Thinking Gladiator

[ppfd]

Greetings,

I hate these posts! Thinking about moving to a Gladiator or Wrangler 4 door from my Ranger. No issues with the truck, have just always wanted to try a Jeep.

Looking at used 2021-2023 unless I can find a good deal on a 23. If I can't find decent interest rate, I'll just hold off.
Leaning towards the Gladiator to still have a truck bed.
Would like a Rubicon and a 6 speed manual. I don't really off road, so the Rubicon would do all I need.
Mods - none as this would be my daily driver. With that what is an average MPG I can plan on with the gas engine and 6 spd?

Clutch is still an issue, from what I've read here?
Death Wobble - any threads you can point me to that I should read? Is this DW something effecting all years?
Towing maybe a tiny trailer say 5x10 to haul things or a small camper, like this:

https://www.dutchmen.com/product/coleman-rubicon-1200-series

Any big changes between model years 21 to 23, I should look for?

Thanks all!

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[kevman65]

Death Wobble is over used.

People not used to a solid front axle vehicle automatically call it DW when it's something that needs to be tightened, adjusted, or overinflated tires and tar snakes cause lane wandering.

If you read through the forums you will become phobic about everything because it's a condensed version of the world.

Interest rates are up, unless JEEP offers something and you qualify, don't hold your breath.
But, there are deals being offered at double digit percentage off of MSRP all over the place.

Good luck finding a manual in anything, they tend to go fast. With the clutch issues and no real fix, I'd avoid it anyway. The 8 speed auto can also be driven as a pseudo manual.

Sounds like a Sport S Max Tow might be what you really want, but with the deals on Rubicons some of the prices are getting close to each other.

 

[Lunentucker]

I don't really off road, so the Rubicon would do all I need.

That's a bit baffling. The Rubicon, with front and rear lockers, is the most off-road Gladiator there is.

As for "death wobble" - It's a condition that exists in poorly maintained or cheaply lifted vehicles that have solid front axles.

Death Wobble, DW, Death Wobble, DW, Death Wobble, Shimmy, Wander, Drift, Bump Steer | Jeep Gladiator Forum - JeepGladiatorForum.com

 

[Gvsukids]

Would like a Rubicon and a 6 speed manual. I don't really off road, so the Rubicon would do all I need.
Mods - none as this would be my daily driver.

You will off-road. You will mod. This isn't a bland truck without any character. You will want to try new roads and see what's beyond the next hill. You won't need a Rubicon for this adventure.

 

[5adventurers]

If you say Gladiator or wrangler...then one question...do you use a truck bed? If yes...go with Gladiator. When you say "Rubicon" will do all you need....it is not possible to make a more capable truck out of the box with the exception of larger tires...which is also very easy to do. As far as 4wd system, there isn't a better one.

Death wobble, happens with bad lifts or loose ends.

Always fixable, just got to find it. Highly unlikely to have it if you keep it stock.

I've had several Tacoma's, tundras etc. Jeeps just always make my heart happier, more fun. Period.

One thing I can say is, from reading and talking to lots of people about Jeeps. It's kind of in your blood, or it isn't. The only way to find out is to try it. If you love it, welcome to the family. If you don't, no harm, no foul. Either way, enjoy the ride.

 

[Free2roam]

Diesel Gladiator!

 

[1996XJ]

I has two.

 

[OVERLORD]

Haven't tried one, but I've read repeatedly that the ratios of the standard are not a good fit for the engine, and with the clutch issues, I selected an automatic.

No complaints with the slush box.

 

[aldo98229]

Just got a Gladiator myself, three days ago.

I have owned Wranglers for 15 years, but Gladiator made me turn every time since it came out.

All I can say is I am very happy with the truck. It feels VERY WELL put together --in fact, better than my JL, drives well, and is more maneuverable around town than I anticipated.

If you don't offroad, then a Rubicon might be overkill. Either way, you can't got wrong with any of them.

Do not discount the 8-speed automatic. The automatic is very smart, quick, refined and very reliable. It truly is a gem.

Death Wobble gets dismissed too quickly by JL/JT owners who haven't experienced it. I used to be one of them until it happened to me on my lifted JL with only 10,000 miles. The dealer had installed a Mopar lift a few months prior; everything was tight and properly installed. It happened one time after crossing a set of diagonal train tracks. The steering wheel started pulling violently side to side. Fortunately, I was doing only 40 MPH, so I was able to bring the Jeep to a complete stop without running into oncoming traffic. I never experienced it again in the next two years I kept the Jeep.

There is something inherently off in the geometry of the steering IMO. My guess is your chances of getting DW on an unmodified Jeep are about one in three or one in four. Not insignificant, but you still have a greater chance of never getting it. And if you ever do, there are steps you can take to eliminate it.

I'd strongly recommend a Gladiator if you are considering one. This is the right time to get one if you want one. I got 26% OFF MSRP on mine.

Good luck!

 

[coalcracker]

I have a ‘21 Rubicon with the 6-speed manual.

I’m not new to manual transmissions but I had some trouble getting used to the clutch on mine and stalled it a couple times. I thought maybe there was something wrong with me. I’ve found that turning OFF the hill assist helped a lot, as I actually don’t mind if it rolls backward and just feels more normal to me.

I love my Gladiator, so I’m not trying to make you think otherwise but thought this info might help just in case you get one and have trouble adjusting to it since the feel, to me, is a little different from any other vehicle I’ve owned. Much softer and more car-like even though it’s a truck.

