Jeep Wrangler Jl & Gladiator JT: Performance Modifications

Learn your modification options for the most modern and exciting Jeeps!

Going back to World War II, Jeeps have had a special place in America’s heart. The utility vehicle that helped win the war transitioned into the civilian Jeep, or CJ, and the Jeep brand has had several owners over the years. While still remaining wildly popular, it has evolved. The Wrangler version of the Jeep was transformed with the release of the JK for the 2007 model year. With a more practical 4-door version, this Wrangler became a popular vehicle for year-round use, which appealed to off-roaders as well as soccer moms. For the 2017 model year, Jeep seriously upgraded the Wrangler, which is now dubbed the JL, and added an exciting new model, the Gladiator, or JT, which is essentially a pickup version of the Wrangler.

In Jeep Wrangler JL and Gladiator JT: Performance Modifications, Jeep experts Don Alexander and Quinn Thomas introduce you to these new models and walk you through the capabilities and options for all of the trim levels. Then, they examine how to make these things better, system by system. Suspension, steering, and brakes are covered, as they are the heart of any off-road rig. Also examined are modification options for axles, driveshafts, and differentials as well as bumpers, armor, and protection. Of course, off-roaders need a quality winch, recovery gear, and upgraded electrics, so options are explored here as well. Wheels and tires are also very important for those leaving paved roads, and upgrade options for all of the trim levels and lift levels are covered thoroughly.

Whether you want to build a JL or JT to be a serious rock crawler or simply look like you are going off-road, all of your options are thoroughly explained in this book. Add a copy to your Jeep reference library.

From the Publisher

For the 2017 model year, Jeep seriously upgraded the Wrangler, which is now dubbed the JL, and added an exciting new model, the Gladiator, or JT, which is essentially a pickup version of the Wrangler.

In Jeep Wrangler JL and Gladiator JT: Performance Modifications, Jeep experts Don Alexander and Quinn Thomas introduce you to these new models and walk you through the capabilities and options for all of the trim levels. Then, they examine how to make these things better, system by system. Suspension, steering, and brakes are covered, as they are the heart of any off-road rig. Also examined are modification options for axles, driveshafts, and differentials as well as bumpers, armor, and protection. Of course, off-roaders need a quality winch, recovery gear, and upgraded electrics, so options are explored here as well. Wheels and tires are also very important for those leaving paved roads, and upgrade options for all of the trim levels and lift levels are covered thoroughly.

Suspension

As with the Bilstein shocks on the Wrangler, the Fox 2.5 bypass remote-reservoir shocks on the front of the Gladiator lack space for a piggyback mount. The Fox Shox use click dials for making adjustments to compression and rebound rates.

Steering

The stock Gladiator JT and Wrangler JL steering box (right) is aluminum and prone to flexing. Newer JL and JT models now use a cast-iron steering box, which should be a significant improvement. The PSC steering box (left) is made from cast iron and has much stronger internal gears and a much stronger sector shaft

Brake Upgrades

The Gladiator JT Rubicon comes equipped with larger brakes than the Wrangler JL. The Gladiator Rubicon can handle 37-inch-diameter tires with few issues. A brake upgrade using a minimum of aftermarket rotors and brake pads will ensure that the Gladiator can manage steep, rocky descents easily. (Photo Courtesy Toby Jho)

The latest Jeeps, the Wrangler JL and exciting new Gladiator JT, are more capable than any Jeep that preceded them, yet they still can be improved upon and respond extremely well to modifications. Whether you want to build a JL or JT to be a serious rock crawler, a trail rig or simply want to look like you are going off-road, all of your options are thoroughly explained in this book. Add a copy to your Jeep reference library today.

Wheels & Tires

Wheel backspacing is critical. It is measured from the back of the wheel rim to where the wheel mounts to the hub. Too much backspacing with larger, wider tires can cause rubbing problems while the front tires are turned near full lock and at the extremes of vertical suspension travel.

Bumpers, Armor & Protection

The Rugged Ridge HD rear bumper allows the installation of larger tires on the stock spare tire carrier. The bumper also features shackle mounts and cutouts for a Hi-Lift jack. Installation is a simple bolt-in operation.

Vehicle Recovery Gear

While the Novawinch name is new, the winch is not. Novawinch is the rebranded Superwinch Talon. This winch features 12,500 pounds of pulling power from a 6-hp motor. The line speed is a fast 50 feet per minute unloaded and 3.3 feet per minute fully loaded.

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Cartech (December 6, 2021)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 159 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1613255950
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1613255957
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 8.3 x 0.5 x 10.9 inches