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g2020

Well-Known Member
First Name
David
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Location
Texas USA
Vehicle(s)
2020 Jeep Gladiator Sport
This post is a collection of links, to my articles on fluids & filters for a Jeep Gladiator, with the following 17 subjects: antifreeze + coolant, ATF equivalents, capacity & fill level, fluid & filter lineup, fluid equivalence ranking, high mileage motor oil, info sources, key takeaways, links to prices, manufacturer specifications, monthly maintenance, motor oil compliance, pan drop instructions, power steering fluid options, product preferences, requirements for some simple jobs, and warranty screening.

Because my experience with diesel vehicles is limited, coverage of diesel-only fluids & filters in my posts is slim-to-none. However, I have included references to a few posts by @biodiesel that cover motor oil, oil filter, AdBlue/DEF, and coolant for a Gladiator equipped with the diesel engine.
- See Section 18, EcoDiesel 3.0L V6, below
- Also see Section 14, Automatic transmission drain & fill / pan drop instructions, in which the instructions for a gas vehicle and a diesel vehicle are exactly the same


Thanks to the many members of jeepgladiatorforum.com who assisted with this effort. It has been an education.

***If you like, join this forum***

The title of this post was changed to Oils, Fluids & Filters -- Lists & Guides For Jeep Gladiator when it became a sticky thread. The original title is shown on the next line.

Fluid & Filter Series of Posts on Jeep Gladiator

Writer's Picks

Getting started:
#1 below = Detailed introduction (for first-time Gladiator owners and others who simply enjoy reading about the Jeep Gladiator)
#2 below = "Cliff's Notes" summary of my first three posts: #1, #11, and #15 (most efficient way to get need-to-know info)
#3 below = Cheat sheet, including MOPAR part numbers, MS-numbers, industry standards, and grades (on a single page)
#4 below = Prices: Find prices on OEM and aftermarket fluids & filters; loaded with comparisons of specifications not shown elsewhere such as filter efficiency ratings

- For a high-level survey of manufacturer info, licensor info, forums, and influencers, see #10 below: Info Sources

- Info Sources is a survey of original sources and reputable influencers
- While some of the topics in this post are for beginners, other topics are for someone with an intermediate or higher DIY skill level; I was a beginner until 2025

- For a list of my original posts sorted by last reaction date, with stats on replies and views, click here

1. Foundation
Fluid and Filter Lineup for Jeep Gladiator 3.6L V6
This post contains key fluid & filter info sourced from product labels, the owner's manual, publicly-available manufacturer documentation, and other members of this forum.
- See
"What is Severe Duty?" at the beginning of this post

2. Key takeaways
Key Takeaways on Fluids & Filters for Jeep Gladiator 3.6L V6
In one-third the reading time, this article will give you the key takeaways from my first three posts on fluids & filters.
First three posts:
- Fluid and Filter Lineup for Jeep Gladiator 3.6L V6 (see Foundation above)
- Requirements for Changing Oil & Filter, Differential Fluid, and Transfer Case Fluid on Jeep Gladiator 3.6L V6 (see Requirements below)

- Fluid & Filter Preferences Explained - Jeep Gladiator 3.6L V6 (see Preferences below)

3. Manufacturer specifications
Key Info on Fluids & Filters for Jeep Gladiator
This short post contains key info on OEM fluids & filters, including MOPAR part numbers, material standards (MS-numbers), industry standards, and grades. Also handy for checking aftermarket product equivalence.
- This post contains a one-pager on manufacturer specs

4. Prices
Links to Prices of Fluids & Filters for Jeep Gladiator
This post enables you to get the right search results on the price of a selected product. Loaded with comparisons of specifications not shown elsewhere such as filter efficiency ratings
Decision tool: Special designations, including "Writer's pick", assigned to several fluid & filter products in section 1; see explanation of designations after Table of Contents
Decision tools applied (decision tools originally published in other articles):
- Published compliance rating, in section 1.3 Differential Fluid
- Price index per single job, in section 1.7 Power Steering Fluid
- Fluid Equivalence Ranking System, applied to Aftermarket options in section 1.10.1 ATF Equivalents for AUTOMATIC Transmission
- Warranty screening, applied throughout section 1, Links to Prices of Fluids and Filters by Application

