Jeep Gladiator 1 Year Update - What I've Changed and Why
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- Опубліковано 24 лип 2024
- I've had my 2021 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon for over a year now. How's it doing? What changes have I made and why? Do I still love it?
Gladiator Build Items:
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I forgot to mention Ball Joints and Front Drive shaft. Both have been changed. The factory ball joints are crap and didn’t last 15k miles with the 37s. I replaced those with Teraflex ball joints. The drive shaft was replaced with a Spicer drive shaft.
Does your Gladiator have the aluminum steering knuckles, or did you get one that came later with the much improved steel knuckles? Thanks!
So you like your fiat then
@@engir63 freaking love it!!!
@@VideosOffRoad it has the aluminum ones. Only the Mojave has the steel. Hasn’t been an issue.
@@OzarkOverlandAdventures I had NO IDEA Jeep ever made aluminum sliders. Yes, that would help save quite a bit of weight. Thanks for the info!
I specifically wanted a rubicon gladiator after seeing what you have put it through. Three weeks ago i came home with one 🤣
Awesome!!
Nice update. Thank you.
The famous jeep windshield crack!
Love your idea for the plug in comms extension!
Terrific update, and very informative. Your folding shelf is a great idea. I'm going to copy it for my cap. Keep up the great work. Thank you.
Another great video! I loved watching the progression of sully and boo
This was great video. thank you for the honest no hype reviews! I don't wheel my Gladiator to the extremes as you get too, although I love it every single time I drive it. mine is a 21 as well. Thank you both!
Hi Matt, Cara and goose, glad you guys got back ok. I really liked the update on Sully, very informative. I’m considering the Gladiator platform. As always thank you 😊
My windshield crack happened right as we were hitting the TX line on 40 when we were coming home from our trip too. I know you've done a ton to Sully but it's held up well with the abuse you give it out there on the trails. Definitely proof that the Gladiator is the best for overlanding like you said.
I started following you before the Gladiator but glad you have one (I'm almost at 2 years now). I was an early owner of the XTR and love it, so glad you feel the same, so adaptable. My rig isn't built up like yours but I have taken a lot of notes (skid plates, winch, etc.) for when I need to build it up more for longer trips. Love watching you guys!
What a rig! Nice build buddy!
Love your rig, great vids.
I love the Bullet Point Solutions mounting points in my Jeep.
Love the build, im going back to your reviews because im in the tire kicking point of switching from my 2021 fourrunner to a gladiator Rubicon.
I've got the same snatch ring and theor soft shackles. I've mostly used them for recovery of folks stuck in the snow. Much easier to work with than a snatch block with gloved hands.
THANKS for this Matt !!!! I LOVE your rig !!!! ( MUCH love from a TACOMA Boy !!!)
Damn, I feel like you’ve had that a lot longer than a year and a few. Mine just turned 1 with about 30K miles on her. I feel exactly the same- best overlander that can still go hardcore and super easy to mod with lots of options. I hope they never get rid of it cause it’ll probably be the veh I buy over and over again. Look forward to more of your vids. 🤙
Thanks!!!
Great to hear kudos given to another brand of refrigerator.
Good review, ok we will cross paths one day; I have a 1993 Land Rover Defender 3 door 110. LS3 automatic, Ali-cab roof tent. On and on.
Just picked up a Turtleback and heading to just about anywhere with my gladiator. Your are correct, best rig out there hands down.
yeah, it's the best if you want to have all your gear constantly covered in dust, mud and water.
@@piotrtrocki3842 it’s called a Smartcap genius. A word that’s probably not in your vocabulary.
@@JohnSmith-bq7gz Hey, "genius" 90% of Gladiators don't have them. You are 100% right, this word is not my vocabulary, I hardly use it, since there are so many imbeciles out there. But I have some better words in my vocabulary. Just let me know.
