I'm very happy with the progress so far, but there is still so much more to do before I leave for the Arctic Ocean. You can visit this page here to see all the items I've installed on Doc: trailrecon.com/doc.html
Here's how to get weekend started the right way: Having a coffee in hand watching Trail Recon.... my Saturday ritual. Thank you, Brad for always starting my weekend right!
If you need to chain up, that extra gap comes in handy. Also, driving in muddy conditions, mud doesn’t get packed in but drops out by its own weight. The gap helps to utilize full articulation with no rubbing issues, either with chains or in mud. Another nice build from trail recon. Hopefully Jeep gives us an ultimate overland SUV, a hard top based on gladiator, an American alternative to LC70 and old Def.
What a fun project Brad! I love the idea of having purpose built rigs and with you leading so many trips now it makes total sense to have this type of build. I’m sure everyone will be more comfortable knowing they have your support on the trail. But don’t forget to allow others to take the lead so you can enjoy the view from your JL. As far as my own JT it will be a view from 37’s only because it would be my only rig and I do want to do some light rock crawling along with many fishing expeditions. I hope to see you in the trails.
I’m a Tacoma owner but your making me want to do a gladiator as well lol. Beautiful looking gladiator and good choice on tires. Love the video you did with overland Ozark and the mud tunnel in Borrego area.
Interesting video! I upgraded my stock '21 Wrangler Willys with the 33" Falken Wildpeak A/Ts and a 2.5" Terraflex lift kit. I'm towing a teardrop camper, I'm not planning on rock crawling, and it's my daily driver as well. I had similar reasons for going with a less extreme tire, and this video was validating! Thanks, and I'm looking forward to the rest of your build!
I installed the exact same suspension and wheels (and 35s) on my Gladiator Rubicon eco diesel along with the exact same mud flaps and have been so thrilled with that setup the last couple of years. Very capable and still fairly modest and efficient all at once!
I really like and support your tire and wheel choice. Your knuckles, differential, steering components and drivetrain will love you so much more long term. Wise choice.
I’m super excited for you, Brad. I believe you will come to love your choice to go AEV. My AEV rig is 10 years old still going strong, and super reliable.
Look's great Brad! Great balance for it's intended purpose. Can't wait to see the rest of the transformation! This would also be a great platform for a lot of the search and rescue groups. Awesome!!
Excellent Project Brad. Luv watching your channel...you and your family are very inspirational. I will be installing an AEV 2.5" lift as well. Thanks again for your service in the Navy as well as your ongoing service to your Offroading family. All the best from AZ sir.
Love the content, thank you for taking the time to post up such useful and comprehensive material. To me this is the perfect recipe that preserves drivability and utility but checks all the boxes for a rugged purposeful look that we all want our Jeep to have... Excellent job!
Love it Brad! Real inspiration for me with my 23 Mojave. Doing a 2 inch lift and 35s is the route I think I want to go as well. Cant wait to see how it does on the trail!
I have a Bronco after thinking I’d be a gladiator owner. I prefer the driving dynamics of the Bronco but living vicariously through this build. Wheels and tires look great. Love the channel and will be following along wondering what could’ve been!
The AEV Crew is a great team! Excited to see the evolution of your build, wrapping up my new 2023 ecodiesel, but as you know the build is never completely finished!
I love that wheel and tire combo, looks gorgeous and very functional. So excited you went with AEV for the lift, I have their 2.5” lift on my JKU and it’s been a game changer
Nice build! Looking good and purposeful. My 23' Gladiator is stock because I tow a travel trailer, but your giving me ideas for after the factory warranty expires.
WOW, that looks better than I was expecting. I have been struggling to figure out what lift/tire combo to put on my JT. I really wish that someone made a 37.10.5 But I am liking what you did here.
Looks great and yet still very functional as a truck. You’ll love the Nitto trail grapplers! I have some on my f150 in 33’s as I use my truck to tow a travel trailer and boat with some off-roading. They are quite for an aggressive tread and have served me well in mud, snow, rain and deep sand aired down.
Looks great! I have the same set up on my gladiator but with the 5100 shocks. Make sure you check the front brake lines, mine were rubbing on the upper control arms due to the drop bracket. i installed a teraflex brake line anchor so they wouldn't rub on the control arms.
