum Construction FOX's steering stabilizer was constructed from 2-inch 6061-T6 hard-anodized aluminum for maximum strength and long-lasting functionality. In addition, the stabilizer was CNC-machined and has undergone an impact extrusion process for the best possible quality and performance. Finally, its body is features a hard-anodized black finish for a high-tech appearance and resistance to rust and corrosion. Installation is made simple and straightforward as this kit was designed for a direct replacement of your stock steering stabilizer. THis kit is also backed by a 1-Year Limited Warranty to help keep your investment protected.


Note: If you have a 2021 mid-year or newer model Wrangler or Gladiator, with the long square necked mounting bolt, you will need to use the older short square neck mounting bolt, Mopar part number MPR6510774AA.

 

[Gvsukids]

I think a winch is a fairly necessary first mod especially if you'll be going out alone. Besides that, do what you said, go on trips and figure out what you need based on those trips.

A winch also weighs down the front end, which then necessitates pucks or hitting the bump stops.

Sill guards

Mopar ones don't interfere with the door sill.

 

[professorkx]

I just bought my Gladiator Rubicon, but have been modifying jeeps since 1982, so I already have a plan. I won’t even see or drive my new Gladiator until April when we get home from our winter trip, so I have time to get everything delivered to my shop before I get home. Below are the Gladiator mods in order of installation:

1. ARB Twin - I already have this from my current jeep, so simply bolt in installation under the seat. I need one this big to air up the motorhome MPT81 42 inch tires when I hit the highway from trails. Used an ARB single for years with good success for just the jeep.
2. DV8 Spec series stubby front bumper. This is the second item, as it’s an easy install that allows me to tow the Gladiator behind the motorhome. I also like that this bumper has a 20” light bar inside the bumper, so will install the light the same time as the bumper.
3. Warn Zeon 10S winch. The 10S on my 2014 has over 120 winch pulls (mostly on others) and still going strong, so I just like the Warn winch. Easy install, so might as well get it on before the lift.
4. Rock Krawler lift with 4 link rear - installed these lifts before and I like them. It will likely void my warranty on the rear axle when I weld on the 4 link cradle, but since I rebuild axles, I don’t really care about the warranty since I want this specific lift.
5. Baja Boss 37 inch tires - Been running these for years, and these will be on KMC 549 wheels. I always get the tires after I install the lift. I also buy these from Discount Tire so I get free rotation and balancing.
6. 37x10x17 spare Tire…I hope. I will run this in stock location, so want a narrower tire…just need to find one in the 10 inch width…Ugh. I’ve never damaged a 37 inch Baja Boss, so never used a spare on the trail, so think I just need a spare that is 37 inches tall.
7. Under body skid plates. These are required on trails like Rubicon (IMHO) for the engine, trans and transfer case. I’ve never used the gas tank skid, but have had to remove my stock gas tank skid on my 4 door jeep in the past to remove 3 inch dents using my 4 post lift as a press with a piece of 4 inch pipe. Takes a few hours, so not a big deal. Not sure the stock gas tank skid can get punctured without dropping off a rock hard, so still undecided on the gas tank skid since the stock one might be up to the job.
8. DV8 rear bed skids. Jeep should just come with better protection here. I like how the DV8 8 tucks tight against the bed For maximum clearance.
9. Rear seat delete. I don’t need the rear seat and would rather have the storage. My wrangler has the rear seats out and a platform for more storage on top and under the lids, so this is a common modification for my jeeps. I will probably build myself since my fabrication work is quality.
10. Lots of little things that will come up that need to be addressed, like lower shock skids, etc.

The right mods for your build will likely be different than others, as your use case for your jeep will be different than others. For example, you might not be interested in running the Rubicon Trail in your Gladiator, so might not need as much lift, 37 inch tires, belly skids, etc. Being realistic about your use case will likely save you money on your build. With that said, these responses will give you some good ideas to consider.

Your mods will also depend upon your available cash. Some folks can just buy it all at once and start installing, others will be spread out to meet their budget, which requires more planning to meet your use case.

Enjoy the build process. It’s always a blast…just expensive.

Rick

 

[Stormtroopin]

Tonneau cover is probably one of the most underrated mods, highly recommend for anyone taking their gladdy Offroad. I put in some thick window liner around the tailgate bed to keep all the dirt and dust out. I came from a grand Cherokee so I was used to all my gear, be it a day run or weeklong trip, not having an inch of dust all over it.

 

[drew0622]

This right here is good start: Top 5 Budget-Friendly Mods for The Jeep Gladiator | DrivingLine

 

[AstroZombie]

THIS!!!

 

[AstroZombie]

Get the J-Scan app, adaptor wire and bluetooth OBDII reader. It will the best %75 you ever spent for your Jeep.

 

[Camaroboi13]

Get the J-Scan app, adaptor wire and bluetooth OBDII reader. It will the best %75 you ever spent for your Jeep.

Except for when your hands are too big to get the cables out. My JScan stuff has been sitting in my garage for almost 2 years now untouched.

 

[Commodus]

I would like to know for those of you who have Rubicon, what was something that you guys felt was a necessary mod?

Aside from tires and a lift.

What improved your overall experience with your Rubicon?

I’m planning to keep mine stock for about a year, take it on a couple of trips, and then see what my limitations are for the vehicle.

Would love to know your guys input.

Mojave, Willys, and Sport trim are welcome for inputs too!!!

I decided I wanted to keep my Rubicon at stock height and I don’t go alone so no need for a winch. I knew at stock height skid plates were a must so the search started with a skid not requiring a lift and every time I went out if I hit the same area twice or more it got a skid. The last couple times out we hit some moderate to hard trails and felt pretty good that every place that scraped was covered by a skid. And yes not being lifted does mean buying black paint by the case and not by the can

 

[dlmpsy]

Put on a MetalCloak foot rest and mud flaps.

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