TJ owner thinking about moving on to a JT - input wanted.

[Idaho-Jeep]

Yeah, I want to be able to haul a camper and the Jeep on my flatbed at the same time. So I'm going back to the full-size diesel. Otherwise, I would just get a reasonable size camp trailer and tow it with the JT. Living in NorCal, driving to the trails in a smaller jeep is pretty easy. I've been a full-size truck guy all my life but actually enjoy the JT as a daily driver due to it's smaller size Like you, I don't have space for everything though. On another note, I used to live in Boise and still go there periodically for business.

A camper would be nice... if my wife didn't love to RV so much id get a camper and sell our 30' HEAVY toy hauler camp trailer. Then I could pull my boat or the TJ... I have a 3 car garage and a large RV garage/shop and still have to rent two storage unit spaces... its ridiculous. Reducing the number of vehicles sounds like a nice plan until you start trying to figure out what to get rid of.

Boise is a nice place to live - though it doesn't resemble the Idaho I knew just a decade ago. Can't complain to much though as my idea of traffic would make most of those living across this country laugh. Have been through North Cali a few times (vacations driving through the parks etc.) and its a beautiful area and the only place in California I could survive.

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[Idaho-Jeep]

what kind of build and how involved do you really want to go though? If you just want the basics like a bumper, winch, small lift - that wouldnt be super expensive.

i gues I am trying to think of a way you could keep the TJ because they are unique these days, and it would be a shame to part with. Even if just going to get groceries, theres just a lot of fun about those being so short and narrow

Well when I did my TJ it was a fairly significant build (especially for somewhat of a novice). It was torn apart for a solid 6 months. Body cutting, frame cutting, axles out, new Long arm suspension, re-gear, lockers, Roll cage, lots of other bolt ons etc.. I doubt it would need to be as involved with a JT however to your point.

Keeping the TJ doesn't have to do with the costs its my space. I don't have the room and if I told my wife I wanted to add another vehicle (I have 3 and she has 1 - so we pack 4 cars into our garage... then there is my boat during the summer I keep in our garage.... and my High School daughter's car.... lol). Anyway I just can't add another vehicle to the mix unless I get rid of something. But yes you are right about the TJs. They are unique and awkwardly fun little 4X4 machines.

 

[ScoGlad21]

A camper would be nice... if my wife didn't love to RV so much id get a camper and sell our 30' HEAVY toy hauler camp trailer. Then I could pull my boat or the TJ... I have a 3 car garage and a large RV garage/shop and still have to rent two storage unit spaces... its ridiculous. Reducing the number of vehicles sounds like a nice plan until you start trying to figure out what to get rid of.

Boise is a nice place to live - though it doesn't resemble the Idaho I knew just a decade ago. Can't complain to much though as my idea of traffic would make most of those living across this country laugh. Have been through North Cali a few times (vacations driving through the parks etc.) and its a beautiful area and the only place in California I could survive.

Yep. When I first moved to Idaho (1993), the entire state had just gone over 1 million in population. Let me know if you want to talk trade terms... it's smarter to barter

 

[BuzzBee]

Ran a built TJ, had that thing for 17 years, and it was a ton of fun. Excellent for what is does. I had permanently removed the rear seats. Now, with more people in my world, the crew cab configuration became a requirement.

I like my JT, but things to consider:
1. MUCH longer wheel base, lose maneuverability in tight quarters and breakover angle. Sometimes this is just getting around a big rock / tree that fell on the road.
2. I like the steering, turns tight, but that is offset by the wheelbase, of course.
3. Unless you put a canopy on it, anything in the back will get dusty or wet. The wet road grime from long off road trips is not so nice. I have a rack on mine with RTT on top, so that is the price I pay for that setup.
4. LOTS more electronics. I believe in simpler vehicles when heading out into remote areas, and while all the buttons are "cool" they add things to break down. My TJ Rubicon was as manual as I could order it. The JT kinda worries me a bit in this area.
5. More comfortable, especially for the passengers.
6. Can purchase add-on's (scan tools, Tazer Mini, etc) to give wider control over electronics than factory system. One favorite, increased engine idle rpm, helps with winching and tire inflation.

In short, there is a lot to like about the JT, but I miss the TJ.....

 

[ATL_Rubi]

I came from a 2 door Jk on 37s to the JT (with a volkswagen between), and it is amazing. I loved my JK, it was capable, easy on the trails even with the 6 speed. BUT, it is awesome to have the bed on the gladiator. As a family, between my wife's family and mine, we have plenty of truck (4 total) so the bed was not necessary, but knowing that I'm 90% (maybe 75%) as capable as the JL (due to the length and break over angle) and can carry shit in the bed, that's the best part. Obligatory picture of the JK and JT.