Enjoying this build, but I’m REALLY glad you’re not selling the 392! I was actually listening to your update after dropping off my daughter at daycare in mine. Couldn’t agree more!
Looks great!! I love my 33in Rubicon Tires and Wheels on my Overland Gladiator. I have the black and chrome star shape ones. My Jeep is a daily driver and I do light offroading. I just sadly had to get an new automatic transmission installed after 3.5 years of owning my Jeep at 35,500 miles under warranty. It was shifting really hard, but it is all better now.
@@TrailRecon No, they didn’t. I just had hard shifting between 3rd and 4th gear when the transmission was cold. Made my truck jerk. They tried reprograming it first. That didn’t help. Then they tried to replace the throttle body and made it even worst. So they replace the transmission.
What a beautiful build, I think it looks perfect and as you said once you add weight it’ll settle. Can’t wait to lift my Gladiator this summer! Keep up the incredible work!!
The Jeep looks epic Brad. I think the 35's tie in perfectly with the build. I hope you are going big with the spotlights and exterior lighting? every rescue vehicle needs good lighting. Im keen to see the end product!
I love that you stuck with a 35" tire. That's exactly what I'm gonna do, though I'm doing a 35" 10.5 tire and using the stock wheels. And instead of a 3" total lift, I gonna do a 2.5" leveling kit.
Really glad to see you back into a Gladiator (I'm biased lol, I have a Mojave). I really like the look, I'm not a huge fan of poke, especially with something that isn't a rock crawler. You may have made up my mind for my wheel/tire upgrade...
35s can do a lot with the right driver.. had stocks on my old 17’ Willy’s for a long time and finally had enough of getting stuck in the loose stuff in AZ.. went 35 ko2s and ran them til they had chunks in them lol. I don’t recall a single situation those 35s couldn’t get through and we ran our jeeps hard back then! Currently running the stock 32s that came on my gladiator nighthawk and they do just fine as well.
Glad you went with the AEV! The Gladiator looks amazing with that setup! I recently added the HD DualSport to my 392 and couldn’t be happier! Looking forward to more videos!
You went with a solid and function over form combo (that still looks badass). I’ve noticed on my TJ I get much more articulation with a 2.5” lift and smaller tires (I only have 31s) than most of my buddies who opted for the larger tires and smaller lift combo. They rub before max flex while my tires tuck all the way up into my wheel well, and I can almost always keep all 4 on the ground. Was able to get more flex than a stock rubicon gladiator on 33s with my sway bar disconnected and theirs as well.
Love the AEV products and the 8100 series shock. Looking great, sir. My Mojave has the same rims and AEV bumper, but my trail rig is a full EV JL370 on 37s. Love what you are doing with this build and reasoning behind it.
Hope you enjoy your new lift kit as much as we are. Just installed the AEV a couple of weeks ago on our 2020 JLU. It's our second lift kit and far surpasses the ride and performance of the first. We think it's a better ride than we had right off the lot. As we pull a fairly heavy (for a jeep) off road trailer, we have also installed a set of AirBag Man airbags from Australia. Fantastic!! Enjoy
Looks good Brad! Smart choice on the wheels and tires. Looks absolutely great for long trips and over landing. I own a white wrangler though I do like some of the wilder colors in the Jeep lineup I have to admit the white looks the most elegant.
Stick to your plans for the Jeep, you have a specific mission & are outfitting to accomplish that mission. Everyone has their own plan for their vehicles & no two are exactly alike ! I’ll be watching for updates on the Gladiator !
It looks great Brad! Well done. I like your choices and I have always held AEV in high regard. Could you post a pic of your dry erase build board? I would love to see all of the add on’s going on your new Gladiator. Keep the great video’s coming!!
Awesome build I love the set up is the right way to install bigger tires with lift at the same time keeping the quality of the ride and also the capability in off road
That is a great tire size!! 35” tall but not too wide. That’s perfect!! I’m on 34” just because the 35” must be 12,5” wide here in Europe. You’re lucky in the states for having such a huge tires options and sizes available.
