3 INCHES of LIFT and 40’s on the Jeep Gladiator Rubicon (Plus Build Updates) | Inside Line

On this Inside Line, we’re diving into the most common questions we receive about our 2020 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon project build. We’ll also show you some items we’ve broke (and fixed) and give you a preview of some of the future upgrades.
00:00 Intro
00:40 3 Inch Lift and 40x13.50R17 Nitto Trail Grapplers
02:31 Splitting the Rubicon Flares
02:59 Trimming for tire clearance
04:17 Broken Eaton ELocker
08:17 Why I'm NOT bobbing the bed on my Jeep Gladiator
10:49 New Shocks
12:00 Outro
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[@thebigbail]

Very cool Jeep. You are going much further with this than I first thought you would! My gladiator is on the Mopar 2” with 37’s. Aggressive look and enough clearance for the tame stuff I put it through.

[@iamoutofideas13]

You spilled the beans when you said the new bed was coming from Australia. Very nice!

[@justinm.791]

I think the route you've taken so far with this Jeep is just right and I'm looking forward to what's to come!

[@DrivingLine]

Thank you!

[@ZanixB]

Wicked… can’t wait to see the Fox 3.0

[@CMillerRichmond]

Fox 3.0’s 🥳🤓😎. I love my Fox 2.5’s. super happy for you,

[@nicholasandrews5887]

Love it - another great video!! Can’t wait to see the new bed option!!

[@DrivingLine]

Thank you!

[@TheBlue350ss]

I’m looking forward to seeing it!

[@diegocortes0407]

Really good video! Man you hit the nail right on the head. I just lifted my gladiator 4.5 and it does compromise the heandleling a bit

[@DrivingLine]

Thank you!

[@DUNEATV]

Great video. I love how you modded the Gladiator and I also love how you have kept it as low as possible. Not sure how I feel about replacing the bed but I can’t wait to see it!

[@DrivingLine]

I really like this Jeep. Being low surely has its pros and cons, but I’m happy with it. The bed is definitely going to be a big change. I know it won’t be for everyone, but I think it’s a great solution for me.

[@DUNEATV]

@@DrivingLine Looking forward to the video buddy!

[@michaelrodriguez5869]

I just got a 21 ecodiesel gladiator. A lot of potential. Love this videos!

[@DrivingLine]

Thank you!

[@mcwendel8066]

Love the truck! Even though I do love the look of the bobbed bed on a gladiator it kind of defeats the purpose. You basically just have a long wheelbase wrangler with an open cargo area at that point.

[@brainyhead1]

Good stuff per usual!

[@DrivingLine]

Thanks dude!

[@MidKnight2142]

I'm loving my JT so far, I plan on doing a 3" lift, but only going with 37s lol. The rest of my family is worried about how the heck they could get into the Jeep at that point, as they already struggle, so I got a kick out of it when you said "you like how low it sits" and the top of the bed looks like its near level with your chin, but I LOVE the way it looks with those 40s. I'm still worried about the lack of power on the V6, especially with bigger tires. I already struggle going up over passes with the stock tires/lift, but I also don't like the way the geared the manual transmission, the top gears are waaay too tall and the clutch is very vague, still waiting on my Centerforce Clutch.

[@DrivingLine]

I’m only 5’6, so that makes the Jeep look taller than it is. 😂 Don’t be afraid to throw lots of differential gearing at it. The engines just don’t make a lot of low end power. The 5.38s and 40s work great.

[@jasonlovell3934]

When you get the shocks on find a Mojave to race. That’ll make a great video!

[@DrivingLine]

That would be cool!

[@chrismarinock520]

Get those shocks on now!

[@DrivingLine]

Working on it soon!

[@Joe71276]

PCOR. I hope they are mint on a gladiator 👍 by the way great content really enjoying the info thanks Joe from downunder

[@DrivingLine]

Thank you! I like the PCOR stuff. Mine is actually coming from MITS Alloy.

