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What did you do WITH your Gladiator today?
Narpet
Well-Known Member
Today we hit the logging trails about an hour from our home. Mostly light trails with some mud, ruts, and occasional rocks. We went to the top of the small mountain (about 3200 feet up) where there's an abandoned military radar site that was part of the early warning system in the western U.S. until it was dismantled in the 1980s.
There aren't a lot of rocks on these trails, but I wanted to see how the new gear flexed, so I walked up this just to get a couple pics... goofy but fun.
There aren't a lot of rocks on these trails, but I wanted to see how the new gear flexed, so I walked up this just to get a couple pics... goofy but fun.
WILDHOBO
Well-Known Member
Very nice. I like seeing that I’m it the only one running those tires on stock rubicon rims. What lift is that? Looks great.Today we hit the logging trails about an hour from our home. Mostly light trails with some mud, ruts, and occasional rocks. We went to the top of the small mountain (about 3200 feet up) where there's an abandoned military radar site that was part of the early warning system in the western U.S. until it was dismantled in the 1980s.
There aren't a lot of rocks on these trails, but I wanted to see how the new gear flexed, so I walked up this just to get a couple pics... goofy but fun.
JeepOfTheseus
Well-Known Member
Did some wheeling and overlanding in Death Valley (was the only Jeep, rest were Tacomas). Hit up Mengal Pass - had some hairy dips and climbs, but the Gladiator handled it with ease. Took it to Echo Pass to try an infamous waterfall obstacle there, but the first guy nearly destroyed his truck. He only had 33” tires, but no side steps - and given that he nearly crunched his doors which are technically higher than my side steps, I told the group I wouldn’t attempt it so we rerouted. The first guy did complete the first waterfall, but said he was pretty nervous and that it wasn’t actually that fun being so close to potentially breaking down. We later did the Titus Canyon drive which is more about testing your comfort level with heights and shelf roads. It’s about as extreme as I would go, and not my preferential style of driving. In any case, I got this sunset shot during our second night, when we camped next to Inyo Mines.
Another pic on the trail:
One more:
Album: https://www.icloud.com/photos/#07ea_515nwlT8oe-4sgmp2FwQ
Another pic on the trail:
One more:
Album: https://www.icloud.com/photos/#07ea_515nwlT8oe-4sgmp2FwQ
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Narpet
Well-Known Member
The lift is mostly Rubicon Express parts, with Fox 2.0 shocks, RockJock steering system, and a Bilstein steering damper. I'm happy with it so far... we'll see how it does as I hit the trails this spring. I love your JT. That's the color I wanted originally, but my wife talked me into black.Very nice. I like seeing that I’m it the only one running those tires on stock rubicon rims. What lift is that? Looks great.
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WILDHOBO
Well-Known Member
Also fox 2.0 for me. Yeti steer smarts for steering components and stabilizer. Funny you say that. We had a hydro blue picked out and when we arrived to pick it up, my wife said she couldn’t stand it. So we ended up with silver. If she’s happy, I’m happy…usually.The lift is mostly Rubicon Express parts, with Fox 2.0 shocks, RockJock steering system, and a Bilstein steering damper. I'm happy with it so far... we'll see how it does as I hit the trails this spring. I love your JT. That's the color I wanted originally, but my wife talked me into black.
I can’t wait to see how it does on the trails. I drove 400 careful miles this weekend to try to knock out most of the gear break in. 350 to go.
WILDHOBO
Well-Known Member
The black looks great btw. This is my first vehicle in a decade that isn’t black.The lift is mostly Rubicon Express parts, with Fox 2.0 shocks, RockJock steering system, and a Bilstein steering damper. I'm happy with it so far... we'll see how it does as I hit the trails this spring. I love your JT. That's the color I wanted originally, but my wife talked me into black.
WILDHOBO
Well-Known Member
Since we’re running identical wheels and tires, what psi are you running? I’ve started with 35, but I still think it’s a bit harsh. It’s too messy here with snow and mud to pull off a chalk test. The snow makes me think they’re pretty close to even though. Lots of other variables could make it different, but just curious. ThxThe lift is mostly Rubicon Express parts, with Fox 2.0 shocks, RockJock steering system, and a Bilstein steering damper. I'm happy with it so far... we'll see how it does as I hit the trails this spring. I love your JT. That's the color I wanted originally, but my wife talked me into black.
Narpet
Well-Known Member
So far, I'm running the tires at 36 for daily driving. I've only had them a week and I don't do highway driving very often.
Wango's Tango
Active Member
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WILDHOBO
Well-Known Member
Mine are close to that as well. I can’t tell if it’s bumpy because of tire pressure or because I’m not used to the squishy rubicon springs being replaced. I’ve only had mine mounted for a week as well.
Serik
Active Member
Installed the Rugged Ridge Venator bumper. I really like the looks of this bumper, but the side pieces and override bar are stamped steel, so probably won't provide too much protection. Maybe thats normal, though. I guess I was just expecting it to be a bit more beefy like the winch plate and tow hooks. Need to go winch shopping next and I'm most likely going to do the fender chop with the slim LED lights from Quake.