I have the same loft on my 2020 JLUR. Next time you talk with AEV, ask them about the safety factor of using the stock control arms. Since my jeep is our daily driver, that was a huge reason why I went with their lift kit over other options.
Can't wait to see the end result Brad and thank you for your content. Being a new jeeper I only really follow a few of you and one of your 'how to's' on winching paid off. Thank you.....at least I think it was your advice that popped into my head 😊
I love the route you’re going with this. Not enough practical builds out there. I LOVE the 11.5 wide. I feel like the ratio of height to width makes it look taller too.
Doc, That is the right set up for what you are doing with this Jeep.... Personally, I have never had a problem with anything we have used from AEV... and we are very hard on the Jeeps and use them....we don't abuse them, but we use them past what they are supposed to be capable of doing..... AEV is great company, with great stuff and NOTHING ELSE out there looks better doing it.... Great choice Doc.... I have lobbied BFG to make a true 35 - 11... or 36 -11.50. ...... I run BFGS on our Jeeps.... Semper Fi brother.
Just bought that same OVS winch and man I’m glad to see someone I trust running one too! I spent hours researching it and comparing its specs and overall form factor to the warn Evo and I am fully convinced that it is the same winch off the same line in China. For about $200 less. But it is so new there is hardly anyone using it, and reviews are Almost nonexistent.
I put the Mopar Bilstien Lift on my gladiator back in September, love it! I think you will like the Bilstien. I also kept at 35s for gearing. Still don't see 8th gear much unless I push to manual shift
I have a 21 JT “ Freedom edition “ that came from the dealer with the Mopar 2” lift. I’m running 35” M/T Baja boss AT on AEV Salta XR wheels too. I also tow a camping trailer and highly recommend installing a Hellwig rear swaybar. Makes a huge difference in handling.
I think it looks cool! I personally have 35’s now but only have a level installed. I like it, but that’s my taste. Thanks for the video man! Loving this series!!!
Hey Brad. Truck looks awesome. There is a channel called Expedition Overland and they go everywhere..internationally too and all they run are 35s and they get the job done. Build is looking great brother
I like the gap between the tire and the fender. I have 3.5 inch lift on my JLU with 35s tires. We measure the tires height when it has a load, but the true height of the tire is when it has no load.
Love the videos, I am looking to get my Gladator setup for overlanding. I have looked at many items and a 2-3 lift but haveing the extra duty for towing and I have a smartcap will work great. I Love the look as a non rock crawer rig. Happy Building.
Looks fantastic and the gap between the arches and the wheels just makes it even more purposeful. Great combo and really excited to see how this build goes 👍🏻😁😎
Sometimes restraint is better than overzealous. I think your controlled build will serve your needs better. I always felt you liked the Power Wagon better when it was on 35s and not 37s. I sure do. This build is going to be one of your best.
Great…now I’m reconsidering going to 37’s! 😂 Solid vid and that is what I really struggle with in my head going from a 35” on my JK to a 37”, the real difference in weight/rotating mass….good food for thought, thank you sir!
Great video Doc! I really enjoy watching your channel. I have learned a lot from it. Your JT looks great. I can't wait to see the finished product. I went with a similar build on my 21 Gladiator Rubicon.
Love the tire choice! I've recently watched some of the tire investigations by Tinkerer's Adventure, Robert Pepper, Rugged Life, 4xOverland, etc. Based on the science, it makes a lot of sense to go with taller, narrower tires in a more backcountry hauler focused build like this. As mentioned in the video, they weigh less than an equivalent wide aspect tire, and you don't sacrifice contact patch because it just grows lengthwise if you have to air down (rather then width-wise).
Great changes. It seems like you’re following my build! I did go a slightly different route in that I used the 5100 series AEV shocks and used the Toyo AT3’s on the stock rim and actually lost 4# per corner! So I believe it will have a slight improvement over your choice. I think the AEV rims are heavy … Keep it going!
Doc is looking so good! I just installed the AEV 3” high capacity springs and their XR Salta wheels on my Gladiator. It looked amazing, but the steering was terrible. My truck doesn’t have the weight those springs are meant to support. After several messages back and forth with AEV, they recommended replacing the HD springs with the 2.5” standard springs. This really helped with the steering geometry. I’m curious about how your does with you having all the weight in your truck yet? You have a great build going with Doc! Excited for every one of your videos to drop! Keep up the great and wholesome content:)
What’s a perfect Saturday? After coming back from a run, having a cup of coffee and a light breakfast and watching Trailrecon! Rrah! Another good informative vid Doc!