 

[HappyGladiator]

Find a good spot to park the TJ because it won't be moving if you get a loaded JTR. Save the TJ for your hard core rocks runs. I have a pick of my ARE camper in the camper section.

 

[M3r1c4]

Been a Jeep enthusiast for years. Bought a built an 04 TJ 16 years ago and drive it often still. I do fewer trips to Moab and not as much rough crawling these days. Still do an Elk hunt every year and some camping which takes me off road and over some mediocre obstacles but probably no more trips up Escalator on Hells Revenge.

While I love the TJ and still enjoy her Im starting to get an itch for a new toy. Intrigued by the Gladiator. Would love to get some input from current owners - especially anyone that has or has had a TJ, 2 door JK etc.. How is it off road in comparison?

The JT would fit more gear and people much more comfortably. I assume the ride and power would be a major upgrade and Id be able to pull my 21' bass boat with it unlike with my TJ. Leaning towards the diesel for this reason. Any thoughts on the diesel vs the 3.6L V6 gas motor?

These gladiators swallow up tires like no other rig it seems. 35s on my TJ are about right. 38s on my extra cab Ram which is obviously a lot bigger are also about right. I don't think the JTs look right on anything much smaller than 37s. Its my understanding that 37s will work on the stock 44s ok if im careful. And that with the diesel I might not even need to re-gear. Any thoughts on that?

Trying to decide also on another build or buying built. I enjoyed my last build but I have less time (and more money) these days then I did 16 years ago. More than I want to spend but Im looking at one of these builds.
https://tveauto.com/2023-jeep-gladi...ifted,bumpers,nav-carrollton-tx-75006/7199513

Would greatly appreciate any and all input.

Here is my current ol gal

I had a TJ some years ago and it was very bouncy. Later, after kids, I bought a JKU and it was a much better ride but it was not a good tow vehicle (go figure). My JKU was re-geared .567 and had 35s. Towing with that at highway speeds was too many RPMs. Now with JTRD it is amazing. One caution is towing at higher elevation. It seems like most of the people that complain about the eco diesel tow at elevation or at super high temp locations. I am mainly towing in MI during the summer months. We have 2 of these rigs towing 23 - 29 ft TTs with NO ISSUES. I like the skinny 35s on ours just to try and keep the mud off the sides. Keep in mind, you can't ask the JT to do what you TJ could do. It's not the same vehicle. This one works for me. Mine is stock plus a Tereflex level kit.

 

[JimT66]

Keep the TJ and but the JT. Someone else said this too. This is what i did. the Tj was paid for and I still like it a lot but I love the JT.

 

[AstroZombie]

I love Jeeps. I had a TJ for a while. The JT is amazing. Just put 35's on it no lift and fits great. I wish it was a soft top but the hard top i can remove by myself and put back on too. It heights like 65lbs i think. Way way more room than my TJ and i am not into the Wrangler unlimited but this 4 door truck is bad ass. No regrets at all. This is the best jeep I have owned like 6 different Jeeps. The truck bed is what i love. No mess hassle, the beach, camping the dog all of it.

 

[AstroZombie]

Mine tows our pop up no issues at all!

 

[staying_tuned]

A TJ was my first Jeep, it truly cemented our relationship and fondness for the wrangler. The gladiator diesel, for us, instantly made day to day stuff less forced and anxiety inducing.

These dealer builds always seem like junk drawers. Reading through the aftermarket parts seems like they opted for whichever company pays the highest pay-per-click rate on google for terms like "coolest jeep gladiator bumper".

I'd keep an eye on the forum classifieds. I don't know @ScoGlad21 but have a gander at the listing. That truck has money where it counts in parts that perform and last.

 

[InvertedLogic]

Sidenote: if I had more money than time, I'd seriously look at one of AEV's offerings @Idaho-Jeep . They work with some dealers to upfit a brand new Gladiator with all of their goodies. Check out the JT370 option, for example: JT Gladiator - American Expedition Vehicles - AEV (aev-conversions.com)

 

[49Gramps]

I went from a built up LJ to the JT. For serious off-roading, the LJ was hard to beat. Narrow and still short enough to get into and out of smaller spaces and it's slightly longer wheelbase added stability. It would get into and out of spaces where the JKs, JLs, and JTs would never fit. Pluses for the JT would clearly be room and comfort. I went with damn near all the Overland's options, and have done wheels, tires, lift, bumper, winch, etc. It will never do the things the LJ did, but as I'm in my mid 70s, I enjoy my creature comforts much more.

 

[Elff]

Im just going to leave these pics here, to add to the
"No reason you can't have Both"
argument

 

[antwon412]

My rigs. Best of both worlds. The TJ will slowly be built into a full crawler.

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