@@JohnSmith-bq7gz Also by adding any kind of cap or canopy, you are trying to copy what wrangler has built-in, which is dry and safe space, you can even sleep comfy in a Wrangler and also you have access to all your gear from the outside and inside of the car. Wrangler has better breakover angles and the departure angle, shorter wheelbase. Gladiator is a good car for Jeep loving contractors, but not the best for off-roading. It is still very good car.
Would love a full review of Zoleo and how you pair it with Gaia etc. Have heard great things about the zoleo from backcountry hikers/canoers
Would love your review of Garmin vs Zoleo. Been wanting to get a communication device when not in cell coverage or remote like Alaska/ Canada fishing and hunting. Also compare the ACR Bivi Stick as well…..looking forward to your next video.
You have definitely stepped up your game! Keep the great content coming. Great channel!!
Thanks for putting out such enjoyable and informative videos. I am currently running the original 38" M/T's and was wondering how the M/T-02's are wearing? Like the tires but they are wearing pretty quick but if the 02's are doing better I will go with them when it is time for new tires.
I like your rig, you have space for 40 tires and your gearing can handle that easy
But not a 40” spare.
You should install the drop bracket for your control arms. The difference in ride quality will blow your mind. I haven’t had an issue with them getting hung up yet and even if I did I wouldn’t care. It rides perfect.
With the adjustable arms I don’t need drop brackets. The last thing I want is to make anything lower. My ride quality is exceptional!
Drop brackets add leverage to the control arm, to help it rip out the factory mount. Like a breaker bar, no thanks.
Giving me some ideas.
Sorry but I love my Tacoma on 37 M16. Oh SAS 5.29 gears. It's a beast 💪! Snorkel too. I'm not knocking yours but it is nice.
You had me at sas. Lol
Love what you've done with the extrusion aluminum; I plan on making a drawer system for my Lexus using it then just having open trays that will allow me to use some Step22 bags or Frontrunner boxes. When are you going to the Starlink for internet?
Thanks. I’ll get Starlink when we are traveling full time. Right now I don’t need it.
Only thing that I think would come close as a turn key overlander would be the bronco, but the thing is wildly unreliable. And your right on the zr2, mods to fit 37s are pretty extreme
Hey Matt, I enjoyed the video update on Sully. I have a 2021 Mojave and I want to upgrade the steering stabilizer. Have you upgraded yours to an aftermarket stabilizer , and if so which one. I'm thinking about the Falcon Nexus 2.2 adjustable. Your opinion matters to me. What do you think about the Falcon? Thanks in advance Matt.
Great build. Has it always been Jeeps for you? Also, I looked over past videos and couldn’t find any, have you done one for Overlanding for beginners, basic gear needed, etc.?
I’m amazed with the much larger and heavier tires you run and all you have put that rig through the ball joints aren’t dust by now. How many miles on it? You got a good one! Not built on a Monday or Friday. 😏
Ooops. Forgot about the ball joints. The factory ones didn’t last 20k miles with the 37s. Have Teraflex ball joints now.
I really like the Yankum fairlead at 3:01 My only issue is the exposed rope getting pelted with road/trail debris and UV damage. Needs a cover that can be popped on. Maybe 3D printed?
That’s not something I would worry about.
The JCR fire extinguisher panel you have... it said that it doesn't work with the factory headliner...
I know you said you have the hotheads one.. but any idea the difference? (Only asking as I wanted to do that same thing.. but they said it wouldn't fit with the mopar headliner..
You mentioned a driveshaft replacement awhile ago, wish you would fill us in on that. 👍🏻
I totally forgot to mention that. I got one from Spicer from Northridge 4x4.
@@OzarkOverlandAdventures what happened to the stock shaft? Too much flex and it burned on the exhaust? Or some other damage?
@@Natezoinks more flex than the stock Rzeppa joint can handle.
Great overview Matt. Every consider a tuner for more power (banks)? Considering one for my eco diesel gladiator.
I've never found that tuners do much. I had one on my JK.
Building a full size rig. F150 beadlocks or bead grip style rims? Thanks for your input.