Also:
- This post contains seven tables

5. Fluid equivalence
Fluid Equivalence Ranking System
This post is a ranking system for aftermarket fluids with nine levels of OEM equivalence.
Decision tool: Fluid Equivalence Ranking System (entire article), summarized in Table of Contents
Also:
- This post contains one table

6. Capacity & fill level
Fluid Capacity & Fill Level in a Nutshell
This post is an overview of fluid capacity and fill level considerations, with in-depth coverage of front & rear differential.
Decision tool: Published Compliance Rating System, explained in section 10 (and encompassing sections 7-11)

7. Power steering fluid
Power Steering Fluid Options for Jeep Gladiator
This post is a review of several OEM and aftermarket PSF options, with links to prices, price indexes (per single job and per fl oz, as of September 2025), equivalence rating, and other key details.
Decision tool: Price indexes (per single job, and per fl oz), provided for each option in section 2
Decision tool applied (decision tool originally published in a different article):
- Fluid Equivalence Ranking System, adapted to section 1.3 Fluid Equivalence Rating Summary and to each option in section 2 Power Steering Fluid Options

Also:
- This post contains four tables
- This post includes a link to my video on this topic


8. Antifreeze + coolant
PEAK Antifreeze + Coolant Equivalent to OEM Original
This post is a review of PEAK antifreeze + coolant and competing brands. Emphasis is placed on specific equivalence to the OEM original, warranty terms, and key details from the label.
Decision tool: Quick summary at beginning of thread
Decision tool: Standardized warranty info for easy comparison
Decision tool:
For each of the five products reviewed, side-by-side image of front & back labels enables faster verification
- Also see my reply, post #30, about the case against (and for) monthly reservoir-only coolant replacement

Reply to related thread: Radiator (coolant overflow) cap is "loose?"
Post #3: Review of coolant recovery bottle and coolant recovery bottle cap​
- Read this before you buy just the cap
9. Monthly maintenance
My Monthly Maintenance: Power Steering, Automatic Transmission, Radiator
In this post, I describe & justify three jobs that are or were part of my monthly maintenance routine.
Decision tool: Cost per job, cost per year, and cost per series/number of jobs
Decision tool: Replacement rates, replacement rate tables, decile thresholds, diminishing return thresholds, and replacement rate formulas (calcs can be dropped into Google search)

- This post is a bit heavy on the math, but it is the math that justifies engaging in (or not) each of the maintenance practices

10. Info Sources for Maintenance & Repair
Information Sources for Jeep Gladiator Maintenance & Repair
This post is a list of reputable information sources for Jeep Gladiator maintenance & repair.

Other Fluid & Filter Posts

11. Preferences
Fluid & Filter Preferences Explained - Jeep Gladiator 3.6L V6
In this post, I share my product preferences and why I prefer them.

12. Warranty screening
Warranty Coverage of Damage to Other Parts
This post lists warranties that include coverage of damage to other parts caused by a faulty part, and serves as a source for my other posts.
Decision tool: Warranty screening; content is limited to warranties that cover damage to other parts to assist in a purchase decision

13. ATF equivalents
References to ZF-Approved ATF Equivalents for 850RE Automatic Transmission
This post contains:
  • Four documents related to ZF-approved ATF equivalents for the ZF 8HP50 / Chrysler TorqueFlite 850RE automatic transmission
  • Advice on ATF for the automatic transmission (and manual transmission) from the Jeep Gladiator owner's manual
  • Key considerations on ATF for the automatic transmission, including sections on Testing and Installation
  • Country of origin - automatic transmission
Listed in order of appearance:
Decision tool: Quick summary at beginning of thread
Decision tool: Link to video on fluid level testing procedure

Decision tool: Sequential pan drop ATF replacement rate
Decision tool: ATF testing procedure (written with guidance from Maximus Gladius)

14. Automatic transmission drain & fill / pan drop instructions
Pan Drop / Drain & Fill Instructions for ZF 8HP50 or Chrysler TorqueFlite 850RE Automatic Transmission
This is a set of written instructions on how to do a pan drop on a Jeep Gladiator or Wrangler 2018+. Reference docs and photos are also included.
- These instructions also apply to the ZF 8HP75 installed on models equipped with the EcoDiesel 3.0L V6 engine

