Weighing the options

[Foxmannc]

I plan to be a first-time Jeep owner in 2026 with a planned purchase of a used Gladiator sometime this new year. I have been doing a lot of window shopping, watching YouTube, searching online, and learning about Jeeps, packages, and all types of things.
What I plan: Mostly (99%) daily driver, which is almost 100% pavement, whether in town or on the highway. I'm not concerned about having a super cushy ride, I've had many trucks, and trucks can be a bit rough. I will tow some with it. When I tow, it will mostly be under 4K lbs, though on rare occasions it could be as much as 5-6K, but probably never over that.

My last 4x4 truck did not have a positive track rear end, making it almost useless to me as a 4x4 when it was off-road or slick outside. In NC where I live, we are more prone to icy winters than snowing winters, but lately it's an occasional blend.

I like the option of the 4:10 year because it tows better generally and it gives me more confidence in going to a 35" tire.

But in reality, on my budget, I am looking at used Jeeps and only 3 models have a 4:10 gear. Rubicon, which holds its value the best, Mojave, and the S with Max towing.

Here is where I'm torn. Is getting something like a High Altitude with all of the creature comforts I want worth compromising on the gear ratio of the Sport S, and the lockers of the Majave or Rubi just because I found more of them in the colors I like, newer with fewer miles, and never or seldom taken off road.... or is it best to either buy a color I'm not as in love with, or have to wait to find the right color, which likely has more miles, older, more offroad use, but has the gear and lockers.

I have run this gambit back and forth 1000 times in my mind. Never having owned one, I really don't know how big a deal the 3:73 vs 4:10 will be if I want to run 35s. I don't really know how big a deal lockers will be during slick conditions. I don't really know if having a wider axle truck vs a standard width matters. What I do know is that I like newer models with fewer miles, loaded features, and specific colors.

Who can put my mind at ease on these variables that I am just not sure about? The max I'd lift one is 2" and that would likely be a AEV spacer lift. Whatever off-roading I do would be lightweight comparatively.

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[Silverator]

Personally, while important, color was not my main requirement when choosing a Gladiator. I wanted black, wife didn't. We ended up with Silver which I ended up loving. Much more important to me was how the truck worked and the mechanical features. And in that instance, it drove me to either a Rubicon or Mojave. I chose Rubicon, and I'm glad I did. With 35's and towing as much as you project, I'd say the Rubicon with 410's is probably your best bet. Just my personal opinion though. Good luck. You're gonna LOVE whatever Gladiator you end up with!!!

 

[Bandit’s Lair]

I have a Sport S. While it isn’t a Wagoneer with 50 gazillion screens and automatic pillow fluffers it has plenty of creature comforts to keep me happy. I’ve driven everything from a Ford Transit to a VW CC to a Chrysler Pacifica. I came back to Jeep because it’s really the most enjoyable DRIVE. Meaning it actually has to be driven and isn’t going to do everything for you. That’s my take on creature comforts and trim levels.

On your search: Don’t “settle”!! Look at what’s out there, test some to figure out what you like, then look some more. I looked for about 8 months before I purchased my first Jeep and another 4 when I purchased the one I have now. It was 3 hours away and the morning after I saw it I was on the road to go test drive it. I was in the stealership for 2.5 hours but I drove that Jeep home and I absolutely love it!! What you want is out there. Just going to take a bit of cruising the interwebs to find it. Good Luck!!

 

[vicsvx]

Have you considered a diesel? The 3.73 run amazing towing and 35s or bigger with the diesel.

Personally, I wanted a rubicon diesel but I couldn't afford it at almost 12k more (same options other than rubicon vs sport s) I ended up getting the sport s and never looked back. Recently bought takeoff Rubi diesel axles, which is what I wanted from the rubi variant (don't need the skids or 4:1 transfercase) for 3k and sold my sport axles for 2500. The other 10k I would have spent on a Rubi went to mods

Mopar lift
Arcus Front and jcw rear bumpers
JCR offroad Chase rack
2 baja squadron sports
4 edge Offorad lights
Badlands Winch
Rough country Bed molle panels
Lite rider Bed cover
Bartact Seat covers
JCR Locking rear underseat storage
Wheels and diy paint match and tires
Tazor mini
Proximity door sensors
Armorlite flooring
Euro spec rubi hood and paint match
LOD destroyer Rock slider steps
Apex autolynx swaybar disconnects
Upgared speakers and added sub
Window auto up/down module
Locker switch panel from lasfit
Redarc brake controller

In a sense I settled because my heart wanted the Rubicon for the lockers, highline fenders and hood. But now, I'm am more than happy with my rig because I built it and added comforts I wanted when I could afford them (8.4 screen, proxy sensors and lockers)

 

[Gvsukids]

Ready for many opinions?

wait to find the right color,

Yes, otherwise you won't be happy, or you can always wrap the vehicle.