[@Joe71276]

Good choice Between them and DMW they are jack on and jack off canopies where as don’t quote me but I don’t think pcor do anyway can’t wait to see what it looks like Ali enjoy mate 👍

[@albertb1702]

Wow on that e-Locker! Great that Dynatrac made warranty easy. Looking forward to seeing your Australia bed replacement - have seen some pretty cool stuff on stuff down there. Any chance you're also going to end up with an extra gas tank while you're at it? Definitely enjoying your Gladiator build out --- honestly won't be surprised to see a video one day with you leading in, "Today we're going to talk about how I upgraded my Gladiator Rubicon with an Oshkosh defense Light Tactical driveline... sponsored by Nitto" :)

[@DrivingLine]

I like the idea of swapping from the stock tank to an aftermarket one for more range. I don’t currently have any plans for that however. A custom fuel cell that mounted behind the rear axle would honestly be ideal because I could make use of the space and swap over to a triangulated four link. For now, I’m just happy my new bed will have a spot for an extra 5 gallons.

[@jefferyselin6088]

Are you still happy with the Arcus bumper? It looks good on the rig. I still like the look of the wheels in there current color. Thanks for the update on the JT.

[@DrivingLine]

I still really like it. It’s fairly lightweight and gave me that pseudo stock-ish bumper look I was shooting for. The polishes wheel look is definitely growing on me.

[@razorworks9942]

Hey Ali, I started out leasing my first ever Jeep and as luck would have it, was a 2020 Launch Edition Gladiator..that said, I've been watching a lot of videos and have to say you have a way of sounding like one of the guys in terms of being pretty straight forward and giving your honest opinions! Now that I've recently purchased my Jeep, I've ordered a 3" lift kit from Rock Krawler, but have still to choose a set of shocks. The latest thing seem to be an adjustable shock, but again, which one seems to be the best bang for the buck? Currently looking at the Fox 2.5, the Rough Country Vertex. Any other recommendations including the new Fox that you mentioned would be greatly appreciated!! Looking forward to your future builds and videos! Razor!

[@DrivingLine]

I like the Fox 2.5 as well. I have a friend with the Rough Country Vertex shocks on his JK. They work well, but you don't have as much adjustability as you do with the Fox. The low-speed adjuster on the Fox is well worth the investment. This is especially true if you are going to be hauling different loads with the Gladiator.

[@JustinCaseWages]

Ohh man! Sounds like someone has an order coming from MITS Alloy!

[@DrivingLine]

😁

[@tho.140]

Great looking rig. Could you tell me how you mounted the spare tire onto the crossbars? Been looking at different ways of carrying a full size spare in my truck. Thanks!

[@DrivingLine]

I use the four adjustable mounts that came with the rack and two ratchet straps that cross over the tire like an X. I then run one more strap around the center of the tire.

[@tho.140]

@@DrivingLine thank you so much … will be setting mine up the same way!

[@joshuagraham4685]

I bought my gladiator a little under a month ago and it’s my first Jeep. I’ve loved every minute of it. Talked to Carlton customs in Greenville and gonna end up throwing the jks 3 inch lift do fox shocks in the rear and go to 37s. I imagine that is all I’ll ever need for what I wanna do. However, you took the gladiator on 37s to Moab, we’re you still able to do all of the trails? The chances of me doing Moab or any other serious rock crawling consistently is slim, but I do wanna get out there and try it. It’s my daily driver though so don’t wanna go stupid crazy with mods but also wanna be set up to do the majority of the badge of honor trails. Thank you for the videos you have made it’s been super informative for a new gladiator owner new to the Jeep world entirely.

[@DrivingLine]

You’re still going to hit your receiver in the back. The departure angle is really a challenge in Moab. That being said, you can still have a blast on nearly all the trails there with 3 inches and 37s.

[@joshuagraham4685]

@@DrivingLine Awesome thank you for the reply! Looking forward to seeing your bed solution.