Decision tool: Replacement rates, including pan drop replacement rates and "no-drop" replacement rates

Reply to related thread: Front/Rear Diff Service - DIY
Post #52: A pan drop is now a one-person job and there's no mess

15. Requirements for some simple jobs
Requirements for Changing Oil & Filter, Differential Fluid, and Transfer Case Fluid on Jeep Gladiator 3.6L V6
This post advises what you need, including verified tool sizes and torque specifications, for the subject jobs.
Note: Removing the differential cover to inspect and clean the differential and axle tube is out of scope
- This post also includes references to six additional jobs
- This post includes links to two of my videos


Reply to related thread: What grade gear oil are you running in your Rubicon?
Post #9: Viscosity grade for front & rear differentials

Reply to related thread: What grade gear oil are you running in your Rubicon?
Post #16: Gear oil brands for front & rear differentials

16. High mileage motor oil
High Mileage Motor Oil
This post is a collection of links on this topic, including an article published by Valvoline and a number of high-mileage motor oil options for the 3.6L gasoline engine.

17. Motor oil compliance
Motor Oil Compliance Funnel
This post is an analysis of motor oil viscosity grades, for the gasoline engine, listed in 1) the online version of the Jeep Gladiator owner's manual (revised), and 2) the "Mobil 1 Engine Oils Product Guide Sheet".

18. EcoDiesel 3.0L V6
The following posts, by @biodiesel, cover diesel motor oil & oil filter options, AdBlue/DEF, and concerns about MOPAR coolant for the diesel engine:

Official 2020+ EcoDiesel Oil Recommendations

DEF (diesel exhaust fluid)

Lets talk Coolant for the EcoDiesel
- Also see my reply, post #57, to a different post in the same thread

To volunteer to write a very short post that covers diesel-only MOPAR fluids & filters (motor oil, oil filter, AdBlue/DEF, and coolant), please contact me by DM. Such a post should include MOPAR part names & numbers, MS-numbers, industry standards, grades, capacities, and service interval mileage/years/hours). AdBlue is a licensed brand of DEF that meets ISO 22241, and does not have a MOPAR part number. Recommended coolant is the same for all Gladiators, but there are real concerns about the cooling system and the MOPAR coolant for a Gladiator equipped with the diesel engine.

Posts on Other Topics

19. Maintenance summary

Free and Simple Method for Storing Maintenance Summary on Local PC
This post shows you how to create a maintenance summary on a PC even if you do not have Microsoft Office or an internet connection. Other members of this forum have commented with (online) ideas on using the MOPAR website or app, Google Docs, the CARFAX website or app, and other online tools.

Reply to related thread: Stellantis info hacked
Post #21: Opt out of third-party data sharing​
- Also see how to opt out of pop-up advertisements on Uconnect touchscreen display / infotainment system, posted by @Sweetums

20. Touchscreen lag fix
Touchscreen, Radio, & HVAC Lag Fix
This post explains how to restore rapid boot of touchscreen and related controls, including radio and air conditioning.
- Also see how to opt out of pop-up advertisements on Uconnect touchscreen display / infotainment system


21. First Brands Bankruptcy and FRAM
FRAM and Champion Labs Affected by First Brands Bankruptcy
I wrote this post in after I noticed that the FRAM websites had been taken down.

