JT Rubicon build for camping and the trail

Over the summer, I picked up a new 2020 Gladiator Rubicon at Ontario Jeep. I kept the 2003 TJ Rubicon for the Baja runs and weekend trips for less expensive insurance and to not attract so much attention. Driving around in a Gladiator attracts more attention than I am used to, but that is another story. To set the Gladiator up for off road use and the eventual trip to Baja, I looked at the obvious areas that need to be addressed and will build accordingly.

San Diego during Veterans Day weekend 2019 with friend Renay and her built JK



Starting with; the Suspension - the stock Rubicon suspension is differentiated from the Sport and Overland suspensions by a quartet of lightly valved Fox shocks that encourage a bouncing ride that tends to oscillate the more weight is placed over the front/rear axles. While not a problem on smooth interstate freeways, rough stretches of highway or rutted dirt roads would not inspire any sort of confidence as the front and/or rear end would porpoise under load.



Enter the 4.5” Skyjacker long travel suspension with M95 monotube shocks. While I have read both pros and cons regarding this shock absorber, I plan to use this suspension to its’ limits as I have my TJ Rubicon for the past 16 years. If the seals blow out due to long stretches of rough dirt road and washboard, I will report about it here. As I see it, the Gladiator is just getting used as it was designed. If a set of $2,000 EVO-spec King shocks are needed, then I’ll make the upgrade. Otherwise, I’ll stick with the M95’s.



Tires - While I currently run the Falken AT3W tire with stellar results, I want a slightly larger, more aggressive tire that won’t necessarily increase the decibels. The Falken AT3W in the 35” size completely clawed its’ way up the steep sections of the “Mission Impossible” trail while keeping the noise levels low enough to hold a conversation or talk on the 2 meter radio along Hwy 1. In the running are the Milestar Patagonia (offered in a 38x13.5r17 size), the Falken AT3W (offered in a 37x12.5r17 size), and the BFGoodrich KM3 (offered in a 37x13.5r17 size). The KM3 offers the best traction followed by the Patagonia and the AT3W as a close third. In terms of price, the Patagonia only costs $260 while the AT3W and KM3 cost about $100 more per tire. Longevity is secondary to trail performance, so the KM3 and the Patagonia will probably duke it out in that department.



Wheels - I like the classic look of the Quadratec Baja Xtreme II wheel. Add a real OMF beadlock ring and some rock domes and it will perform as well as the more flashy contemporaries for less money.



Steering - Hands down - Steer Smarts’ XD Yeti Tie Rod, Drag Link and Track Bar/Panhard Bar will get the nod. I can’t wait to bolt this equipment up and see how well it works.



Rear storage - JCR MOLLE racks will bolt to the inside of the pickup bed and will hold my Hi-Lift, Shovel, Fire Extinguisher and ROTOPAX gas containers. I will opt for the MOLLE racks that bolt inside of the bed sides rather than the ubiquitous overlanding racks that recently have become the de rigueur method of ‘wheeling and camping in the desert.

Programming - Tazer JL or mini Tazer JL will likely get the nod.
Driveshaft - Adams or an EVO-spec unit since the Skyjacker long travel kit requires this upgrade.

Gears - Yukon - most likely 4.88 to keep the 8th gear at hwy speeds.

Axleshafs - likely the RCV with FAD delete.

Bumper - I sourced a Smittybilt stubby for only $240 this weekend.



Winch - WARN

On board Air - ViAir or ARB

Over the next year, I hope to have this Gladiator built 70-80% So, let the build process begin!

Quote: Originally posted by Ken Cooke

Driving around in a Gladiator attracts more attention than I am used to, but that is another story San Diego during Veterans Day weekend 2019 with friend Renay and her built JK

Quote: Originally posted by ehall

I had trouble finding the Patagonia. All backordered. Went with coopers. Working great.

Build list

Quote: Originally posted by David K

What I loved about my Toyota Tacoma Off-Road TRD is that I could take it from the showroom right to Baja, four wheeling without spending a dime on mods. I took it to Mission Santa María at age 6 months. Oh, what a feeling! The rear bumper got twisted just before reaching the mission on one of the steep gullies. Your huge 38" tires should give you enough clearance to avoid that. I was running 31" BFGs at the time. Mods are great, however... and later I would improve the suspension, the tires, and the differential breather... oh, and add some lights!