I went through so many tires and wheels over the last few years trying to find a lightweight combo. Settled on the Salta’s you have since AEV manufactures their wheels to the same weight spec as OEM, but found that BFG KO2s are the lightest A/T on the market and the Nittos were one of the heaviest
Love the AEV and 35s. Very practical. I went the same route with my build, but chose the 5100 shock for now. I can always replace with the 8100. Looking Fab Brad!!!❤
That looks really good Brad. While I like 37s and 40's on my jeeps 35s are the practical everyday world size. I once destroyed a 37 down in Mexico and had to use a spare that had been patched more than once! coming home because they had lots of 35s but not a single 37. A friend that has been to Africa said 35s are the tire size you want over a bigger tire they are easily found. But he also said 33s are the norm.. I went to 35s on my current jeep for another reason its my daily and it fits in the parking garage at work. I love my AEV lift. And you can't beat the price. Looking forward to the project progressing.
Looks great! The gap is fine, although some of that will go away anyways as you load the truck down. Will be interested to hear your ride impressions unloaded vs loaded with the high load coils.
That’s awesome! The older I’m getting, the more I realize “The right tool for the right job.” Hate when people talk trash when you don’t “go big or go home”. Scalpel, not hammer. Looks awesome!
To the party late this time. Had my first cup of Jo and watched this episode with great interest. To each their own is certainly true with the Jeep community. We all build our Jeeps to our own style and functionality. I'd love to go higher, larger tires but I'm 71 with back and knee issues. My 2.5 lift on 33's is doable for me and my wife. I'm not out to impress anyone with going higher and bigger tires. Great to see Jerry's new shop. Need to get back there for some work soon. Great vid, as usual, Brad. 😉✌
I'm very happy with the progress so far, but there is still so much more to do before I leave for the Arctic Ocean. You can visit this page here to see all the items I've installed on Doc: trailrecon.com/doc.html
The mud flaps set the tone, the jeep means business. Looks good! Look forward to more
Here's how to get weekend started the right way: Having a coffee in hand watching Trail Recon.... my Saturday ritual. Thank you, Brad for always starting my weekend right!
Thank you and have a great weekend!
Mine to ! Haha
Literally same 😂
Love my AEV lift kit on my Mojave and I too went with 35" tires, very happy. Looking good Brad!
If you need to chain up, that extra gap comes in handy. Also, driving in muddy conditions, mud doesn’t get packed in but drops out by its own weight. The gap helps to utilize full articulation with no rubbing issues, either with chains or in mud.
Another nice build from trail recon.
Hopefully Jeep gives us an ultimate overland SUV, a hard top based on gladiator, an American alternative to LC70 and old Def.
What a fun project Brad! I love the idea of having purpose built rigs and with you leading so many trips now it makes total sense to have this type of build. I’m sure everyone will be more comfortable knowing they have your support on the trail.
But don’t forget to allow others to take the lead so you can enjoy the view from your JL.
As far as my own JT it will be a view from 37’s only because it would be my only rig and I do want to do some light rock crawling along with many fishing expeditions. I hope to see you in the trails.
I’m a Tacoma owner but your making me want to do a gladiator as well lol. Beautiful looking gladiator and good choice on tires. Love the video you did with overland Ozark and the mud tunnel in Borrego area.
Interesting video! I upgraded my stock '21 Wrangler Willys with the 33" Falken Wildpeak A/Ts and a 2.5" Terraflex lift kit. I'm towing a teardrop camper, I'm not planning on rock crawling, and it's my daily driver as well. I had similar reasons for going with a less extreme tire, and this video was validating! Thanks, and I'm looking forward to the rest of your build!
I think it looks awesome. You don’t need 37’s 35s look perfect and I love that you went positive offset with the wheels.
Thank you Brad!!! For not going extreme!!! About time for an “Everyman” type of build 👍
I installed the exact same suspension and wheels (and 35s) on my Gladiator Rubicon eco diesel along with the exact same mud flaps and have been so thrilled with that setup the last couple of years. Very capable and still fairly modest and efficient all at once!