Replies to Posts by Others

Motor oil & oil filter:
Thread: Engine Oil Change Indicator System - how does it calculate remaining oil life?
Post #7: Motor Oil & Oil Filter Service Intervals​
Thread: Show me your high mileage 3.6 with oil recommendations !
Post #15: All-in-one summary of motor oil​
Thread: Oil analysis after Towing 20K miles
Post #13: Three grades of Mobil 1 EP motor oil that are API Certified and meet material standard MS-6395; SAE 0W-20 is recommended​
Differential fluid / gear oil:
Thread: Front/Rear Diff Service - DIY
Post #65: Differential/axle fluid service intervals
Thread: What grade gear oil are you running in your Rubicon?
Post #9: Viscosity grade for front & rear differentials​
Note: This reply is also shown in Requirements for some simple jobs, above
Thread: What grade gear oil are you running in your Rubicon?
Post #16: Gear oil brands for front & rear differentials​
Note: This reply is also shown in Requirements for some simple jobs, above
Antifreeze + coolant
Thread: Radiator (coolant overflow) cap is "loose?"
Post #3: Review of coolant recovery bottle and coolant recovery bottle cap​
- Read this before you buy just the cap
Note: This reply is also shown in Antifreeze + coolant, above
Thread: Lets talk Coolant for the Ecodiesel
Post #57: Review of ZEREX heavy-duty coolant options for 3.0L EcoDiesel
Note: This reply is also shown in EcoDiesel 3.0L V6, above
Thread: Lets talk Coolant for the Ecodiesel
Post #58: Thexton socket, and using radiator drain to drain coolant from radiator
Note: This reply has no fewer than seven warnings about using this method to drain & fill coolant; at least one flush & fill is recommended before using this method
- This post includes a link to my video on this topic
ATF for automatic transmission:
Thread: Anyone else use this ATF in their Gladiator 8-speed?
Post #195: Quick summary of ATF for the automatic transmission​
Note: This reply is also shown as a decision tool in ATF equivalents, above
Thread: Anyone else use this ATF in their Gladiator 8-speed?
Post #177: "Lifetime oil", "life of the vehicle", and service intervals for ATF in the automatic transmission​
- This post includes a list of service interval recommendations/opinions and a brief discussion of lifetime fluid
Thread: Transmission fluid or not!
Post #40: Cross-section of references to ATF for automatic transmission, from four of my posts listed above​
Thread: Front/Rear Diff Service - DIY
Post #52: A pan drop is now a one-person job and there's no mess
Note: This reply is also shown in Automatic transmission drain & fill / pan drop instructions, above
Thread: Transmission drain and fill at 60K
Post #28: Pan drop performed by a Jeep dealership (including invoice)​
Thread: 8 speed fluid change-level the truck or level the trans?
Post #106: Fluid level check, transmission cooler lines, and thermostatic bypass valve (TBV)​
Thread: Mopar 8 & 9 Speed ATF Is Full Synthetic Just Like ZF Lifeguard
Post #9: Detailed price survey, of ZF-approved automatic transmission fluid options, on December 10, 2024​
Note: Links are provided for best-value options to enable quick resurvey of prices
The following topics are not covered in my series of posts on fluids and filters:
Thread: Alternator pulley leaking..
Post #46: DIY alternator repair, reference to replacement of decoupler pulley posted by @darkhorse13, new OEM & aftermarket alternator options, resetting Battery Sensor, and price survey of serpentine / drive belt system components, including Belt Tensioner, Serpentine Belt, and both Idler Pulleys
Thread: 5 tire rotation discussion
Post #92: Five-tire rotation method for vehicles with Trac-Lok limited slip (LS, or LSD) anti-spin rear differential, with references to posts by @XraytecH and @Zachanadandy
Thread: Locking Lug Nuts
Post #13: Info on OEM wheel locks, and comments on a video review of several brands; McGard is the manufacturer of MOPAR wheel locks​
Thread: Dead Battery
Post #45: For price comparison, actual price paid for MOPAR storage battery and auxiliary battery, installed by dealer, on December 16, 2024​
Thread: Looking for OEM Plastic Rivets
Post #21: How to Remove & Reinstall the Right Front Splash Shield / Wheel Well Liner on a Jeep Gladiator or Wrangler​
- For access to auxiliary battery, TCM connector, and other wiring harnesses and plugs
Thread: Broken Sun Visor
Post #25: Inexpensive fix for the sun visor
- This post includes a link to my video on this topic
Thread: Key lock gas cap
Post #11: Cheapest MOPAR option for a locking gas cap; includes 2 copies of flat key​
Thread: HPG Out of Business? Next best thing?
Post #2: Corning Gorilla Glass windshield option, and crystalfusion windshield treatment​

Versions of Owner's Manual

The following versions of the owner's manual were used as key references in several posts listed above.

- Jeep ALL-NEW 2020 GLADIATOR USER GUIDE (owner's manual), back cover: 20_JT_UG_EN_USC All-New Gladiator Second Edition User Guide
- Online version of 2020 Gladiator owner's manual; access the online version of the owner's manual for any model year using the same link
Section tags: JT_, JL_, _JT_, JT_UG, JT_UG_EN, JT_UG_EN_USC, 20_JT_UG_EN_USC

References

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