Quote: Originally posted by David K

Yes! Not much fun, indeed! Remember it was you who called it Mission Impossible on your shirts. It is a great rough, low range & lockers or traction control road that goes to an interesting site. More than just a tough road... a road that goes back in time! Same thing with the Pole Line Road.

You didn't read what I wrote:

"stock isn't much fun."

"Mission Impossible isn't a hard trail"

I thoroughly enjoyed running Mission Impossible after a day-long rainstorm the day before. But, as Paul W and Rich T pointed out, The Pioneer Trail is, "The hardest of them all" with the Powerline trail being the toughest, but guaranteeing body damage. I even misjudged the Pioneer Trail when making this t-shirt.

[img][/img]

I think you are so busy on this forum, that you don't spend enough time digesting what you read. Quality over quantity is a good thing.

Nice ride .. only problem I'd hate to get a ding or scratch on the beautiful paint job

Quote: Originally posted by wessongroup

Nice ride .. only problem I'd hate to get a ding or scratch on the beautiful paint job

Quote: Originally posted by Ken Cooke

Quote: Originally posted by wessongroup   Nice ride .. only problem I'd hate to get a ding or scratch on the beautiful paint job In terms of automotive beauty, it really is comparable to the Defender 110 with it's similar lines and wheelbase.

First time I have ever seen word beauty associated with Chrysler or Rover

Quote: Originally posted by advrider

I will be following this built, I'm waiting for the diesel model to come out! Probably sell my scrambler on 37's with 1 ton axles to help fund the build? I'm between going with 35's or 37's, just not sure yet? Keep the pictures coming.. Any shirts left over from last years run?

Quote: Originally posted by PaulW

Ken, Have you found an off road navigation device yet. GPS/tablet? [Edited on 11-26-2019 by PaulW]

Quote: Originally posted by rich t

Nice Jeep Ken, let me know when you are ready to break it in, we have a trip planned in January.

It looks like a lot of room and a lot of potential fun. Shell Island with its "bottomless" sand (as Neal Johns called it) awaits sand testing. If Elizabeth and I can join you there, it will be fun as it has been almost 10 years since we last camped with you and Mrs. but now that she speaks English, it will be nicer for the two ladies to communicate without our help!







Shell Island is our "Happy Place"!
Let's go back in July 2020!

[Edited on 11-27-2019 by David K]

Quote: Originally posted by advrider

Ken, are you doing the EVO lift as a kit or making your own with parts they make? I see you listed a lift but also have the arms listed? Do you know if a 35 will fit the stock spare location under the jeep?

Quote: Originally posted by advrider

Wow, I was thinking 35's so I could keep it under the jeep, but if you can fit a skinny 37, that might change my mind? I did see that EVO has a bunch of options, is anyone doing a long arm kit? I'm just getting up to speed on the Gladiator.

Quote: Originally posted by PaulW

Seems to me with my lack of research that a Gladiator should have 39s in order to compensate for the extra wheelbase. Put the spare in the bed or on a rack on the back. IMO a spare underneath is asking for critical damage.

That is a very wise assessment of the Gladiator, Paul.

The most trailworthy Gladiators run 40's, but require the Dana 60/80 equivalent from Dynatrac, Dana or Fusion to do so. Price tag = $15,000 including 2.5 ton steering and front/rear axles.

Quote: Originally posted by David K

Ken, is there anything from Currie Enterprises for the Gladiator, other than axles. Casey raced a Gladiator in the 1000 (I think he won, too?).

Quote: Originally posted by advrider

Links not working for me? I've been very happy with my Currie rock jock 60 and other parts from them, I'll have to checkout the lift kit. I don't think I'll go over 35's for my use, so maybe just a spring and shocks for me, on the Rubicon model? Looking to make it more of a camping rig to tow our Aussie offroad trailer and hopefully some of the Baja runs you guys do? I've run Rubicon and four dice for years and don't see myself doing a lot of that stuff?