[@SaltySeabee]

Dibbs on that factory bed!

[@DrivingLine]

😂 I have plans for it too!

[@SaltySeabee]

Overland trailer!? I have the same color Gladiator Rubicon EcoDiesel. Would look amazing having a matching trailer.

[@DrivingLine]

Yep! That’s the plan.

[@SaltySeabee]

@@DrivingLine can't wait for that series of videos, truly enjoy your content, definitely looking forward to your videos.

[@DrivingLine]

Thank you!

[@mahdey]

I hellcat swapped my personal gladiator and am debating the dstrac axles. What are your wheel specs?

[@DrivingLine]

Nice! A hellcat swap would be fun. The wheels are 17x8.5 with 5.5 inches of backspacing.

[@Natezoinks]

Curious on why the driveshaft change for the longer shocks? Is it too short, or does it hit the cross bar?

[@DrivingLine]

I honestly don’t remember the exact reason why. I know most suspension companies state that you need an aftermarket front driveline for long travel.

[@CMillerRichmond]

Front driveshaft “boot” hits crossbar and or exhaust, you will see when installing your front springs. Front Shocks longer than 30in will need a driveshaft too.

[@cartiergabe5673]

What straps were you running to keep that spare secure on that rack

[@DrivingLine]

Just a basic straps set that I picked up from Home Depot. Nothing special.

[@onebridge7231]

Anyone know the ideal lift for a 2020 Gladiator Rubicon currently in stock form for 38” Nitto’s and 18” Black Rhino Abrams rims? 40’s are nice but too big for me. I don’t do a ton of difficult rock crawling either.

[@DrivingLine]

If you don’t mind splitting the fenders, you can easily do it with 3 inches of lift. If you want to keep the full factory fender intact, you’ll likely need around 4 1/2 inches thats properly bumped.

[@CMillerRichmond]

Check out the lift company you like, bc most 2.5in or 3.5in lift kits aren’t really 2.5/3.5 inches of lift, more like 2.5in = 3/3.5 and 3.5in = 4+. Im looking at the 38x12.5r17 ridge grapplers bc they are 81Lbs and 36.5in tall installed. Most 3.5in lift kits you will need front driveshaft and rear brake lines, and all 8 control arms.

[@bleon2368]

As always, love the content. I have a Clayton Overand 3.5” lift Quick question. I have 38’s Nitto Ridge Grapplers and was wondering if switching to the 40’s Trail Grapplers would be a lot of difference in road noise? Also, any issues balancing the 40’s? Any other pros or cons of the 40’s? Lastly, have you ever had any experience with the Mickey Thompson Baja Boss? Thanks again for your feedback and help!

[@DrivingLine]

The Trail Grapplers will be a little louder than the Ridge's, but not so much that they will be annoying to drive on daily. I've never balanced the 40's on this Jeep and have driven it cross country multiple times. No issues. The 40's are a lot heavier than your 38-inch Ridge Grapplers. So, it's going to put more stress on your steering and axles. It's way more of a impact than you might think. I don't have any experience with the Baja Boss.

[@bleon2368]

@@DrivingLine Thank you very much for the reply. I greatly appreciate your knowledge. Thanks again. Sorry, forgot to ask, what width rims are you running ? Thanks again

[@bleon2368]

Sorry, forgot to ask, what width rim are you running? Thanks

[@DrivingLine]

17x8.5

[@naam92]

Coming from Australia, a lot more gear, can take a 40"... hmm really sounds like MITS Alloy?

[@DrivingLine]

Yep!

[@phinmac]

what rhino rack are you using for the spare tire in this video? Thanks

[@DrivingLine]

It’s universal rack from AA products. I had to chop it down to work on the Gladiator. Here’s the video I did on it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/b6WQmqqmh5x-h7csi=nhbKDUxvcqmn9mGc

[@phinmac]

@DrivingLine awsome!!! Thanks so much!