35s are the best all around tires and those wheels look cool and tough.
I really like and support your tire and wheel choice. Your knuckles, differential, steering components and drivetrain will love you so much more long term. Wise choice.
I’m super excited for you, Brad. I believe you will come to love your choice to go AEV. My AEV rig is 10 years old still going strong, and super reliable.
Look's great Brad! Great balance for it's intended purpose. Can't wait to see the rest of the transformation! This would also be a great platform for a lot of the search and rescue groups. Awesome!!
Oh man, I love that stance! I like that your builds are unique, you don’t follow a trend and I think that it’s paying off.
Thanks for sharing!
Excellent Project Brad. Luv watching your channel...you and your family are very inspirational. I will be installing an AEV 2.5" lift as well. Thanks again for your service in the Navy as well as your ongoing service to your Offroading family. All the best from AZ sir.
Love the content, thank you for taking the time to post up such useful and comprehensive material.
To me this is the perfect recipe that preserves drivability and utility but checks all the boxes for a rugged purposeful look that we all want our Jeep to have... Excellent job!
I’m very happy that you’re working with AEV. I loved these products and this company for years!!! Great job guys!
Love it Brad! Real inspiration for me with my 23 Mojave. Doing a 2 inch lift and 35s is the route I think I want to go as well. Cant wait to see how it does on the trail!
You're gonna LOVE the 35x11.5 setup. Had that on my last JKU and they worked amazing!
Looks clean my daughter just got her first jeep gladiator and we are having a blast adding mods.
Love it Brad, and taking notes for my modest Gladiator build. 35s and a 2” lift should get me where I want to go and keep me out of trouble.
I have a Bronco after thinking I’d be a gladiator owner. I prefer the driving dynamics of the Bronco but living vicariously through this build. Wheels and tires look great. Love the channel and will be following along wondering what could’ve been!
I have that exact build on my gladiator rubicon. The onroad/offroad balance is unmatched. AEV is incredible stuff.
The AEV Crew is a great team! Excited to see the evolution of your build, wrapping up my new 2023 ecodiesel, but as you know the build is never completely finished!
Looks great and built with purpose. Also, excellent thought put into camera angles and story driven editing.
I love that wheel and tire combo, looks gorgeous and very functional. So excited you went with AEV for the lift, I have their 2.5” lift on my JKU and it’s been a game changer
Nice build! Looking good and purposeful. My 23' Gladiator is stock because I tow a travel trailer, but your giving me ideas for after the factory warranty expires.
WOW, that looks better than I was expecting. I have been struggling to figure out what lift/tire combo to put on my JT. I really wish that someone made a 37.10.5
But I am liking what you did here.
Looks great and yet still very functional as a truck. You’ll love the Nitto trail grapplers! I have some on my f150 in 33’s as I use my truck to tow a travel trailer and boat with some off-roading. They are quite for an aggressive tread and have served me well in mud, snow, rain and deep sand aired down.
Looks great! I have the same set up on my gladiator but with the 5100 shocks. Make sure you check the front brake lines, mine were rubbing on the upper control arms due to the drop bracket. i installed a teraflex brake line anchor so they wouldn't rub on the control arms.
My '21 gladiator rubicon has a 2 inch mopar lift with 35 inch BFG Ko2s. It works well for my long Alaskan winters.
Enjoying this build, but I’m REALLY glad you’re not selling the 392! I was actually listening to your update after dropping off my daughter at daycare in mine. Couldn’t agree more!
Looks great!! I love my 33in Rubicon Tires and Wheels on my Overland Gladiator. I have the black and chrome star shape ones. My Jeep is a daily driver and I do light offroading. I just sadly had to get an new automatic transmission installed after 3.5 years of owning my Jeep at 35,500 miles under warranty. It was shifting really hard, but it is all better now.
Oh man, bummer about the transmission. Did they say what the failure was?
@@TrailRecon No, they didn’t. I just had hard shifting between 3rd and 4th gear when the transmission was cold. Made my truck jerk. They tried reprograming it first. That didn’t help. Then they tried to replace the throttle body and made it even worst. So they replace the transmission.
