What did you do TO your Gladiator today? [ADMIN WARNING: NO POLITICS, NO GUN TALK]

[WILDHOBO]

Rebuild as much of the original as you can.

Some of me likes that idea, but I want to be able to take it places, meaning highways. So I want safe steering, safe brakes, and strong axles. I’m thinking offroad restomod.

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[ShadowsPapa]

Unbelievable. That would save some money for sure. I still think the front needs to get swapped though. Steering is not exactly safe, and I can’t think of a good way to retrofit that axle.

But brakes also make me want to just go modern. So much easier than maintaining brakes on 64 year old axles.

You can upgrade brakes on existing axles in most cases. Ask the guys who put rear disks on AMC model 20 rear axles.
A neighbor has my 73 Javelin brakes on the front of his 49 Ford.

 

[Stan H]

Some of me likes that idea, but I want to be able to take it places, meaning highways. So I want safe steering, safe brakes, and strong axles. I’m thinking offroad restomod.

Then I would go with Newer Jeep Axles or Ford F-250 axles.

 

[WILDHOBO]

You can upgrade brakes on existing axles in most cases. Ask the guys who put rear disks on AMC model 20 rear axles.
A neighbor has my 73 Javelin brakes on the front of his 49 Ford.

I knew it was straight forward with 70’s and 80’s jeeps, but 46-64’ stuff seems to be built much differently. I need to get it here so I can take some good pictures and measurements. It’s going to be in the planning phase for a bit. Maybe I can save money with a well laid out plan so I don’t need to change as much mid project.

 

[WILDHOBO]

Then I would go with Newer Jeep Axles or Ford F-250 axles.

All ford stuff will be removed. I break out in hives.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Amazing the number of classic and antique cars around here that are driven across the country to the salt flats and other places...........

 

[Stan H]

Yes your right about that for sure.

I T-Totally rebuilt a 1974 Ford F250 Highboy from the Axles up and it was a Big job. Paid 1,500 for the Truck, Rebuilt motor transfer case both axles suspension and sandblasted and painted and underrated frame. Took me a year in spare time. Man was in a runner. 390 4 barrel 60thousandths over sized pistons big cam. It would go into a wheel spin after already moving between 30-40 miles per hour.
Thats back when Ford made a truck. That thing would haul Oh my lordy i mean a lot a lot alot .

 

[Stan H]

I knew it was straight forward with 70’s and 80’s jeeps, but 46-64’ stuff seems to be build much differently. I need to get it here so I can take some good pictures and measurements. It’s going to be in the planning phase for a bit. Maybe I can save money with a well laid out plan so I don’t need to change as much mid project.

Smart thinking

 

[WILDHOBO]

Then I would go with Newer Jeep Axles or Ford F-250 axles.

I also want this to be way lighter than the gladiator. So I’m really looking at a light, but strong build. Frame will get heavier, it will get a roll cage and some under armor, that will add weight. And bumpers. So if I can save axle weight with 44’s it would be cool. And they can be found as take offs for reasonable money if they’re not built.

 

[Stan H]

I also want this to be way lighter than the gladiator. So I’m really looking at a light, but strong build. Frame will get heavier, it will get a roll cage and some under armor, that will add weight. And bumpers. So if I can save axle weight with 44’s it would be cool. And they can be found as take offs for reasonable money if they’re not built.

That 53 came with 4.88's so are ya gonna gear it the same ?

 

[WILDHOBO]

That 53 came with 4.88's so are ya gonna gear it the same ?

I didn’t even know that, but yes, 4.88 was my thought.

 

[Stan H]

I didn’t even know that, but yes, 4.88 was my thought.

Yep was doing some digging for ypu and thats what it said it was originally built with.

 

[Stan H]

My Grandfather had one .. loved that thing. My uncles BIL has it now its a 53 or 54.

 

[Stan H]

My Grandfather had one .. loved that thing. My uncles BIL has it now its a 53 or 54.

He posted a pic of it on FB if I find the pic I will post it .

 

[WILDHOBO]

Yep was doing some digging for ypu and thats what it said it was originally built with.

I really appreciate it. So cool that people are interested in this, as it’s not a gladiator. I wouldn’t even attempt this, if it weren’t for all I’ve learned from people here, and learned on the gladiator.

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