Quote: Originally posted by advrider

What is the factory lift that you can buy, 2 inches?

Quote: Originally posted by advrider

I see what you said before. I will keep an eye on your build and I follow the Gladiator form, a lot of stuff came from SEMA on there. Some of it not so good, you have to wonder what some of the builder were thinking of. I'm not looking at a tannou cover but a hard shell, I'm sure someone will start making one.

4 January - Install Steer Smarts Tie Rod, Drag Link, Trackbar
4 January - Install 4.5" EVO MFG Enforcer suspension w/Fox shocks
8 January - Service 4WD system at dealership - Swaybar Disconnect malfunctioning
8 January - Mount/Balance new 38" Milestar Patagonia MT tires
9 January - Align front end to Steer Smarts specifications



I should be right about level with this guy when we're all finished

Why I went with EVO MANUFACTURING?

Quote: Originally posted by Ken Cooke

Quote: Originally posted by advrider   I see what you said before. I will keep an eye on your build and I follow the Gladiator form, a lot of stuff came from SEMA on there. Some of it not so good, you have to wonder what some of the builder were thinking of. I'm not looking at a tannou cover but a hard shell, I'm sure someone will start making one. 4 January - Install Steer Smarts Tie Rod, Drag Link, Trackbar 4 January - Install 4.5" EVO MFG Enforcer suspension w/Fox shocks 8 January - Service 4WD system at dealership - Swaybar Disconnect malfunctioning 8 January - Mount/Balance new 38" Milestar Patagonia MT tires 9 January - Align front end to Steer Smarts specifications I should be right about level with this guy when we're all finished

Looks like the spare tire fills entire bed of that toy pick-up truck

Interesting that jeeps are so unreliable that you can forecast malfunction occurring on jan 8

Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666

Looks like the spare tire fills entire bed of that toy pick-up truck Interesting that jeeps are so unreliable that you can forecast malfunction occurring on jan 8

Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666

Looks like the spare tire fills entire bed of that toy pick-up truck Interesting that jeeps are so unreliable that you can forecast malfunction occurring on jan 8

Feel free to follow me up the bypasses along Berdoo Canyon in mid January MtnGoat.. What? You can't make it?

I THOUGHT SO



[Edited on 12-31-2019 by Ken Cooke]

Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666

[/rquote] Looks like the spare tire fills entire bed of that toy pick-up truck Interesting that jeeps are so unreliable that you can forecast malfunction occurring on jan 8

Put the tire on the hood (like land rover)
Put tire on roof (like hillbilly)

My spare on my stock 4wd fits nicely out of the way under the bed

Quote: Originally posted by Don Pisto

regardless of what la cabra says, whats wrong with up on the roof?

Quote: Originally posted by Maderita

Quote: Originally posted by Don Pisto   regardless of what la cabra says, whats wrong with up on the roof? A 100 lb. tire + wheel on the roof, plus the rack, increases the center of gravity. Also increases the wind resistance, decreasing gas mileage. Not to mention the effects upon the sheet metal from the stresses, which it was not designed for. And most people are not be able to lift a 100 lb. tire and wheel over their head to put it on the roof of a lifted truck.

Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666

If you cared about gas mileage you would not lift your truck or put heavy wheels/tires on your car. Your lift and over-heavy wheels/tires Put way more stress on your car than an item on the roof. Those heavy wheels put a lot of stress on your drive train, your axles/joints were not designed for the weight you are adding to gain a 1/2 inch of clearance.

Goat, let me break it down for you:
Clearance=good
Lack of clearance=bad

Small tires=less traction and clearance
Larger than stock tires=more traction and a great deal more clearance

If the red Unlimited TJ had larger than stock tires at around minute 2, his tires would not be spinning on such small rocks causing him to back down El Jamau Summit road.

Tire on hood? Check your oil or air filter condition lately?

You don't sound experienced in this sort of travel. Your criticisms make you sound more the novice than anything else.

AEV is coming out with this tire carrier for the Gladiator soon Ken. It will hold up to a 40 inch tire.