What a beautiful build, I think it looks perfect and as you said once you add weight it’ll settle.
Can’t wait to lift my Gladiator this summer! Keep up the incredible work!!
Love it Brad. We need to meet up in Inuvik on your trip to Tuk. I’ll give you the insider edition that all the other travellers miss.
Great set up,i also did the rt lift with the toyo open country at3 on the factory gladiator rims and cant be happier. Cant wait to see more.
The Jeep looks epic Brad. I think the 35's tie in perfectly with the build. I hope you are going big with the spotlights and exterior lighting? every rescue vehicle needs good lighting. Im keen to see the end product!
I love that you stuck with a 35" tire. That's exactly what I'm gonna do, though I'm doing a 35" 10.5 tire and using the stock wheels. And instead of a 3" total lift, I gonna do a 2.5" leveling kit.
In addition to the weight savings, an added benefit to a thinner tire when aired down will provides more contact patch.
Really glad to see you back into a Gladiator (I'm biased lol, I have a Mojave). I really like the look, I'm not a huge fan of poke, especially with something that isn't a rock crawler.
You may have made up my mind for my wheel/tire upgrade...
I like the gap between the tire and fender. I like the look of the truck. When I get my Gladiator I think I’ll do something similar.
She’s looking sweet perfect setup I’ve always ran 35’s honestly I don’t need anything else, can’t wait to see when she’s finished 👍👍👍👍
35s can do a lot with the right driver.. had stocks on my old 17’ Willy’s for a long time and finally had enough of getting stuck in the loose stuff in AZ.. went 35 ko2s and ran them til they had chunks in them lol. I don’t recall a single situation those 35s couldn’t get through and we ran our jeeps hard back then! Currently running the stock 32s that came on my gladiator nighthawk and they do just fine as well.
Brad, looks great!! And Congratulations on getting AEV involved in the build. Can't wait to see how it looks with all those goodies you got.
It should have a front sports light and roof rack ...will make this vehicle more beautiful and serve the off road purposes or capabilities .
2 spare tyres should be on roof rack with rubber bushes under the tyres so that it cannot make much noise on off roads very important.
Metal like bumper front and at the back.... with front winch is also very important.
Glad you went with the AEV! The Gladiator looks amazing with that setup! I recently added the HD DualSport to my 392 and couldn’t be happier! Looking forward to more videos!
You went with a solid and function over form combo (that still looks badass). I’ve noticed on my TJ I get much more articulation with a 2.5” lift and smaller tires (I only have 31s) than most of my buddies who opted for the larger tires and smaller lift combo. They rub before max flex while my tires tuck all the way up into my wheel well, and I can almost always keep all 4 on the ground. Was able to get more flex than a stock rubicon gladiator on 33s with my sway bar disconnected and theirs as well.
Love the AEV products and the 8100 series shock. Looking great, sir. My Mojave has the same rims and AEV bumper, but my trail rig is a full EV JL370 on 37s. Love what you are doing with this build and reasoning behind it.
Hope you enjoy your new lift kit as much as we are. Just installed the AEV a couple of weeks ago on our 2020 JLU. It's our second lift kit and far surpasses the ride and performance of the first. We think it's a better ride than we had right off the lot. As we pull a fairly heavy (for a jeep) off road trailer, we have also installed a set of AirBag Man airbags from Australia. Fantastic!! Enjoy
Looks good Brad! Smart choice on the wheels and tires. Looks absolutely great for long trips and over landing. I own a white wrangler though I do like some of the wilder colors in the Jeep lineup I have to admit the white looks the most elegant.
Doc looks very functional, for what you have planned. Excited to see all the new mods!
Accu Air looks like a great solution for my family to be able enjoy our JT Rubicon and for me to go with 35 or 37” tires for the fun part.
Stick to your plans for the Jeep, you have a specific mission & are outfitting to accomplish that mission. Everyone has their own plan for their vehicles & no two are exactly alike ! I’ll be watching for updates on the Gladiator !
It looks great Brad! Well done. I like your choices and I have always held AEV in high regard. Could you post a pic of your dry erase build board? I would love to see all of the add on’s going on your new Gladiator.
