What gladiator model to buy

[zebest]

Hi, I am new here and looking to buy a gladiator. I will only be using it for camping and regular roads, no off roading. In saying this I don’t like how it looks stock with the tires, so I will want bigger tires which I think will require lifting it.

based on this is the sport ideal for me? Or I heard the sport ultimate tow package?

I don’t want to buy the wrong one and having to spend more money to accomplish my goal. Any help would be appreciated

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[Gvsukids]

Hi, I am new here and looking to buy a gladiator. I will only be using it for camping and regular roads, no off roading. In saying this I don’t like how it looks stock with the tires, so I will want bigger tires which I think will require lifting it.

based on this is the sport ideal for me? Or I heard the sport ultimate tow package?

I don’t want to buy the wrong one and having to spend more money to accomplish my goal. Any help would be appreciated

Sport Max Tow, is the ultimate tow package.
You won't need to lift it to run 35's.
Test drive each model. Sport is the best basic package.

 

[zebest]

Do they look good on 35s with out being lifted? Also is the tow capacity 7000 pounds? I read 4500 on some sites and 7000 on others. Mostly I will be hauling a 200 pound inflatable boat, possibly one or two times tow my 7000 5th wheel, but really don’t have to if that is out of the question.

Mostly want the jeep to customize to my liking, wheels being important, everything else I can do with all of them (remove doors, different top, tailgate accessories etc).

 

[b-roc]

A few questions for you to answer to help us help you:

1) Are there certain creature comforts that you like/want/need?
2) Do you need a steel bumper?
3) do you need a color matched bumper?
4) Do you like larger wheels?
5) What type of suspension do you like firm/soft?
6) Are you OK modifying it? (guessing so since you brought up a lift and tires)
7) any driving in snow?
8) is there an immediate (off the lot) budget?
9) is there a long-term budget (purchase + mods)

This should get us started

 

[zebest]

A few questions for you to answer to help us help you:

1) Are there certain creature comforts that you like/want/need? No
2) Do you need a steel bumper? No
3) do you need a color matched bumper? No
4) Do you like larger wheels? Yes
5) What type of suspension do you like firm/soft? Not sure, I have a wrangler 2021 stock and I am fine with that suspension
6) Are you OK modifying it? (guessing so since you brought up a lift and tires) I wouldn’t do this myself, I would hire a mechanic
7) any driving in snow? No
8) is there an immediate (off the lot) budget? Just beat bang for my money. Don’t want to over spend on things I don’t need
9) is there a long-term budget (purchase + mods) no, of course I want to spend the least amount. I am looking at one today for $32.000 at a dealership 16k miles, seems like a good deal, sport.

This should get us started

 

[zebest]

Here is the one I am looking at for reference.

https://www.futurecdjroffairfield.c...ladiator-b46cfe82ac1810198863cc06dcd15a80.htm

 

[b-roc]

Given your answers and your potential to Tow, it seems like the sport with max Tow package is your best option ... you were already on the right path ... depending on how much you like your tires to fill your wheel wells, you may or may not need a lift.

In your case, I would get the tires and see what you think.

If you want a lift once you see it with the tires that you want, then a 2 inch lift will be plenty. You will have 2 main choices
1) 2" Mopar lift installed by dealer to keep your warranty without a hassle. (Without offroading, this will be a more capable lift than you need)
2) a quality spacer lift (I would add front geometry correction brackets)... there are several, but AEV is well regarded for this (they are not the cheapest though)

Good luck and welcome

 

[zebest]

Given your answers and your potential to Tow, it seems like the sport with max Tow package is your best option ... you were already on the right path ... depending on how much you like your tires to fill your wheel wells, you may or may not need a lift.

In your case, I would get the tires and see what you think.

If you want a lift once you see it with the tires that you want, then a 2 inch lift will be plenty. You will have 2 main choices
1) 2" Mopar lift installed by dealer to keep your warranty without a hassle. (Without offloading, this will be a more capable lift than you need)
2) a quality spacer lift (I would add front geometry correction brackets)... there are several, but AEV is well regarded for this (they are not the cheapest though)

Good luck and welcome

thank you, really helpful info, appreciate it.

 

[Aleph]

Do they look good on 35s with out being lifted? Also is the tow capacity 7000 pounds? I read 4500 on some sites and 7000 on others. Mostly I will be hauling a 200 pound inflatable boat, possibly one or two times tow my 7000 5th wheel, but really don’t have to if that is out of the question.

The Sport with Max Tow package will tow 7700 pounds.

 

[zebest]

With the sport, will I need to get my gears re geared if I lift it 2”? Where if I get a different model I won’t? Is re gearing expensive?

 

[zebest]

And if I get a sport without the max tow package is it only 4500 pounds?
How much of a hassle is it to upgrade after if I ever need the additional tow weight? Or impossible?

 

[Gvsukids]

Mostly I will be hauling a 200 pound inflatable boat, possibly one or two times tow my 7000 5th wheel, but really don’t have to if that is out of the question.

Buy a 2500. Do not tow a 5th wheel with this truck.

 

[zebest]

Buy a 2500. Do not tow a 5th wheel with this truck.

Ok, then I won’t need the ultimate tow package. That’s fine, thanks for the advice

 

[ZeeJay]

With the sport, will I need to get my gears re geared if I lift it 2”? Where if I get a different model I won’t? Is re gearing expensive?

Yes regear jobs are expensive. That depends on end use and also where you live. Elevation is a huge factor also. Approx 3% loss per 1000 ft gain.
Standard Sport/Willys will have 3.73s
Sport with Max tow will have 4.10s, this includes Mojave and Rubicon also
So to answer your question directly yes a regear can be on the table for larger tires, not necessarily required but a max tow model will have better gearing straight from factory.

 

[zebest]

according to this chart, I would have to regear regardless of which model I buy.

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