New trackbar installed on the Baja Gladiator - that is one big, thick, forged piece of steel! Rated at one and a quarter ton!




Thanks to Akula for recommending the Yeti XD trackbar for my Gladiator!



Drop bracket installation looked like this.



Bobby was OBSESSED with my Gladiator being able to park inside of the garage! It is indeed taller with the new suspension installed. With 38" tires, it will just make it inside without rubbing the paint off of the freedom panels.



Lining up the front axle was a little tricky..




The frontend is 75% complete..

So, I thought that I must have forgotten to order the Adams 1350 Solid front driveshaft. Problem is, it never shipped! I have a driveshaft to track down tomorrow over the phone.

Quote: Originally posted by David K

Quote: Originally posted by Ken Cooke   These tires should arrive within a few days of now. I can't wait! What did you end up ordering? Four Wheeler Magazine arrived today with a article on a 40" tire Gladiator.

Quote: Originally posted by advrider

That track bar is a massive, shouldn't be an issue with it! Why is the solid front drive shaft needed? I'm guessing the stock won't hold up to the big tires? Looking good..

Quote: Originally posted by advrider

Sorry for all of the questions, I thought this was intended as a discussion about your Gladiator and the Gladiator in general. I live in the mountains with limited internet usage and I'm not able to watch youTube and other videos whenever I want for hours at a time. Good luck with your build, I will quietly follow along and do my own research as you suggested. I've built many jeeps, cars and motorcycles, fabricated bumpers, roll cages, rocker guards and narrowed one ton running gear to fit under a jeep before you could buy it, but I have always liked to see why people choose the parts they do, you never know what you might learn from a different point of view. [Edited on 1-7-2020 by advrider]

In the spirit of streamlining content, just start a new Gladiator thread based on the new technology and capabilities this platform provides.

Quote: Originally posted by Ken Cooke

Tow truck took Gladiator in for a professional front end alignment today. Because the rear suspension must be equidistant in terms of height from the ground front to rear, Alignment/Jeep shop will install the rest of the suspension lift. Work should be finished on Friday (4 days @ $700). They will install brake lines (front/rear), set pinion angle, install rear upper control arms, new Tie Rod, steering dampener, everything. Jeep will be ready for everything very, very soon.

Quote: Originally posted by Ken Cooke

Tow truck took Gladiator in for...

Jeep less than 1 month old and already needs a tow!
Its a jeep,... so keep the tow truck number on speed dial

Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666

Quote: Originally posted by Ken Cooke   Tow truck took Gladiator in for... Jeep less than 1 month old and already needs a tow! Its a jeep,... so keep the tow truck number on speed dial

Quote: Originally posted by David K

Seriously Ken? Why spend so much then if you don't trust it off road? I am very surprised by your reply. I thought you and Leidys liked it there and you camped there before, too. My truck wasn't cheap, over $33,000 ten years ago. The #1 reason I have 4WD is to camp there, on the island. Well, if you ever want to go again, we will come along if you need the security of a Toyota present. Remember Art, who drove his motorhome on the beach to camp with us? Once he let enough air out of his tires, he was gold for floatation in that tank.