Keep the great video’s coming!!
Awesome build I love the set up is the right way to install bigger tires with lift at the same time keeping the quality of the ride and also the capability in off road
That is a great tire size!! 35” tall but not too wide. That’s perfect!! I’m on 34” just because the 35” must be 12,5” wide here in Europe. You’re lucky in the states for having such a huge tires options and sizes available.
Brad, I look forward to your review of the AEV products installed on Doc over your future expeditions.
So happy you are working with AEV!
Looks great!!
I have the Snazzberry Gladiator and LOVE it! Still original tires though. It’s nice to see all different ideas.
Its fun following this type of build. I pray for your full recovery from your injury.
I have the same loft on my 2020 JLUR. Next time you talk with AEV, ask them about the safety factor of using the stock control arms. Since my jeep is our daily driver, that was a huge reason why I went with their lift kit over other options.
Can't wait to see the end result Brad and thank you for your content. Being a new jeeper I only really follow a few of you and one of your 'how to's' on winching paid off. Thank you.....at least I think it was your advice that popped into my head 😊
I love the route you’re going with this. Not enough practical builds out there. I LOVE the 11.5 wide. I feel like the ratio of height to width makes it look taller too.
Doc,
That is the right set up for what you are doing with this Jeep....
Personally, I have never had a problem with anything we have used from AEV... and we are very hard on the Jeeps and use them....we don't abuse them, but we use them past what they are supposed to be capable of doing.....
AEV is great company, with great stuff and NOTHING ELSE out there looks better doing it....
Great choice Doc....
I have lobbied BFG to make a true 35 - 11... or 36 -11.50. ...... I run BFGS on our Jeeps....
Semper Fi brother.
Just bought that same OVS winch and man I’m glad to see someone I trust running one too! I spent hours researching it and comparing its specs and overall form factor to the warn Evo and I am fully convinced that it is the same winch off the same line in China. For about $200 less. But it is so new there is hardly anyone using it, and reviews are Almost nonexistent.
I put the Mopar Bilstien Lift on my gladiator back in September, love it! I think you will like the Bilstien. I also kept at 35s for gearing. Still don't see 8th gear much unless I push to manual shift
I have a 21 JT “ Freedom edition “ that came from the dealer with the Mopar 2” lift. I’m running 35” M/T Baja boss AT on AEV Salta XR wheels too. I also tow a camping trailer and highly recommend installing a Hellwig rear swaybar. Makes a huge difference in handling.
I think it looks cool! I personally have 35’s now but only have a level installed. I like it, but that’s my taste.
Thanks for the video man! Loving this series!!!
Hey Brad. Truck looks awesome. There is a channel called Expedition Overland and they go everywhere..internationally too and all they run are 35s and they get the job done. Build is looking great brother
Great choice of tire. Extremely happy with the three sets I’ve gone through.
I like the gap between the tire and the fender. I have 3.5 inch lift on my JLU with 35s tires.
We measure the tires height when it has a load, but the true height of the tire is when it has no load.
Love my ridge grapplers, I personally think they are the best choice for an a/t tire. Looks great!
Love the videos, I am looking to get my Gladator setup for overlanding. I have looked at many items and a 2-3 lift but haveing the extra duty for towing and I have a smartcap will work great. I Love the look as a non rock crawer rig. Happy Building.
Looks fantastic and the gap between the arches and the wheels just makes it even more purposeful. Great combo and really excited to see how this build goes 👍🏻😁😎
AEV for the win
Looks awesome. The mud flaps make it. Looks like an off-road rally truck.
Can’t wait to see the bumper and all the rest of the mods!
Love the videos Brad! You provide loads of detail which is very refreshing. We'd love to send you some parts for the build if you're down!
I run those tires. I have 23 thousand miles on them and they have worn very little. You will love em Brad 👍👍
Sometimes restraint is better than overzealous. I think your controlled build will serve your needs better. I always felt you liked the Power Wagon better when it was on 35s and not 37s. I sure do. This build is going to be one of your best.
Great…now I’m reconsidering going to 37’s! 😂 Solid vid and that is what I really struggle with in my head going from a 35” on my JK to a 37”, the real difference in weight/rotating mass….good food for thought, thank you sir!
