What are the realistic expectations from a stock Sport?

[PyrPatriot]

What should I expect to be the real ability of a stock Gladiator Sport? No lift, no large tires, just a fresh of the lot 8-speed Jeep. Maybe include how the 4.10 axel would affect performance off-road.

Basically, provide some scenarios, pics of trails, or environments that I can safely go through. Not necessarily pushing the limits.

How does it compare to say an SUV like an outback or something with similar clearance? I have scoured through all the comparison/vs videos and am curious what the stock Sports can do

Sponsored

 

[Flying J]

What should I expect to be the real ability of a stock Gladiator Sport?

Fun, envy, fun, interested looks, fun and yes, WAVES.

 

[PyrPatriot]

Fun, envy, fun, interested looks, fun and yes, WAVES.

Besides that, like limitations. I know I wont be crawling over boulders with it but I dont want to stick to a dirt/gravel road out of uncertainty on what is safe to do

 

[JRobes]

Besides that, like limitations. I know I wont be crawling over boulders with it but I dont want to stick to a dirt/gravel road out of uncertainty on what is safe to do

dirt/gravel trails are way below it's paygrade, even with highway/all season tires. If you get a set of knobbier off-road tires with better puncture resistance/sidewalls, it'd likely tackle trails with larger rocks fine (think 8-10"), just need to make sure you don't impact your axles/belly too badly. It's still a very capable machine, even in the sport package. If you're wanting to go over larger obstacles, obviously look into larger diameter tires and lifts (and lockers for more extreme challenges).

 

[PyrPatriot]

dirt/gravel trails are way below it's paygrade, even with highway/all season tires. If you get a set of knobbier off-road tires, it'd likely tackle trails with larger rocks fine (think 8-10"), just need to make sure you don't impact your axles/belly too badly. It's still a very capable machine, even in the sport package. If you're wanting to go over larger obstacles, obviously look into larger diameter tires and lifts (and lockers for more extreme challenges).

Before there are any rocks to crawl over I'd get better tires and some underarmor, I'm liking the near full belly skid plates being offered.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Was going to ask the exact same question about the Overland - my wife insisted we get some of the better options - bigger screen, NAV, leather and other stuff that couldn't get in the Sport otherwise I was sold on the Sport S.
Around here I like the fact the Gladiator sits higher than my Silverado and will clear the dead critters on our roads a lot better.

 

[PyrPatriot]

Here are some videos I came across




Could a stock Gladiator Sport S/Overland do this? Second video is what the guy has done to his.

 

[12BNNT]

My suggestion for ya would be look into a Jeep Jamboree. My previous Jeep (2014 JKU) had 1800 miles on it with Goodyear SRA’s (street tires - aired down) when I went to first my first Jamboree. The only bolt on was a set of rock sliders to protect the doors. That Jeep sold me. I’ve had other off road rigs and that stock JKU did stuff I didn’t think it could and stuff my built K10 blazer could only wish for. Yes, it cost $250 or $295 a person (depending on the event) but that pays for them to rent the entire off road park for the weekend, 2 or three meals a day (depending on event) plus SPOTTERS AND GUIDES!! Biggest part of it is the trail guides and spotters know the park, trails, and Jeeps. They know what you can do and what will get you in trouble in a stock Jeep. When you sign up for trails at the event, they look over your Jeep and will suggest a group level based on what you got and what experience you have. Groups go from basic fire trails, creeks, fields and water crossing with Cherokees and renegades to extreme crawling and waterfall climbing in built up truggy type rigs. I don’t work for Jamboree or anything but enjoy doing 2 or 3 a year to go out and play in my Jeep with fellow Jeeper’s following guides that will get me back in one piece and help me if I get stuck.
If you wanna know what your JT can do, go for it. BUT fair warning.... when you get back, you WILL find yourself saying “if I had _____ on my Jeep I would have made ____ or been able to do _____ easier”

 

[Mark Doiron]

... Basically, provide some scenarios, pics of trails, or environments that I can safely go through. Not necessarily pushing the limits....

Well, since my Gladiator delivery is scheduled for tomorrow (I"m so excited!), please let me share some photos of a mostly stock 2007 Jeep JK X (which is these days called a Sport) on the stock Goodyear SRA tires with no lift.

At Disney, OK ...

And at Moab on Gemini Bridges Trail and White Rim Road ...

And at Sedona, AZ on Schnebly Hill Road ...

Don't let your lack of mods slow you down. Your Jeep will amaze you at what it can do. But, like kids, they do have a way of growing up. ;-)

 

[12BNNT]

Don't let your lack of mods slow you down. Your Jeep will amaze you at what it can do.

agreed!! Sport wrangler or JT will go places you wouldn’t believe possible. Of course lifts, lockers, taller tires might make it a little easier but a stock sport or overland is by no means a slacker off-road.

tried to post a short video but didn’t like the format. I’ll have to try again later.

 

[PyrPatriot]

Thanks for the information, everyone! I am glad to have it confirmed that the Jeep can do more than expected and more than other stock SUV/Trucks.

I will have to loom into the Jeep Jamboree. Mods like lifts, lockers, etc wont come for another 5 years, and maybe I will just get a Rubicon by then and mod that!

 

[WXman]

A stock Gladiator Sport isn't comparable to a Wrangler Sport. I've wheeled both on the same trails and the Gladiator will definitely scrape the belly and rear bumper a lot more often. I would strongly advise against taking a stock Sport or Overland onto the trails. Not only is the breakover and departure angle horrible, the stock tires are extremely flimsy. There's a reason they weigh 33 lbs. each and it's not because they have decent sidewalls.

 

[BLK HOLE]

Mild trails really. Your biggest gain will be to change tires...even if you went 33s and more grip it'll change your world over the stock street tires.

 

[PyrPatriot]

Mild trails really. Your biggest gain will be to change tires...even if you went 33s and more grip it'll change your world over the stock street tires.

What needs to be done for 35s? Do i need a lift, adjust suspension parts like all the control arms?

 

[BLK HOLE]

What needs to be done for 35s? Do i need a lift, adjust suspension parts like all the control arms?

They'll fit stock but they might rub a tad at full articulation, which is OK. But for daily driving and medium/light wheeling they will be fine and won't rub. Otherwise a small spacer lift would clear them fine....spacer lifts are cheap and easy to install.

Sponsored