Quote: Originally posted by Ken Cooke

Quote: Originally posted by David K   Seriously Ken? Why spend so much then if you don't trust it off road? I am very surprised by your reply. I thought you and Leidys liked it there and you camped there before, too. My truck wasn't cheap, over $33,000 ten years ago. The #1 reason I have 4WD is to camp there, on the island. Well, if you ever want to go again, we will come along if you need the security of a Toyota present. Remember Art, who drove his motorhome on the beach to camp with us? Once he let enough air out of his tires, he was gold for floatation in that tank. Yes, I understand tire flotation on sand. I have been visiting the Sea of Cortez region since the 90's. Looking beyond the simplistic reasoning, and boastful pride of what x 4x4 vs. y 4x4 can do, if you were to spend 6 months with these modern vehicles, you would understand my hesitation regarding taking $70K worth of 4x4 on an ocean sandbar to camp overnight. Open the drivers door and shift into reverse (automatic) and read the error screen and watch as the vehicle refuses to budge. Drive down the street with the steering wheel off center and wait for the vehicles' smart brake system to perceive your going into an uncontrolled spin. Open the brakeline system and install extensions, allowing a scant amount of air into the brakelines and wait for the error signals and autonomous braking to take place without your input. Currently, I am receiving an error code explaining that my electronic Swaybar Disconnect System is not available. I think that it is prudent to not take a vehicle running so many electronic systems onto Shell Island. The 3.6l Pentistar engine appears very proven over the past 8 years, but the electronic system is a bit concerning, giving me pause at taking it to Shell Island for a camping trip. My $31,000 Wrangler Rubicon is fun, capable and at a current $10,000 value - not the same level of risk in the event that I cannot tow it from Shell Island. I know that no vehicle is immune from catastrophic failure. Are you, David K? Back to the thread: The 38x13.5R17" Patagonia MT tires have arrived at WalMart in Corona. The Adams 1350 Solid Driveshaft is currently en route via Fed Ex, arriving TODAY. One last thing, my Mother bought me the Gladiator to have a reliable vehicle to respond to any medical issues that may take place at a moments notice. My 2003 TJ Rubicon has 197K miles on the odometer, and although it runs just like the day that I bought it, it still has high miles and could have surprise issues like it had with the power steering pump a few years ago. So, I make my decisions based on the other people in my life as well as myself.

Ken good thing you're a big fit kid......no way would I be able to hoist my mom up into a lifted Gladiator!

Quote: Originally posted by Don Pisto

Ken good thing you're a big fit kid......no way would I be able to hoist my mom up into a lifted Gladiator!

Back to the thread..

This morning, the Jeep appears to be 3/4 completed and will be a massive 4x4 when it is finished. I am looking forward to the desert run it will go on later this month with a few other Gladiators and 30 or so Jeeps and Toyotas. Afterwards, I stopped by my friend Bobby's house and he drove me to the WalMart Super Center to pick up my 4 new tires, loaded them in his long bed Super Duty truck and brought them home for me. Real nice guy.



As you can tell, these tires will provide a good amount of clearance when on the trails (and shopping malls ).



For comparison, that is a 35" tire next to the Patagonia MT that Bobby is holding up.

Tire specifications listed on the shipping tag - these came direct off of the ship from Indonesia earlier this week.



Next will be mount and balance of tires/wheels.

Quote: Originally posted by David K

Ken, I don't advocate you take it anywhere until the bugs are figured out. If there is a failure already in the swaybar disconnect, it goes back to the dealer for free repair... or are your mods voiding the warranty? I am so so sorry for the stress you are having. Who drives on a sandbar? As you can see by the photos, we drive and camp above the high tide line. Only when crossing the mud flats may there be water during lunar high tides and that is only a few inches deep. Anyway, I was just hoping to be with you when you actually use the 4WD and the lockers... Mission Santa María perhaps? I am sorry the Jeep is already giving you problems. I was hoping it would be different for you than Jeeps have been to me and others who owned them before... once! Seriously, my dad's Wagoneer was great and my wife's CJ-5 was, too. Those were both made in the 60s and 70s.

Quote: Originally posted by David K

I am sorry the Jeep is already giving you problems.

Quote: Originally posted by Tioloco

Quote: Originally posted by David K   Ken, I don't advocate you take it anywhere until the bugs are figured out. If there is a failure already in the swaybar disconnect, it goes back to the dealer for free repair... or are your mods voiding the warranty? I am so so sorry for the stress you are having. Who drives on a sandbar? As you can see by the photos, we drive and camp above the high tide line. Only when crossing the mud flats may there be water during lunar high tides and that is only a few inches deep. Anyway, I was just hoping to be with you when you actually use the 4WD and the lockers... Mission Santa María perhaps? I am sorry the Jeep is already giving you problems. I was hoping it would be different for you than Jeeps have been to me and others who owned them before... once! Seriously, my dad's Wagoneer was great and my wife's CJ-5 was, too. Those were both made in the 60s and 70s. I drive my Jeeps and Ford Superduty's below the high tide line regularly. Not a problem if you know what you are doing. Much easier on the drivetrain than the dry sand is.

