A $3,500 Budget Project: Jeep Mojave Gladiator Build - AEV Lift - Nitto 37's on Factory Wheels

A $3,500 Budget Project: Jeep Mojave Gladiator Build - AEV Lift - Nitto 37's on Factory Wheels
We set a $3,500 budget to get the Mojave on 37 inch tires. We found a way to make it happen and keep all the functionality of the 2020 Jeep Mojave
We added the following :
‪@NittoChannel‬ 37" Nitto Trail Grapplers
‪@synergymfg‬ Spacers and Track Bar
‪@AmericanExpeditionVehicles‬ 2" Mojave Lift and Differential Covers
z Automotive Taser JL Mini
Music Sound Bed
Hotter Than The Summer by Model Citizen

[@executive_coach_andyobrien1827]

He’s backkkkkkkkkkkkk! Love it!! I can’t wait to start building my Diesel Gladiator !!

[@TrailCartel]

I am excited to see what you do with the new rig!!

[@executive_coach_andyobrien1827]

@@TrailCartel I’m listening to Bubba and you on “the Parts room”. We will be using y’all’s recommendations!

[@turboleggy]

@@executive_coach_andyobrien1827 don't know if I want the diesel or the gas mojave. It's a hard choice.

[@antiantifans1914]

@@turboleggy did you look into the overheating issues with the diesel? My has Mojave has been great.

[@StevenZagaris]

The Mojave is one of the few Jeeps that I'm OK keeping stock from the factory. One of the reasons I liked it so much. Every time I go custom I end up getting death wobble.

[@TrailCartel]

Seem like DW is always looming.

[@UtahNick71]

I put 37" KO2;s on stock Mojave suspension. I love it. Perfect height and ride quality IMO.

[@mgmaier75]

Just picked up my gladiator yesterday ! Great Informative video! Ive liked and are now subscribed! Great Job!!

[@TrailCartel]

Thank you!!

[@surfshack2]

That is definitely the right size. 37’s look much better than 35’s. Good job.

[@TrailCartel]

Thanks 👍

[@Mike___Kilo]

@@TrailCartel For me, 35's are probs the right balance. I need my Gladiator to access remote trailheads via FS roads. And traverse hunting leases. Not planning to do any rock crawling. Georgia.

[@Lazocaferacers]

How is it on 37s with the stock gears? Thanks and great job

[@sinepari9160]

I've been using those synergy spacers with stock wheels for 60k miles now and no issues at all. I drove it off the lot and the next day had 37'' toyo MT tires with spacers on it :). I have a '20 JLUR with a 3.5'' lift and only 2'' of bump because I'm running super long travel (3.5-5'') lift shocks (11.8'' travel). No rub, no issues at all and live/wheel in CO and Moab so it hasn't been babied either.

[@liketeker]

What size spacer

[@sinepari9160]

@@liketeker Synergy 1.5'' wheel spacers.

[@dirtyrotter4057]

Cant wait ti see a 15k update..see how the stock parts hold up to the 37's

[@orrinbelcher6593]

Looks superb, great video fun and informative, nicely done

[@TrailCartel]

Thank you!

[@sellickusa]

I will be installing the same lift, but adding the Mopar LCAs to get the caster in check. Great channel, new Sub

[@miguelcantos3269]

I used this lift kit and teraflex adjustable lcas and got my camber to go off. Now is damaging my new k02 35. Don’t know what I did wrong

[@sellickusa]

@@miguelcantos3269 I just installed my AEV kit and Mopar Performance LCAs........rides 100% like stock.

[@miguelcantos3269]

Good I got my Mojave 2022 used with 7k miles already had the aev kit. I put new k02 tires and did alignment. My caster was off. So Igot lcas for caster. And now having problems with camber. Car drives good but is getting my front tires choppy

[@sellickusa]

@@miguelcantos3269 which LCAs did you go with?

[@miguelcantos3269]

@@sellickusa lift alpine adjustable teraflex

[@jamiepayne5689]

I like budgets and I cannot lie!