I really don't know how big a deal the 3:73 vs 4:10 will be if I want to run 35s.

Won't know if you don't drive the other option.

High Altitude

Has the wider axle, without the 4.10 gears.

 

[Foxmannc]

Have you considered a diesel? The 3.73 run amazing towing and 35s or bigger witht eh diesel.

Personally, I wanted a rubicon diesel but I couldn't afford it at almost 12k more (same options other than rubicon vs sport s) I ended up getting the sport s and never looked back. Ended up buying takeoff Rubi diesel axles, which is what I wanted (don't need the skids or 4:1 transfercase) for 3k and sold my sport axles for 2500. The other 10k I would have spent on a Rubi went to mods

Mopar lift
Arcus Front and jcw rear bumpers
JCR offroad Chase rack
2 baja squadron sports
4 edge Offorad lights
Badlands Winch
Rough country Bed molle panels
Lite rider Bed cover
Bartact Seat covers
JCR Locking rear underseat storage
Wheels and diy paint match and tires
Tazor mini
Proximity door sensors
Armorlite flooring
Euro spec rubi hood and paint match
LOD destroyer Rock slider steps
Apex autolynx swaybar disconnects
Upgared speakers and added sub
Window auto up/down module
Locker switch panel from lasfit
Redarc brake controller

In a sense I settled because my heart wanted the Rubicon for the lockers, highline fenders and hood. But now, I'm am more than happy with my rig because I built it and added comforts I wanted when I could afford them (8.4 screen, proxy sensors and lockers)

I have not considered a diesel. I've never owned one but am aware of how well they pull. That said, they haven't put a diesel in a Gladiator in a few years unless I am mistaken. Seems like a rare model.

 

[vicsvx]

I have not considered a diesel. I've never owned one but am aware of how well they pull. That said, they haven't put a diesel in a Gladiator in a few years unless I am mistaken. Seems like a rare model.

Yes they have stopped making the diesel in 2023. Your OP didn't say if you were looking for new or used so I threw the diesel in the mix. I absolutely love my diesel

But as for color, whether new or used, get what you want. I wanted either granite or sting and ended up with sting as it had a great base to build and the price was impeccable for the time. (actually wanted gator but gator was only available during launch year and never available with the diesel)

 

[smlobx]

Howdy neighbor!

Given your situation where 99% of your driving will be on paved roads you can choose any of your options and be fine. If, as you mentioned, you’ll most likely be going to 35” tires then the 4:10 gearing will be your friend. There are those who say otherwise but since the Gladiator doesn’t have a very powerful engine to begin with the 4:10’s will help you. This is what I did and I’m satisfied with it.

As far as using lockers with icy conditions I’m not sure that’s a good idea. Others may disagree but just putting it in 4x4 and having some weight in the bed is your best bet.

Let me know if you have any other questions. I live in Pinehurst if you want to see a couple of rigs.

One other thing, many consider the Rubicon shocks to be somewhat on the soft side so that may be important to you.

 

[Foxmannc]

Howdy neighbor!

Given your situation where 99% of your driving will be on paved roads you can choose any of your options and be fine. If, as you mentioned, you’ll most likely be going to 35” tires then the 4:10 gearing will be your friend. There are those who say otherwise but since the Gladiator doesn’t have a very powerful engine to begin with the 4:10’s will help you. This is what I did and I’m satisfied with it.

As far as using lockers with icy conditions I’m not sure that’s a good idea. Others may disagree but just putting it in 4x4 and having some weight in the bed is your best bet.

Let me know if you have any other questions. I live in Pinehurst if you want to see a couple of rigs.

One other thing, many consider the Rubicon shocks to be somewhat on the soft side so that may be important to you.