February 2019 - on the road to Mission Santa Maria one day after a driving rain storm.



Cantamar Dunes July 2018 - I don't like driving alone on the dunes, but I kept it real tame since calling a Grua or 4x4 Tow Truck can cost $$$.



Airing up tires beside the free road in Cantamar was a dumb idea. Driving a high speeds with inadequate amount of air in tires is more dumb.



Breaking through the crust can be fun!




After this happened, I decided to always stay at a safe distance from stagnant bodies of water, away from low time marks, away from areas with hatching wildlife and anywhere a bad stuck can happen.

The last part of the puzzle has arrived today. Northridge 4x4 was able to put a trace on this part ordered on 12/7/19 and it was delivered in 2 days from Nevada. Depending on the shock absorber (or coilover), the amount of suspension droop may cause the front driveshaft to over extend, leaving the front axle's differential inoperable. Here is the 1350 Adams solid Heavy Duty drive shaft that is 100% business. I am looking forward to hooking this unit up to my Gladiator for trouble-free mall parking and jaunts to the coffee shop.

Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666

Ken, Sounds like your mom bought you a lemon! Next time ask your mom to Not be a cheap skate, tell her to buy you a ford or toyota. And if you want reliability, then tell your mom to not do all the lift and suspension/drive train mods.

Quote: Originally posted by Don Pisto

Ken good thing you're a big fit kid......no way would I be able to hoist my mom up into a lifted Gladiator!

Quote: Originally posted by David K

I am sorry the Jeep is already giving you problems. I was hoping it would be different for you than Jeeps have been to me and others who owned them before... once! Seriously, my dad's Wagoneer was great and my wife's CJ-5 was, too. Those were both made in the 60s and 70s.

Quote: Originally posted by John Harper

Quote: Originally posted by David K   I am sorry the Jeep is already giving you problems. Don't sound like problems, just what happens when you take a newly introduced and bone stock vehicle and execute massive upgrades all at once. Sometimes stuff just doesn't go together as dreamed, and it's time for some professional help. At least the man knows when it's time to get some help, rather than screwing something up and then bringing it to a pro as a hashed up basket case. John [Edited on 1-8-2020 by John Harper]

Quote: Originally posted by David K

My 1975.5 Cherokee Chief was amazing when it wasn't in the shop with endless warranty failures followed by more failures after the 12,000 mile warranty expired with the transmission being the big one (GM Turbo 400). I still love Jeep, a history thing, but would never risk buying one especially after such fantastic service from my Tacomas the past 20 years. God bless Neal Johns for so strongly recommending I get one back in 2000 (instead of a Ranger). I wish you well but I do hope you will trust it enough to take it off road and go to all the places I go in my near-stock Tacoma, and more!

Good to see someone having fun with what they like to do ..

Really liked your last picture

Steering mystery solved!

Quote: Originally posted by Ken Cooke

Quote: Originally posted by David K   My 1975.5 Cherokee Chief was amazing when it wasn't in the shop with endless warranty failures followed by more failures after the 12,000 mile warranty expired with the transmission being the big one (GM Turbo 400). I still love Jeep, a history thing, but would never risk buying one especially after such fantastic service from my Tacomas the past 20 years. God bless Neal Johns for so strongly recommending I get one back in 2000 (instead of a Ranger). I wish you well but I do hope you will trust it enough to take it off road and go to all the places I go in my near-stock Tacoma, and more! My Dad's '82 Full size Cherokee took us to Oklahoma, Tennessee and Arkansas pulling a trailer round trip without issue David K. So, my recollection of the Cherokee is different from yours. Your family was indeed sold a pile of junk!

Quote: Originally posted by David K

Just good old AMC Jeep stuff... with a GM transmission. The Kaiser Jeep was great (1965 Wagoneer), however. 1975 Lemon... but it wasn't just me... Jeep (and other American brands) became famous for low quality products, (JEEP=Just Empty Every Pocket). Maybe not the Wranglers and CJs so much? Sold the Jeep after two years and bought a new 4WD Subaru Wagon... wow, what a difference... no more stupid fails! Going from 10 mpg to 25 mpg wasn't bad, either! Yes, a smaller wagon and less power, but that didn't stop me from going everywhere I wanted!