Honestly I've never run either.
Excellent review!!! Was wondering if your Gladiator is able to fit through a standard size garage door the way it is set up now?
Hi Matt, great video. You stated you don't carry full size traction boards, what are the small ones you have mounted onnthr passenger side? Have you used them in snow or would you stick to the longer boards for that if needed? Thanks!
Those are some I got off amazon for leveling the Jeep at camp. I would never use them in a recovery situation unless I really really needed them. For actual recovery I would do the longer ones for sure.
What are you using for a mattress pad in your RTT? I have the Ikamper and after last week's adventure the tent mattress isn't cutting it
I took out the stock mattress in my ikamper and leave my exped and sheets up there full time. -Cara
Are you still running your stock axle shafts with your 38’s? Great video!
Yes. Thank you.
You have put that fridge through hell lol. Makes me feel good about getting ours.
It’s been through a lot. Lol.
Will you be participating in Expo East? I’m sooo very close to pulling the trigger on ordering a Gladiator Rubicon. I’d love to chat about not only builds but priorities and self install versus pro-install.
We will be at East. Would love to chat. Everything on my Gladiator has been done myself except for the regearing.
I own a 2020 punk’n gladiator rubicon and I’m planning on building it and your rig fits a lot of what I’m looking for. I’m pretty happy that you don’t deck it out full of top name brand stuff. Great content!! 👌🏻
I want one with the 390 V8 👍
What gears are you running with the 38s? Great overview! Nicely set up!
5.29
@@OzarkOverlandAdventures thank you for the info! I imagine that helps with the tire size and extra weight. I actually owned a 2020 Gladiator Rubicon that I traded on a 4xE Rubicon. I’m now driving a Ram Power Wagon which I love but the size does limit some of the trails you can run. And I’m a manual transmission fan and the gladiator is one of the rare vehicles that you can still get with one. I really wish they’d put the 392 in the gladiator and have a manual option! Lol! That’d be my DREAM truck! I really like your set up! Great channel!
How do you like the front facing camera. Can you tell how big the rocks are in front of you.
I love it. It’s great for helping with tire placement and seeing over blind hills. Not so great at determining the size of rocks.
Does the wider turning radius of the Gladiator ever bother you? I'm debating between a JLU and a JT (both configurations would work well for me), but wonder about the difference in how they feel in driving, and if the JT really feels that much bigger.
Thanks! Keep up the great content.
The only time I notice the difference is when I'm going over obstacles that favor the shorter wheelbase of the JLU. They are both incredibly capable and both have their pros and cons. But it's definitely a truck and the JLU is an SUV so it just depends on what you want. I say the JT is the ultimate Overland rig and the JLU is the ultimate rock crawler.
Which brand of hard case pack is that? the one that you have all of your recovery gear in?
Harbor Freight
Hard to believe you've had Sully for over a year...
I really like you videos and you have a great Gladiator. you say no issues in 34k miles but youve had to replace / beef up ocmponented, Ball joints / driveshafts etc. What else have you had to beef up to run that lift and tires?
Just ball joints and drive shaft are the only things that have worn prematurely because of the lift and larger tires. But that's to be expected. The factory drive shaft was never designed to drop that much and the ball joints were not designed for 37s and larger tires.
@@OzarkOverlandAdventures Not bad! I really like your gladiator - with how much $$ you have in it i would consider an AEV Prospector XL
@@Krice118 the Prospector won’t fit down the trails I like. The Ozarks are too tight.
@@OzarkOverlandAdventures True! I am in MO i want to explore OZarks soon. I really love your channel and have a new respect for Jeeps ( i am a toyota guy)
what about fender flares. stock or not. brand, size. good or bad coverage
Mine are stock.
I think you mentioned running 38's. Any signs of axle fatigue? Would you consider 40's or do you think that's too much tire?
Axles are great. The main reason I won't run 40s is because I'd have to find a place to put the spare.