Howdy! I'm in High Point, I guess that's about an hour and a half or so from you... not far. Thanks for the tip. If money weren't an obstacle, I'd just go purchase a Rubicon X and be done, though that's overkill for my use, but it covers all my needs/wants. I appreciate the feedback and input for sure. The overall vibe I'm gathering is, don't compromise on the 4:10 gears and hold out for the options and color(s) I like.

 

[Janster]

Lockers are only good for serious offroading….. and you DO NOT want to use them for icy or snowy conditions on public roads. They could potentially be more dangerous. Lockers would only be helpful if you land yourself in a ditch or snow bank.

I don’t know what year you’re looking at….but I would look for a Mojave with the AUTO4WD. In that mode…. It’s 2WD (rear) until it senses slippage, and sends power to the front wheels. I love it especially for rain…… yes…rain. No weight on the bed and the tires can be prone to breaking loose. The Auto4WD helps get you moving…. It’s kinda like AWD……

I have a busy intersection that’s on a slight incline. Making a left turn is a beotch in the rain. You find a window, and slam on the gas …. and if I don’t use the AUTO4WD, I’ll be sitting in the middle of the intersection with my rear tires spinning.

 

[thedeatons]

Howdy! I'm in High Point, I guess that's about an hour and a half or so from you... not far. Thanks for the tip. If money weren't an obstacle, I'd just go purchase a Rubicon X and be done, though that's overkill for my use, but it covers all my needs/wants. I appreciate the feedback and input for sure. The overall vibe I'm gathering is, don't compromise on the 4:10 gears and hold out for the options and color(s) I like.

This is what we did, although in the '24 Mojave X trim because my wife likes blasting down washboard roads and it is hers. There are SOOO many auto-upgrade goodies in the X package that it was easier to buy than and be almost done... Added an AEV 2" spacer lift with geometry correction brackets and she loves it. The stock 33"s on it are the same weight as a 315 (~35") KO2, so that would be an easy swap... Jeeps didn't make sense for me as a daily driver/one vehicle for everything until I found the '24s with the large touchscreen and wireless Apple Carplay coupled with the X package. Now they make total sense.

 

[Foxmannc]

Yeah, I like the bells and whistles, but that large screen is really a nice feature and one I hope to have... if I can manage to find what I want within the budget limits. I drove a Mojave and was hooked immediately. Honestly, I prefer the Mojave hood, but that is not a reason enough... still though, I do prefer it.

 

[thedeatons]

Yeah, I like the bells and whistles, but that large screen is really a nice feature and one I hope to have... if I can manage to find what I want within the budget limits. I drove a Mojave and was hooked immediately. Honestly, I prefer the Mojave hood, but that is not a reason enough... still though, I do prefer it.

To your point, I never find what I want in my town. We live in Boise, our Gladiator Mojave X was found/bought in Salt Lake City, our Wrangler Rubicon X was found/bought in Arizona. One of us just flies out, drives them back. Easy enough, and I get exactly what I want. I use Cargurus.com to search nationwide, then sort by closest to my zip. *All paperwork is done before I fly out, and they typically concierge pickup from the airport.

 

[Foxmannc]

To your point, I never find what I want in my town. We live in Boise, our Gladiator Mojave X was found/bought in Salt Lake City, our Wrangler Rubicon X was found/bought in Arizona. One of us just flies out, drives them back. Easy enough, and I get exactly what I want. I use Cargurus.com to search nationwide, then sort by closest to my zip. *All paperwork is done before I fly out, and they typically concierge pickup from the airport.

Yep. While I haven't used Car Gurus (I'll give that a looksy), I have discovered that while there are many Jeep dealers around me, seldom have I found one used that approaches the very specific ideas I have about what I want. I have been using Car Fax for nationwide searches and have embraced the likelihood of a lengthy drive home following a flight out. Thanks for the tip on Car Gurus!

 

[biplaneguy]

If you're driving on pavement all the time, even if snowy or icy, you don't need a locker.

The last Jeep I had with posi rear was terrifying on slick roads, because both wheels would lose traction at the same time. With an open diff, at least one wheel would still be gripping.

When I bought my Gladiator, I was flexible on some things but the color (Sarge green) was non-negotiable, as I wanted a truck that is inconspicuous in the woods. I ended up with a bone stock Sport and have no regrets. I did get a set of Mojave takeoff wheels & rims (33"), don't see the need for anything bigger.

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