Dave's Jeep JT Gladiator: The 'Gator
- Thread starter Dave
- Start date
Maximizing the available space in the bed has been a carefully thought out process. After quite a bit of research on different options for Molle panel, I discovered that the Built Right Industries panels are a near perfect pairing with the Leitner ecosystem in the bed of the Gladiator.
A minor adjustment was required (had to elongate the holes in the mounting tabs) but these are an excellent option to attach tools and gear to the bedsides while leaving the bed floor available for cargo.
A minor adjustment was required (had to elongate the holes in the mounting tabs) but these are an excellent option to attach tools and gear to the bedsides while leaving the bed floor available for cargo.
If you own a vehicle long enough, you will learn it's quirks and eventually it's flaws will reveal themselves.
JT Gladiators of this vintage (and JL Wranglers) have had some issues with the rear locker sensor getting oil in the switch resulting in ground faults and a blinking locker indicator on the dash, which then ends up in a “service axle locker” message.
Well, it finally happened to me. There is a "fix" whereby an inline gadget from Z Automotive is installed at the wiring harness plug in the differential, I have one and can tell you it works. It bypasses the problematic sensor and allows the locker to operate without the position sensor yet provides the proper feedback to the Jeep’s computers to keep the system operational without any errors or warnings.
That said, the factory warranty fix from Jeep is surprisingly... an entire new (updated) rear axle assembly. Mine is being replaced under extended warranty next week which I am not unhappy about since an entire new rear axle will help extend the lifespan of this vehicle that I really like.
JT Gladiators of this vintage (and JL Wranglers) have had some issues with the rear locker sensor getting oil in the switch resulting in ground faults and a blinking locker indicator on the dash, which then ends up in a “service axle locker” message.
Well, it finally happened to me. There is a "fix" whereby an inline gadget from Z Automotive is installed at the wiring harness plug in the differential, I have one and can tell you it works. It bypasses the problematic sensor and allows the locker to operate without the position sensor yet provides the proper feedback to the Jeep’s computers to keep the system operational without any errors or warnings.
That said, the factory warranty fix from Jeep is surprisingly... an entire new (updated) rear axle assembly. Mine is being replaced under extended warranty next week which I am not unhappy about since an entire new rear axle will help extend the lifespan of this vehicle that I really like.
2nd and 3rd order effects are an often overlooked aspect of vehicle modifications.
In my case, I knew going into a Clayton 3.5 inch lift that there would be some things to work out, namely the front driveshaft. If you lift a JT or JL beyond 2.5 inches, you'll run into extreme driveline angles.
The rear is a two piece assembly so the angle is easily adjusted through a spacer at the carrier bearing. I used the one from Rock Jock HERE.
Here's the OEM front driveshaft coming out of the transfer case yoke, see how it is already at it's downward limit just sitting in my driveway!
The front is also interesting because of the clearances involved with the exhaust system. There's alot going on in a tight space under the front of a modern Jeep. A tall lift results in the OEM driveshaft rubbing the exhaust when the suspension cycles hard, you'll hear it when it does (sounds awful) and I believe that over time it will be an expensive thing to ignore. You can see the witness marks on the exhaust pipe here:
In my case, I knew going into a Clayton 3.5 inch lift that there would be some things to work out, namely the front driveshaft. If you lift a JT or JL beyond 2.5 inches, you'll run into extreme driveline angles.
The rear is a two piece assembly so the angle is easily adjusted through a spacer at the carrier bearing. I used the one from Rock Jock HERE.
Here's the OEM front driveshaft coming out of the transfer case yoke, see how it is already at it's downward limit just sitting in my driveway!
The front is also interesting because of the clearances involved with the exhaust system. There's alot going on in a tight space under the front of a modern Jeep. A tall lift results in the OEM driveshaft rubbing the exhaust when the suspension cycles hard, you'll hear it when it does (sounds awful) and I believe that over time it will be an expensive thing to ignore. You can see the witness marks on the exhaust pipe here:
Jimmie Perkins
Adventurist
Question for clarification, is that fix covered under an extended warranty you purchased or did Jeep extend warranty coverage to cover this issue? Would this fall under power train warranty?
Good question, I'm unsure if they used powertrain or extended warranty to green light the repair.
WashingtonTaco
Adventurist
Should be stout!
Mucksavage
Adventurist
Dave, have you seen your "Mini-Me"? https://www.horizonhobby.com/produc...ock-crawler-brushed-rtr-beige/AXI00005T1.html
Jimmie Perkins
Adventurist
This is a great solution to an issue I have right now. I shove gear in this space and bungee it as best as I can. Going to check out this vendor, thx.
Following up here after warranty work. Stellantis (formerly FCA) has been outstanding to work with, I'm very happy with their level of support to date as they covered all these repairs and nice loaner vehicles (tempting me with new Rams...).
The following work has now been completed at 54K miles:
OBD Recall Y68 (misfire). I never had any misfires but the software was flashed anyway.
TSB 24 007 21 completed for HVAC/temp and humidity swings. HVAC software flashed.
ESS fixed with two new batteries (due to them killing the batteries).
New inner drag link.
And, last but not least… a complete new rear axle and locker assembly.
Next up will be this new rear sway bar mount reinforcement from Metal Cloak
https://metalcloak.com/jt-gladiator-rear-sway-bar-reinforcement-bracket.html
https://metalcloak.com/jt-gladiator-rear-sway-bar-reinforcement-bracket.html
Plannerman
Adventurist
I have it bad for Gladiators and just read this thread through from the beginning. Beautiful build, Dave.
On the GVWR/GCWR issue, I learned over the last several months that these limits are set by different variables for different trucks. In some cases, suspension is spec’s softer than necessary for heavier loads. In some cases brakes are too small. In some cases, the drivetrain doesn’t have enough power, etc., etc. What was most fascinating to me is learning that some trucks are limited by their ability to shed heat and that this limitation is common in many mid-size trucks. I would not be surprised if heat is a major consideration in setting GVWR of the Gladiators.
On the GVWR/GCWR issue, I learned over the last several months that these limits are set by different variables for different trucks. In some cases, suspension is spec’s softer than necessary for heavier loads. In some cases brakes are too small. In some cases, the drivetrain doesn’t have enough power, etc., etc. What was most fascinating to me is learning that some trucks are limited by their ability to shed heat and that this limitation is common in many mid-size trucks. I would not be surprised if heat is a major consideration in setting GVWR of the Gladiators.