[@TrailCartel]

That was a month ago. things have changed :)

[@LongRangeDesertGroupX]

Been looking at the AEV spacer lift and going to 37’s for my Rubicon Gladiator. This pretty much sold me 😂

[@TrailCartel]

It’s a great kit!

[@christulumello586]

Great video, info and measurements. Thanks

[@stevenvanderford4293]

I'm looking at the very same setup for mine. Even color.. Don't suppose you could measure the ground to top of top for me? I ask as I use this to park at the airport once in a while and the clearance is 6'10". I'd sure appreciate it. Looks killer by the way!

[@Elkslaya1]

I’ve had chevy’s and fords in the past. I’ve put lifts on my trucks for clearance issues where i hunt. Spent more time on road than off. The rides were always rough and constantly doing front end alignments. Now i have a Mojave and absolutely love the way this thing glides over off-road washboard roads and handles on the road. No plans to do a lift on this truck……..how did that lift affect the smooth factory ride? Looks good

[@TrailCartel]

Thanks! I felt like it rode just as good as factory. No complaints.

[@alancadieux2984]

I did the research before buying a new 2022 Jeep Rubicon Gladiator, all mojaves are higher & wider in the front than everything else including the Rubicon. This is from factory, standard.

[@GoXplr]

Nice build ... new sub here

[@TrailCartel]

Thanks for the sub!

[@ibepilot11]

Where yall located. Im in OKC area. I want to do this to my Rubicon Diesel Far Out addition. Probably need to upgrade the shocks as well. Any issues after this lift was install and driven for am minute?

[@anthonyburosh581]

Hey brother Thinking about doing same thing to my gladiator anyway you could tell me how many inches your at after the aev riser mod from ground to the top of your roof just worried about clearance in my garage

[@shawnmichaud5906]

Hey man looking at putting this in my gladiator, wondering if you could do a no bullshit review in tha AEV spacer kit and how you like it?

[@JiggiJames]

Honest answer, how does it drive afterwards?

[@christopherdominguez8684]

Just curious did you use the stock fox shocks? If so do you know how much lift you can put on while still keeping the stock shocks?

[@PreacherGannon]

The mojave was probably harder to get the springs in than the Rubi, because If I am not mistaken, they are quite a bit stiffer on the Mojo than the Rubi, for "Jumping" purposes.

[@dpg6860]

Did you guys use the AEV lift kit with a procal SNAP, ie Mojave version, or why did you need aTaser? Thanks

[@TrailCartel]

The lift with the SNAP was out of stock when I did this. I do like some of the features of the tazer so it worked out great.

[@Pantovinator]

Not sure if you still have the truck / set up-wondering how its been treating you?

[@albertzabala]

so I am setting up the same package, outside of the hardware, do I need to do any programming to the transmission??? we are mall crawlers....no climbing....at all

[@TrailCartel]

I use a Tazer mini to correct the tire size . Once that’s done the speedometer will be correct.

[@betweenthepines4000]

Quick question. I have this exact setup but with a stubby and warn 10s. I find the Mojave coils soft and my front end bottoms out easy. Finding anything similar ?

[@TrailCartel]

Yeah it would hit the bump pretty quick before I put the AEV levinging kit on. I ultimately ended up changing the shocks to 3.0s.

[@betweenthepines4000]

Yeah i replaced my coils and went with falcon 3.1’s

[@purpskurp8737]

Also From TTown! I just got a Mojave last month. Curious if you had any recommendations on any shops to use around us for installing a lift or for re-gearing? Etc.Thanks!

[@TrailCartel]

I have used Sams Offroad in the past for gears. They were great to work with. I use Exodus4x4 in New Braunfels for everything I can’t or don’t want to do. I am biased though :) Mojave’s are great platforms. What are planning to do?

[@turboleggy]

They have a Mojave on the lot but waiting for a diesel rubicon...this makes it so much harder. I mostly wanted the rubi for the front locker but the mojave seems more fun in more variety of situations.

[@TrailCartel]

I am very happy with the Mojave so far. We added a front locker and re-geared it to 4.88s a few weeks ago.