Quote: Originally posted by David K

Ken, my Subaru had 13" wheels, and real 4WD not AWD. My primary use was in sand and so I didn't miss low range (it didn't have). It was super in sand and I went to Shell Island many times from 1978 and on. I traded it for the bigger 1980 wagon and again for a 1987 wagon, now with low range and a bigger 1.8 liter engine, but still 13" tires. When Subaru went from 4WD to AWD, and no low range, they lost me. Fast forward to 2000, and for my work and more Baja exploring, I wanted a truck with over 9" of stock ground clearance. My 2001 Tacoma was so amazing, reliable, and trouble-free, I can't think of another brand I would rather have. I went from a 2-door to a 4-door in 2005 and to my current truck in 2010. It is my last new vehicle and I am so pleased with it.

Yeah David maybe you can get mommy to buy you one. You guys are funny!

Quote: Originally posted by Ken Cooke

Quote: Originally posted by David K   Ken, my Subaru had 13" wheels, and real 4WD not AWD. My primary use was in sand and so I didn't miss low range (it didn't have). It was super in sand and I went to Shell Island many times from 1978 and on. I traded it for the bigger 1980 wagon and again for a 1987 wagon, now with low range and a bigger 1.8 liter engine, but still 13" tires. When Subaru went from 4WD to AWD, and no low range, they lost me. Fast forward to 2000, and for my work and more Baja exploring, I wanted a truck with over 9" of stock ground clearance. My 2001 Tacoma was so amazing, reliable, and trouble-free, I can't think of another brand I would rather have. I went from a 2-door to a 4-door in 2005 and to my current truck in 2010. It is my last new vehicle and I am so pleased with it. 13" wheels, "super in sand", "bigger 1.8l engine".. all sounds craptastic in dirt terminology. The Tacoma is made for a smaller driver with the windshield and rake just inches from your face. Not much breakover (4 door/long bed that I observed in July at a friend's house), and cheap plastic dashboard and down market infotainment. Drum brakes out back make it less expensive to service in the far East. You should seriously look at the Sport model Gladiator and you might be impressed. [Edited on 1-9-2020 by Ken Cooke]

Quote: Originally posted by David K

Seriously, why would I trade a perfect, trouble free, paid off truck (with a locker and A-TRAC) for anything less and with what money? I don't sell that many books, lol!

Quote: Originally posted by David K

Quote: Originally posted by Tioloco   Quote: Originally posted by David K   Seriously, why would I trade a perfect, trouble free, paid off truck (with a locker and A-TRAC) for anything less and with what money? I don't sell that many books, lol! This 10 year old vehicle is your last new vehicle... ever? Yep... I think so... I am pretty much retired from my 40 years in the irrigation business. Just writing for Baja Bound, selling a few Baja books, and guiding TV show crews to Baja. Not what you call a steady income and social security can't cover any car payment.

Today, Bobby dropped me off at Dave's Alignment in Riverside where the lift was completed and the front end aligned.



As it turned out, my Gladiator with stock wheels/tires and 4.5" (over rear axle) and almost 6" (over front axle) is taller on 33" stock tires than Bobby's JK Unlimited Rubicon with 37" BFGoodrich KM2s.

Quote: Originally posted by TMW

I'm very happy with my 2004 Tacoma and my 2006 4 Runner. I don't think I would buy a new vehicle with so many good used ones on the market. It'll be a long time for me either way. But I must say I do like the feel and smell of a new vehicle but the price is out of sight.

Quote: Originally posted by chippy

Why are you yota "fan boys" derailing this thread? Beat it!

Quote: Originally posted by chippy

Why are you yota "fan boys" derailing this thread? Beat it!

In the Jeep world, we call it "Jeep-envy."

Bumper install took a few hours. The Blazer bluetooth controller will involve utilizing my phone as its' controller. I am looking forward to testing the 14" JW Speaker light bar.




Here is a lift and tire photo while the rest upload on Imgur

Climb in, jump out!

This Jeep is going to need steps, because you now have to climb in and jump out!