@@OzarkOverlandAdventures That makes sense! Thanks!
Does your Gladiator come with the trail rail in the bed? Is that required in order to install that bed rack? Or can it be installed without it?
It can be installed with or without. I don't have a rail system on mine. It has pinch plates.
@@scottsnyder8691 good to know! Thank you!
@@TheNotSoOrdinaryCarGuy it’s a solid rack. I’ve had many miles off road and not a single loose bolt. Easy on and easy off (depending on how much you have bolted to it).
With the added weight of all the up grades what have you done to give the motor more power?
Regearing makes a huge difference.
We’re did you get those hinges for the panels?
From Xtrusion Overland.
Is that a full sized spare mounted underneath? What's the maximum size spare that can be mounted underneth, in the stock location?
It's a 38" spare fully inflated thanks to the Clayton Offroad adjustable rear track bar. That's as large of a tire that you will get in that location.
@@OzarkOverlandAdventures Thanks
Does the bar on the front bumper obstruct your front camera view?
No it does not.
how tall is the rack hight? and what are the lift door option called?
It’s 17” not sure what they are called but I know XTrusion Overland has them on their website now.
Any axle upgrades?
Nope. Haven’t felt the need.
Did you regear for your tires? I JUST bought a gladiator in that same blue and it has 37s and my mileage is horrible!
Yes. I have 5.13s for my 38s. You'll get used to the bad gas mileage. lol
Is there an advantage to getting the Rubicon if re-gearing, changing shocks, and adding a lift?
Lots. Lockers front and rear, 4:1 transfer case, sway bar disconnect, highline fender flares to name a few.
@@OzarkOverlandAdventures thank you. Trying to narrow my search for a jeep. Thanks for all the content
Is the winch line UV protected?
Nope
That bumper is awesome. Unfortunately, 20 week lead time :(
is your factory touchscreen delaminating?
No it is not.
Seems like you have had the gladiator so long, can’t picture you in anything else.
are you over your payload rating on the gladiator ?
Not sure. I'd be surprised if I wasn't. lol
Have you had any trouble with your rear axle seals leaking? Seams like a conman problem on gladiators…
Not on mine
I had new driver axle at 2300 miles no more problems
I’m still waiting for the video where Cara takes back her lightbar.
😂😂😂
😂😂😂
What are your tail lights? I dont remember seeing it on either update.
Dang!! forgot those. They are Oracle.
@@OzarkOverlandAdventures Alright sweet! Thank you. Would you recommend them? I've heard iffy reviews.
@@cruduskellies yes but I still have a turn signal lights out error on my dash but they work fine and are less likely to get busted on a tree.
@@OzarkOverlandAdventures That's good to know. Thank you!
Would you ever consider a diesel gladiator? Why or why not?
No, No, no. If you want to know more, ask people who had been driving diesels. They are much heavier, about $8000 more expensive, Towing is the worst. Cooling system doesn't keep up with heavy duty work (towing, climbing big hills). They stink (like big diesel trucks)! you get better mileage but diesel is more expensive. Maintenance costs are higher. Btw, everything made by Chrysler/Fiat and now Stellantis is SHIT. HA, HA, HA
@@piotrtrocki3842 where is this $8k figure coming from? If you are going to get an automatic transmission for either motor, the diesel is $4k more. If you are getting a manual on a gas (which you are then no longer comparing apples to apples) it adds $6k.
@@adambomb5000 i guess i'm off by $4000 lol
The only thing I have seen wrong with the diesel JKs and Gladiators is the fuel filter housing sits to low for off roading and is plastic. Therefore easy to break. Story Till Now did a video a few weeks ago and it was an issue on the trail with one of the guys.
I would not get the diesel just because I don't want the added maintenance of the diesel. I'm a big fan of the 3.6. It's a great engine.
👍👍👍👍👍
Any milage drop with full build
Of course. 13-14 typically now.
