Test drove a 2021 Gladiator and ...

TJ was the last of the good jeeps. You've got the 4.0L strait six in that thing. Basic, easy to work on motor, and pretty damn reliable. I'd take a TJ/YJ/LJ/XJ over a newer jeep any day

 

That's good to hear. I just need something to transport my dogs comfortably when they ride along and something fairly reliable to get to and from work. I do all my own work on cars so I'm not too worried about maintenance. My plan would be to remove the rear seats to have more cargo room.

 

Just don't keep it parked in front of the fire hydrant. Some crazed fireman may take the doors off and run a hose through it.

 

Always been a Jeep guy too.. my problem is I wanted a diesel. I probably would have ended up with the gladiator diesel over the ZR2 if it was released earlier.
I still am Toyota guy though with my Sequoia and LX.. heehee..

 

850hp and $200K. Hope it comes with a warranty.....FCA quality I wouldnt buy it without one.

 

Graboids!

 

I'm the original owner of this 2006. Solid 4.0 liter, simple to work on, lots of options to do whatever you want with it. I also have a soft top, which is nice to also have for summer months (I hang the hard top in my garage). It has a 3-1/2" lift, 33" Goodyear MTRs, front and rear Detroit Truetracs, Currie Antirock sway bar, transmission cooler, winch, and much more. I've worked to keep mine light weight. The mpg listed below in my signature is actually 10% higher then what Fuely says (speedometer is off). It's really fun for road trips, and driving into remote areas, as its been all over western states as it goes about anywhere I point it.

As what to look for, look for a rear Dana 44 (as it was an option). Looking at the picture, it might have a Dana 44 in the rear as special additions had the painted and wider flares (same flares as what the TJ Rubicon had) and had a rear Dana 44. If it's an '04-'06, the original OPDA has to be replaced, which there is an aftermarket replacement. That's about it. I'd also make sure the one you look it has minimal rust, however my neighbor recently did frame work to a 1998 TJ he bought that was in bad shape (it was from Ohio). Mine never sees winter roads in Indiana as they salt the heck out of our roads.

 

That's a beauty! The one I'll be looking at is a 97 wrangler Sahara Edition. I'm hoping it does have the rear dana44.

 

The gladiator felt like driving a kids power wheels to me, there is no way i could drive it and have a passanger sitting next to me that wasnt an elf. Way too small inside, and a useless back seat. My dog wouldnt be comfortable in that jeeps back seat.

 

I absolutely agree with the TJ being the last true Jeep. I’ve owned three JK’s never an LJ but i ended up with the TJ for their simplicity and reliability.

 

I'm currently selling my 1956 Willy's Jeep Pickup...asking $15k. But from you, I'd accept nothing less than $150k.

Seriously though, I am. Anyone interested can find it on South Jersey or Central Jersey craigslist.

Whack every inch of that frame with a hammer. They're more likely to turn to swiss cheese than a 1st gen Tacoma. I see you're in TX and it's not exactly a huge concern down there, but if it's ever been driven through any kind of water or on the beach they will rot out.

 

Yup, I'm in TX. That is one thing that I've read that was a common issue. I will definitely be on the look out for frame rot/rust. Thanks.

 

And at every person in this thread who has ragged on the back seat of the Gladiator. Now don't get me wrong, I don't think it's amazing, but this is a forum dedicated to the truck with the absolute worst 4-door back seat.

 

yep, doesn't look any different than the taco

 

Depends what criteria your using. If its the best for storage space then the Ranger would get the bottom spot.

 

The seat bottom is a few inches higher off the floor in the Gladiator. So even thought it's an equally upright seating position, it's more comfortable because your knees are lower.

 

I don’t know. I’ve test driven a few and it seems to me to be roomier than the Taco. I sat in the back and it felt better to me. I also like the lockable storage compartment it has underneath. I guess like most things of this nature, when it’s close, it really all comes down to personal preference. I love my Taco, but there are a lot of things I like about the Gladiator even more. Front locker being one of them and the ability to take 35’s with no other mods another.

If the reliability was there I’d probably be driving one.

I’m curious to see how the new Broncos turn out. I’ve heard there’s talk about launching a pickup version now for them too. That’ll really make things interesting…

 

True, back seat storage wasn't a consideration in my thinking. The only things I store in the back of the cab are jumper cables and torque wrench. Anything else goes in the bed.

 

Mines pretty reliable since it doesn’t get driven and still pretty new

 

Make sure on the test drive to get it up to at least 60mph or more, when let it coast down to about 49-55mph and pay close attention to any feedback from the suspension/front end. If there are any unusual vibrations walk away. Jeep death wobble is a very real thing and it will absolutely drive you crazy trying to find the actual issue. You can easily miss it if you just accelerate thru that speed range. If its really bad you will notice it and probably have to clean your shorts when you get back.

It happens to stock vehicles as well as lifted vehicles. I have owned 4 Tj's and have had the issue with 3 of the 4. The solid front axle and coil springs combined with short wheelbase can turn any worn suspension part into a nightmare.

Most people miss the beginnings of death wobble and chalk it up to the tire balance or rough spot, or just mud tires being mud tires. That doesn't help because they continue to drive it. Many a used wrangler is sitting on a dealer lot just waiting for an unsuspecting buyer to get a death wobble suprise, 99% of dealers when you trade it in, don't catch it, and if they do they just slap a steering stabilizer on it to get it sold and thru the warranty period.