What are the "MUST HAVE" mods after buying your Gladiator? ($5,000 starting budget)

[VolatileA]

Save your money on the CAI unless you're ready to go all the way. The CAI alone will net you nothing but lost money. Getting a tuner, CAI, and aftermarket exhaust will gain you some ponies and better fuel mileage IF you keep off the skinny pedal.

All in the above items are $3,000 +/-

Which tune are people using and assuming it's a piggyback and not ECU tune? (Warranty worries)

Exhaust would be on the list as well and I can bend the budget slightly for a better sound.

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[am1978]

Trailer hitch skid plate.
https://www.google.com/search?q=trailer+hitch+skid+plate

Not if it sets off the backup sensors.

 

[am1978]

Depends on what you didn’t get off the lot or from a factory order.

 

[VolatileA]

Not if it sets off the backup sensors.

Are these setting off backup sensors?

Was just about to order this one: https://viciousoffroad.com/i-30591351-backbone-hitch-skid-5136.html

 

[am1978]

Are these setting off backup sensors?

Was just about to order this one: https://viciousoffroad.com/i-30591351-backbone-hitch-skid-5136.html

Saw another post on here about it, so I didn’t order one. Search around and you’ll find it.

 

[am1978]

Are these setting off backup sensors?

Was just about to order this one: https://viciousoffroad.com/i-30591351-backbone-hitch-skid-5136.html

This guy: https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/knoxville-jeep-adventure-academy.43751/post-705111

 

[kevman65]

Which tune are people using and assuming it's a piggyback and not ECU tune? (Warranty worries)

Exhaust would be on the list as well and I can bend the budget slightly for a better sound.

Talk to KurtP when he gets back, I believe he was just deployed not long ago.

They are ECU tunes, there are ways around the warranty issue.

 

[RavensEyeOffroad]

Must have's:
Rockblokz, especially on the mojave. best mod Ive done.
phone mount - I prefer magnetic - I went with bulletproof.
I got a backseat cover for the kids/dogs as well.
Although I havent done this yet, some sort stand for the doors when off. It sucks having to lean them on something and it becomes a hassle trying to think where to put them and before you know it you never take them off.
lastly a sunshade, sometimes you want the top down but dont want the sun baking you for hours either.

 

[Jaxmax]

Must have mods on a loaded Mojave, the truck is very capable of what you described doing to start with ,run it awhile and see what you need, MY MUST HAVES on my nicely equipped Mojave where:
1.) RokBlokz mudflaps cause I have a 800 foot stone driveway up a hill, tires pick the stones up, I actually ordered before getting Mojave and put on right away, rear fenders have clear protection on front from factory.
2.) Rear lower control arm skid plates from Rusty’s, they are so low, even a casual guy like me saw the need.
3.) I’m Papa Jack, six year old grand kids and five foot wife required Rough Country Contour steps, kids love them and were thrilled I put them on.
4.) RSI bed cap, I surfish a lot and kayak a lot, needed to carry up to 12’ kayaks and 12’ one piece surf rods. Need dry and secure storage plus I have slept in it for turkey season already.
5.) No lift or big tires for me, I tow things and 4.10 gears and factory tires are giving me good handling, power and ride.
Do yourself a favor when driving the Mojave home, look for every speed bump and railroad crossing and hit them fast and hard, the suspension is insane, my grand kids ride in the back arms in the air screaming faster faster…you will see!
Welcome to the Jeep world!…..Jack

 

[jhale1800]

Are these setting off backup sensors?

Was just about to order this one: https://viciousoffroad.com/i-30591351-backbone-hitch-skid-5136.html

That's the exact same one I have. It doesn't set off my sensors. With the bad departure angle, your hitch will be one of the first things you slam on and slide off of rocks. I highly recommend getting one before doing any serious offroading.

 

[Orange01z28]

Are you saying I'll need wheels with negative offset with the AEV 2" on the Mojave?

Bulletpoint mount is on the list, heard great things as well.

Yes on the aux switches, truck is pretty much fully loaded minus adaptive cruise.

The negative offset wheels give you more clearance for wider/taller tires and look cooler. People do fit 35s on Mojave's all the time though on the stock wheels with no issues

 

[OrangeTJ]

Must have mods on a loaded Mojave, the truck is very capable of what you described doing to start with ,run it awhile and see what you need, MY MUST HAVES on my nicely equipped Mojave where:
1.) RokBlokz mudflaps cause I have a 800 foot stone driveway up a hill, tires pick the stones up, I actually ordered before getting Mojave and put on right away, rear fenders have clear protection on front from factory.
2.) Rear lower control arm skid plates from Rusty’s, they are so low, even a casual guy like me saw the need.
3.) I’m Papa Jack, six year old grand kids and five foot wife required Rough Country Contour steps, kids love them and were thrilled I put them on.
4.) RSI bed cap, I surfish a lot and kayak a lot, needed to carry up to 12’ kayaks and 12’ one piece surf rods. Need dry and secure storage plus I have slept in it for turkey season already.
5.) No lift or big tires for me, I tow things and 4.10 gears and factory tires are giving me good handling, power and ride.
Do yourself a favor when driving the Mojave home, look for every speed bump and railroad crossing and hit them fast and hard, the suspension is insane, my grand kids ride in the vack arms in the air screaming faster faster…you will see!
Welcome to the Jeep world!…..Jack

Great looking JT! But how do you sleep in a 5 foot bed?

 

[Kilroy1941]

A really good warranty and a dealership you trust. But I digress
Quadratec super tweeter speakers shorter antenna
Treatment for the hard top seals
Weathertech floor Mats
Honestly it's hard to stop getting " essentials" for a jeep lol

 

[PeterGriffin]

For starters, make sure to snag the ‘proper’ Jeep from the getgo: a Gladiator Rubi, with the awesome torque monster ecodiesel.

Once she arrives:

1-Install AEV 2.5 inch lift kit
2-Buy 5 of the Black Rhino Avenger desert sand 17x8.5 bead locker wheels (including the spare), and mount BFG 37x13.50R17 on each
3-Change out lamo factory 3.73 gearing with beautiful 4.56
4-Install Pedal Monster

This is a good starter list for the ‘must have immediately’ mods. The various other cool stuff down the road (e.g., 12,000 lb Warn winch, tons of lights, huge steel bumpers, chase racks, etc.) is where the real fun begins, with no end in sight!

JM2C, and of course, YMMV

Didn't read the OP, did ya...?

 

[mx5red]

Not if it sets off the backup sensors.

Luckily mine don't with my steel bumper. I have one from Warfab but last I looked at their website they didn't have any hitch skids shown... They had some cool ones so not sure why they'd stop selling them?

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