Great video Doc! I really enjoy watching your channel. I have learned a lot from it. Your JT looks great. I can't wait to see the finished product. I went with a similar build on my 21 Gladiator Rubicon.
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I love the way it looks and for sure to drive it Brad.
J - Fix
E - It
E - Agan
P - Tyrone
Love the tire choice!
I've recently watched some of the tire investigations by Tinkerer's Adventure, Robert Pepper, Rugged Life, 4xOverland, etc. Based on the science, it makes a lot of sense to go with taller, narrower tires in a more backcountry hauler focused build like this. As mentioned in the video, they weigh less than an equivalent wide aspect tire, and you don't sacrifice contact patch because it just grows lengthwise if you have to air down (rather then width-wise).
I went with metric equivalent of BFG 35s on the stock wheels for many of the same reasons. They're lighter, they don't rub or poke out of the fenders.
Great changes. It seems like you’re following my build! I did go a slightly different route in that I used the 5100 series AEV shocks and used the Toyo AT3’s on the stock rim and actually lost 4# per corner! So I believe it will have a slight improvement over your choice. I think the AEV rims are heavy … Keep it going!
Doc is looking so good! I just installed the AEV 3” high capacity springs and their XR Salta wheels on my Gladiator. It looked amazing, but the steering was terrible. My truck doesn’t have the weight those springs are meant to support. After several messages back and forth with AEV, they recommended replacing the HD springs with the 2.5” standard springs. This really helped with the steering geometry. I’m curious about how your does with you having all the weight in your truck yet?
You have a great build going with Doc! Excited for every one of your videos to drop! Keep up the great and wholesome content:)
Great looking rig. I do not own Jeeps but I do enjoy watching people make modifications to their vehicles. Greetings from Las Vegas, NV.
Brad, looks nice! Once I went to 37s, my Jeep definitely drove different. I'd say 35s were the perfect way to go.
What’s a perfect Saturday? After coming back from a run, having a cup of coffee and a light breakfast and watching Trailrecon! Rrah! Another good informative vid Doc!
I love the BFG Mud and all terrain tires. Those are the 2 types of tires I buy. 35s are plenty big for on and off road. Less stress on the axles.
AEV makes great stuff, only thing I did is add a good front trackbar to help align the axle and improved the steering/feel slightly
Well thought out suspension and tire choice Brad. Can’t wait to see what other additions you have planned
I went through so many tires and wheels over the last few years trying to find a lightweight combo. Settled on the Salta’s you have since AEV manufactures their wheels to the same weight spec as OEM, but found that BFG KO2s are the lightest A/T on the market and the Nittos were one of the heaviest
Looks good. The lift and new wheels and tires definitely helped the look for sure. If 35’s work for your purpose then do it!
Love the AEV and 35s. Very practical. I went the same route with my build, but chose the 5100 shock for now. I can always replace with the 8100.
Looking Fab Brad!!!❤
That looks really good Brad. While I like 37s and 40's on my jeeps 35s are the practical everyday world size. I once destroyed a 37 down in Mexico and had to use a spare that had been patched more than once! coming home because they had lots of 35s but not a single 37. A friend that has been to Africa said 35s are the tire size you want over a bigger tire they are easily found. But he also said 33s are the norm.. I went to 35s on my current jeep for another reason its my daily and it fits in the parking garage at work. I love my AEV lift. And you can't beat the price. Looking forward to the project progressing.
Looks great! The gap is fine, although some of that will go away anyways as you load the truck down. Will be interested to hear your ride impressions unloaded vs loaded with the high load coils.
That’s awesome! The older I’m getting, the more I realize “The right tool for the right job.” Hate when people talk trash when you don’t “go big or go home”. Scalpel, not hammer. Looks awesome!
To the party late this time. Had my first cup of Jo and watched this episode with great interest. To each their own is certainly true with the Jeep community. We all build our Jeeps to our own style and functionality. I'd love to go higher, larger tires but I'm 71 with back and knee issues. My 2.5 lift on 33's is doable for me and my wife. I'm not out to impress anyone with going higher and bigger tires. Great to see Jerry's new shop. Need to get back there for some work soon. Great vid, as usual, Brad. 😉✌