[@turboleggy]

@@TrailCartel seems like one would have it all at the point. How much extra was the regear and front locker?

[@mattbrew11]

@@turboleggy depending on the locker id expect is around $3000 if electric and $500 extra if air depending on compressor. I bought a sport diesel JT because it already had the cast iron knuckles and I had currie semi float 60s installed with the lift. Considering the ~ $2000 for a regear its virtually the same and now for my driving style a bulletproof setup. Wasnt much more than going to a rubicon and I would have at least needed a front driveshaft and steering upgrades no matter what. The stock brakes with upgraded pads stop the Jeep just fine on 39s and it still gets about 24 mpg at 68mph. Its got a rustys 4” kit but ive swapped to 3.5” teraflex springs and falcon e-adapt shocks. Rides and drives like a dream. I figure im about $7500 over what a factory rubicon would have cost.

[@turboleggy]

@@mattbrew11 cool build man. I didn't know anything about off roading really and just getting into. I think anyone would take that over a rubi. I thought about doing an expensive build but it's gonna be mild just - 35s, Mopar lift, ecu tune. I thought about dropping some coin on a suspension but it's really expensive to make these things go fast off road and not break conpared to a sxs. I'm taking notes though, if things break those sound like the parts I would want.

[@Dancar1]

@@turboleggy get an ironman lift kit their suspension is heavy duty and I would go with an intake and a straight exhaust with a chip to upgrade your jeeps horse power

[@projectbumblejeep4190]

How much did it change your wheelbase? Should have shortened by about 3/4" to 1"....

[@RKempke]

Are the wheel spacers necessary when lifting it? I've got 37's on my Mojave with factory wheels without spacers at factory height. I want to lift it but what to keep the tucked look of the wheels.

[@TrailCartel]

Not when lifting it, but if you go with 12.50 wide tires it will help with backspacing clearances.

[@koryburkhart5303]

I’ve had the Diesel Rubi Gladiator for a year.. do you think the AEV spacer lift is a good fit for that model too? Currently running 35s & black rhino armory 17x8 + 38mm offset. Everything else is stock

[@Dancar1]

get a terra flex 2.5 spacer lift kit or rough country if you want to go cheaper they have warranty if anything goes wrong

[@samhouston5217]

12.50? or 13.30? they look wide...maybe the spacers make it look that way. Awesome look man.

[@875josh1987]

can you fit one of those hood solar panels on the mojave or only the Rubicon?

[@TrailCartel]

I am not sure. I have a buddy who runs one on his JT. I’ll see if he will chime in on this thread.

[@samhouston5217]

Looks good. Did you do the Front lower control arms after this?

[@justinfarnsworth3987]

Just came across this build... love it!! The wheel spacers - are those the synergy 1.75" set?

[@scosta2315]

Did you find a need for the geometry correction brackets or an adjustable track bar? Planning to do the same with my Mojave

[@TrailCartel]

The front Axle is off 1.25" to the driver side and the rear is .5" to the passenger side. I am still running the factory trackbars and it drives fine but I am have adjustable track bars on the list for the second phase of the build. The Mojave really rides great with the 2" lift. I don't think geometry correction bracket for the control arms are needed. i Personally is don't look at brackets or long arms until I get to the 4.5" lift height. Just an opinion/preference so take it for what its worth.. Thanks for watching. Keep me posted on your build

[@scosta2315]

@@TrailCartel ordered the lift and geo brackets for now, will get adjustable track bars with a few more OT shifts at the PD! I’ve heard good things about the JKS and steer smart yeti. Any experience with them?

[@eddytorres1561]

This is my goal before the end of march, did you do any gear changes? If so what?

[@TrailCartel]

I swapped to 488s. If I was to do it again I would go with 513s

[@jasonelliott9762]

Ive seen you around Tulsa, i think.

[@TrailCartel]

Might have been me. I run around there. The Mojave is a little different now. :)

[@Jackal_Blitz]

Did the change in driveline angles have any negative affect afterwards? I got the geometry correction brackets with my lift; have yet to put it on though. Just curious!