@@OzarkOverlandAdventures thats not bad with all the weight you have on it
Have you seen the new Jeep performance wiper blades for the JL/JT? Wiper fluid coming out of the blade arm. That’s my next purchase!
I’ve heard about them but haven’t seen them yet.
That’s not a cracked window that’s a road map
Disclaimer: 2022 Tacoma TRD Offroad owner.
I honestly think you’re correct on the gladiator being the best OVERALL overlanding platform. However, I think it’s important to consider that not everyone has the same opinion on what overlanding means and what they’ll be doing when they overland.
For most cases, a Tacoma is going to do everything a gladiator will but arguably more comfortably (IFS reasons). For a casual, weekend warrior that camps a couple times a year… the Tacoma would be a more comfortable, cheaper option. The reliably of it alone holds its value.
On the flip side if you plan to go bigger than 35s and hit the more difficult offroad trails, then I would say gladiator would be a better fit at the expense of on road comfort.
I will admit the Tacoma does NOT have the fun factor of a Jeep, but the gladiator just doesn’t make sense for everyone.
2 different tools that can perform the same job… but they each have their niche.
Except Toyota makes Toyota and Fiat makes Jeep. Toyota beat on longevity all day.
@@theboston3386 I agree in the stock to stock comparisons in a daily driver environment. Toyota > Jeep all day long.
I don’t know that I agree in an off-road environment where both rigs are sitting on 35s or 37s and they’re being pushed to their limits. Specifically in regards to IFS’s steering components and CVs. I would feel much more comfortable in a Jeep Gladiator going through Pritchett Canyon than I would a Tacoma.
@@theboston3386 Jeep still makes Jeep. Lol. And Toyotas break down on our trips more than all the Jeeps put together. Once you start wheeling them the reliability argument goes out the window and I could argue actually favors the Jeep.
I would not keep the factory Rubicon sliders. From this video it looks like you're literally carrying extra weight around for no reason at all.
Doesn't have a kick out then
@@Nolgore What? Look at 7:25 in the video. The Ace Engineering rock sliders are below the factory sliders and stick out to provide the kick out (step). As nearly as I can tell from this video, the factory sliders are just dead weight.
The factory sliders add an extra layer of protection and look a lot better with the Ace sliders.
@@OzarkOverlandAdventures It could very well be true that they look better with the factory sliders. From what I can see from this video, it doesn't really look like the factory sliders should ever get touched. If they do, one would have wonder about the effectiveness of the Ace sliders, to be honest. I totally get wanting extra extra protection, I just question whether it would be worth the weight penalty. Weight is the enemy. Thank you so much for taking the time to respond and share your thoughts.
Hate to tell you but we can see the uneven wear on the front tires in the video....patagonia may be trending but majorly overrated
I can assure you there is no uneven wear on the tires. The new O2 version fixed that issue with a new compound.
I just bought a set of Milestar Patagonia MT's because of what Sully has been through.
Great tire!!
You have a very nice men's car. Now yo need to get yourself nice automatic men's watch.
Huh? You don’t like the Apple Watch?
@@OzarkOverlandAdventures
I guess, I'm an old school fart. When I was a kid I only had a bicycle and a cassette player, lol. So I fight with new gadgets unless, they are absolute necessity. Everything has electronics in, these days even the stupid bulbs, and that's why everything breaks so easily. Everything has batteries and need to be recharged. It's those evil capacitors. lol
@@piotrtrocki3842 I totally agree with you!
Why don’t you supercharge it, blow up your motor like Story til now, and have your Patreons pay for a new one like he did?
Shaun and I are friends. His Patrons aren’t buying his Hemi swap and even if they were they love and support his channel and wouldn’t care if they were. I know this because I’m a Patron of his.
What height Xtrusion rack is that? I went to their website and they had many different heights to choose from. I'm not sure what height I need but I really like the height that yours is at. Looks perfect with that RTT!
Mine is 17". They do custom heights.
@@OzarkOverlandAdventures Thank you!