Crashnburn80's Supercharged Gladiator Mojave Build

The Artec Industries high clearance skid system that I'd really like to run requires 1.5" lift up front to clear the mounts. Since the Mojave has 1" front lift, I'm planning on just adding a 0.5" spacer. I've found 0.5" front spacers and 0.75" front/rear spacers but no 0.5" rear spacer. I don't want there to be too much fender gap where it looks like I should run 37s which is an easy situation to get in on a JTs with high clearance flares, and there is no reasonable 36" tire (Interco only). So I was poking around at 37s just to see what's out there, and found that the 2021 Raptor has a new 37" tire option with lighter tires specially made for the Raptor by BFG. The 37x12.5r17 KO2s are made in C-load vs the 37x12.5r17 D-load tires BFG otherwise produces. Weight savings is very minimal (68lbs vs 69.5lbs), but every little bit helps and ride should be improved. Haven't seen them for sale yet though. 37s look great on the JT, but that is a lot of tire on a daily driver and something presently I hope to avoid. But I thought the tires were interesting non-the-less.

https://www.fourwheeler.com/news/features/what-is-the-2021-ford-f-150-raptor-37/

 

Nice option! And they measure out at 36.5 overall which is the same as the D load. KO2s are my tire of choice anyway. Good find

 

Same, though I find they get a bit hard and lose performance in the rain after about ~30-35k miles. I ran many sets on my Tacoma and just cycled them out every two years. I like fresh rubber and mildly worn tires still fetch a good amount second hand to offset the cost.

I went with the ATIIIs this go round due to the unique 35x11.5 size and being light weight for 35s.

 

Documenting this here for myself.

OEM JT Rubicon front axle assembly with locker, Mopar PN 77072533aa:
https://www.mymoparparts.com/oem-parts/mopar-performance-crate-axles-front-77072533aa

OEM locker switch harness:
https://www.quadratec.com/p/mopar/rubicon-locker-switch-harness-jeep-wrangler-jl

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Not needed for my build but interesting
One of the upgrades a Mojave features over other JTs (including Rubicon) is cast iron steering knuckles for increased durability over the standard aluminum ones. For those with aluminum knuckles there is an aftermarket cast iron upgrade:
https://www.polyperformance.com/rei...ler-jt-gladiator-heavy-duty-steering-knuckles

 

I’ve got a 2021 JLUR on 37X12.5X17 Ridge Grapplers and I daily drive it up to 500 miles a week on the 3.6. Only downside I’ve noticed is strong headwind at highway speeds. Rarely sees 7th gear, rides mostly in 6th. Going over 70 mph in this situation isn’t ideal unless you want to rag the engine out for 3+ hours, which I don’t. I’m fine slowing down and enjoying the drive. Still get 15-18 mpg’s which is equivalent to my turd gen Tacoma on 32’s. Wouldn’t go back to 35’s despite the slight nuisance on the interstate.


Good find on the cast knuckles. Might be something I need to look into.

 

I want to go back to a Gladiator, had the Overland then did an aftermarket lift that after 15000 miles suddenly produced death wobble. couldn't figure it out so dumped it. BUT.....!! would I go back, YES, to the Mojave, same tires, 1 inch lift, 2 inch bumpstop and shock extensions. Mopar track bar and possibly lower control arms, Currie antirock sway bar setup and done! Nice truck OP.

I realize obviously this is a Tacoma forum but my 2009 Reg cab with OME lift was ok, but terribly uncomfortable inside. My 2018 TRD Offroad with Eibach lift and 255 Toyo MT's was OK, but that pile of garbage transmission just drove me nuts. I am currently in a 2020 Colorado ZR2 diesel and WOWOWOW, what a great truck! now that I know what a rig with high speed capability is like I could never go back. Ideally one day Toyota will catch up, the PRO is not even close.

 

hehehe sooo much tire room

 

I hate to say it to provoke the haters but those that have no experienced a JT on trails really should. That said don't do it if you don't feel ready to make the switch hehehehe.............. I considered going to a TRD PRO with manual, drove it then realized I would have to have gone insane to go backwards like that!

 

kinda crazy where things are going with these JT's. I ran the 34's I had on mine with a 3.5 JKS lift, they were def too small!

 

Stock 4.10s? Those tires are pretty heavy at 81.5lbs vs the Raptor KO2 tires I linked earlier at 68lbs. Losing 8th entirely and barely seeing 7th isn’t a sacrifice I’d be willing to make. If I went 37s a regear would be mandatory, though I’d go 4.56 to rematch the OEM gearing for better pairing with the SC and lighter weight 37s vs the common jump to 4.88. I also paid the dumb premium for the OEM wheel upgrade because the Jeep market does not seem nearly as sophisticated in aftermarket wheels as the Toyota/Tacoma market. Most Jeep aftermarket wheels, even those from Mopar, weigh a ton more than stock.

 

I had considered the Cooper AT3 XLT 37's as an option, they're a fairly light street friendly 37. I don't frequently promote light as a positive factor though... I like durability when out 100's of miles from the beaten path exploring random places but for some reason those have my attention. I am a total hater of the BFG KO2's...... haha

 

It’s on 4:10’s for now. A regear is in the future. It only won’t be in 8th if there’s a headwind and I’m in Wyoming a lot, so that’s inevitable. Around CO it bounces between 7th and 8th depending on grade. And yeah the tires are really heavy. If BFG releases those 37’s I’d jump ship in a heartbeat. I’m perfectly content for the time being. The pro’s far outweigh the one con I mentioned. I’ve had 7 Toyota’s over the years (three 4Runners, two Tacos and two Tundra’s). Everyday I drive the JL I’m smiling and that’s all that matters to me.

 

And yeah, Jeep aftermarket wheels are stupid heavy. Mine weigh in at 35 lbs a corner + the 81 lb tires. I looked at the SCS option, but don’t want that much poke.

 

Heavy ass 37’s...I know it’s a parking lot. Just finished the first mods and needed a pic.

 

And the stupid heavy Mopar beadlocks. I like the look but wheel tire combos shouldn’t be in the triple digits for weight on anything but a dedicated trail rig.

 

Agreed, but it’s been working for me for over 6 months. I have no complaints and I spend more time in it than my house. Things may change up over time.

 

Good info on SCS @Daria