I also still have my manual JK and never had a problem getting used to that clutch, and still don’t have a problem with it.

 

[Hootbro]

Good luck. I think there is trade offs in everything and you will get a lot of different advice from people here. All will be valid to some degree.

My 2 cents, work deal on a new one as much as you can. The deals so far for new is some of the best seen yet.

 

[Koolcarguy]

Greetings,

I hate these posts! Thinking about moving to a Gladiator or Wrangler 4 door from my Ranger. No issues with the truck, have just always wanted to try a Jeep.

Looking at used 2021-2023 unless I can find a good deal on a 23. If I can't find decent interest rate, I'll just hold off.
Leaning towards the Gladiator to still have a truck bed.
Would like a Rubicon and a 6 speed manual. I don't really off road, so the Rubicon would do all I need.
Mods - none as this would be my daily driver. With that what is an average MPG I can plan on with the gas engine and 6 spd?

Clutch is still an issue, from what I've read here?
Death Wobble - any threads you can point me to that I should read? Is this DW something effecting all years?
Towing maybe a tiny trailer say 5x10 to haul things or a small camper, like this:

https://www.dutchmen.com/product/coleman-rubicon-1200-series

Any big changes between model years 21 to 23, I should look for?

Thanks all!

I'd say find the best deal and buy a Gladiator!! My advice find a diesel Sport s if you don't off road much it is highly capable off road and the fuel mileage is awesome. I have went places in my Sport that my gas Rubi Jk couldn't go. I have 2 Diesel Ht's 1 sport s 1 Rubi alao my wife has a Rubi Jl diesel and my son has a Rubi Jt diesel also. Combined we have over 180k mileage trouble free. In my opinion its by far the best motor option Heep has ever had in a Jeep and I've had lots of them! Good luck with whatever you decide to buy HAPPY NEW YEAR

 

[Throwback]

I moved from a 2020 Ranger to my Gladiator Sport. I also test drove a Wrangler before buying the Gladiator. I found the Gladiator drove much better than the Wrangler. The Gladiator was not night-and-day from the Ranger -- which is high praise considering how well the Ranger drives.

Mine is manual. They only had it on the lot because of the recall, and parts shortage. It was fixed in December. I think that's also why there are manual trans Gladiators available on lots at year end. I heard of these issues from several dealers this year. But apparently the issue is resolved. As for manual vs auto, I really wanted manual but I'd say if one isn't super determined on that opinion get the auto. The ZF is a really good transmission, and well mated to the Pentastar.

One thing I really like about the Gladiator vs the Ranger is that the bed is much lower and I can access it fully in daily use. Also, the beltline is lower so I can roll down the window and hang my elbow, whereas in the ranger I felt like I was in a Camaro or something like it. A small thing perhaps, but a thing. I'd say you will miss the performance of the Ranger, and the smooth driving of the 2.3 and 10 speed.

 

[Fungi3]

Greetings,

I hate these posts! Thinking about moving to a Gladiator or Wrangler 4 door from my Ranger. No issues with the truck, have just always wanted to try a Jeep.

Looking at used 2021-2023 unless I can find a good deal on a 23. If I can't find decent interest rate, I'll just hold off.
Leaning towards the Gladiator to still have a truck bed.
Would like a Rubicon and a 6 speed manual. I don't really off road, so the Rubicon would do all I need.
Mods - none as this would be my daily driver. With that what is an average MPG I can plan on with the gas engine and 6 spd?

Clutch is still an issue, from what I've read here?
Death Wobble - any threads you can point me to that I should read? Is this DW something effecting all years?
Towing maybe a tiny trailer say 5x10 to haul things or a small camper, like this:

https://www.dutchmen.com/product/coleman-rubicon-1200-series

Any big changes between model years 21 to 23, I should look for?

Thanks all!

There are best yet price incentives today on NEW 2023s. It will cost a lot more than a Ranger though. If you're looking for a loan, interest rates are pretty high at this time. Loan and lease prices are highly driven by credit scores. Since Gladiators are one of the most customized and highly configurable vehicles, you really need to get a brochure of the year you are interested in (dealers have the 2023 ones on hand) and try to determine what model you need, then what options you want, before talking a deal. Finding various configurations on a 2023 is not that hard. The brochure will help you understand all the configurations and options possible. Many times you can find the online brochure too, Once you find one, fall in love, and pull the trigger, you live with that configuration. Kind of like marriage.

 

[Bbannongmu]

I have a ‘21 Rubicon with the 6-speed manual.

I’m not new to manual transmissions but I had some trouble getting used to the clutch on mine and stalled it a couple times. I thought maybe there was something wrong with me. I’ve found that turning OFF the hill assist helped a lot, as I actually don’t mind if it rolls backward and just feels more normal to me.

I love my Gladiator, so I’m not trying to make you think otherwise but thought this info might help just in case you get one and have trouble adjusting to it since the feel, to me, is a little different from any other vehicle I’ve owned. Much softer and more car-like even though it’s a truck.

I also still have my manual JK and never had a problem getting used to that clutch, and still don’t have a problem with it.

I have a 2020 Rubi with a manual trans. I’m also not new to manual transmissions been them for over 30 years daily and I stalled during my test drive when backing into the parking spot. Takes some getting used to or like me - replace it with a Centerforce clutch which is awesome. I tow, off road, hunt, camp and daily drive my Gladiator and still love it. Good luck! Can’t go wrong with either choice.

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