[@TrailCartel]

I put the carrier bearing spacers in on the rear drive line and everything has been fine.

[@stephencarbajal5657]

Lucas have you installed the correct brackets yet im curious myself if they're needed?

[@RobustArid379]

How does the Mojave drive on the freeway at 80mph? is it a cruiser or a swaying scary ride? I want to know if it is rock steady. I drove a sport and the steering was going side to side. How is the ride on the freeway? I want to buy it for freeway driving and not sure does it ride like it's an f150.

[@TrailCartel]

In my opinion it is the best riding Gladiator Jeep produces but it is nothing like and F150 on the highway. Raptor wins on the highway in my book. Thanks for watching

[@efibendor1]

Did you leave the OEM rubber isolators on in addition to the AEV plastic ones?

[@TrailCartel]

Great Question. We did not use them... I remember we had a discussion about it though. The instructions did not say to use them but didn't not say to discard them either. I think we made the right choice. Thanks for Watching!

[@natethenotsogreat2034]

What was the overall height after lift and tires?

[@abnirvana996]

Great video. Subscribed! Quick question did you loosen the upper and lower control arm bolts to help with the axles coming down...and then tighten them back up when it was still on the lift or back on the floor with the wheels on.

[@TrailCartel]

I did loosen them and removed the track bars to droop is as far as I could. Then tightened everything up on the ground under its own weight.

[@abnirvana996]

@@TrailCartel thanks very much!

[@oneilvazquez3205]

But how wide it’s the tire 12.50??

[@GlockTrooper]

Just have to ask…any idea how tall this makes the Jeep overall?

[@Luisito3398]

Nice!! New sub! Will it also work on a rubicon? Gonna see if I can get it done

[@TrailCartel]

AEV makes one for the Rubicon/ non Mojave JT. Thanks for watching and especially for subbing!

[@YUR4X4]

Any feedback on the lift ? Thinking to purchase same for my gladiator

[@TrailCartel]

So far its been great! I have put 6k miles on it with no issues.

[@YUR4X4]

@@TrailCartel great 👍

[@BravoFoxtrot65]

how thick did you go on the wheel spacers? exactly what I'm considering on my 2022 Sarge Green Mojave.

[@TrailCartel]

I am am using the Synergy spacers. They are 1.75" thick. Thanks for watching the video

[@antiantifans1914]

Is there a functional purpose to spacers or just for looks?

[@mattbrew11]

@@antiantifans1914 in the front 37s will definitely get into the LCAs and possible the frame when turned and flexing. Its closer to doable with the mojave offset wheels but still too close for comfort.

[@turboleggy]

Im having a really hard time choosing between the diesel rubi and the gas mojave. Do you feel you got enough torque for those tires once you regear? And whats the mpg?

[@TrailCartel]

It’s back to a stock feel after re gearing but it will never feel like the diesel. I wanted a diesel but found a great deal on the Mojave so I went this route. Also the Mojave leaves the door open for hemi swap. I am getting 15mpg.

[@digger1825]

I have a Mojave sitting on 37s and I have a lot of torque and power it shocked me it was the reason I bought it plus it looks good 👍

[@TheBrocam]

@@digger1825 yeah the Mohave is geared for the speed.

[@michaeljordan6090]

Can you go off road with the AEV spacer lift?

[@alamanako]

Aww man looks great!!! I jealous! I’m thinking about doing the same now! Any complaints?

[@TrailCartel]

Thank you. No complaints. Great set up for The money.

[@alamanako]

@@TrailCartel do you feel any difference in ride quality?

[@TrailCartel]

@@alamanako It still rides great. I have re geared since making this video and it now it uses 8th gear on the Highway.

[@oolian39]

I’m literally looking to do the same thing with my Mojave but how the heck did they put a tire with a wheel width of 8.5” on a rim width of 7.5” ?

[@oolian39]

Because I want to keep the same rims as you did and save some money

[@TrailCartel]

Main reason I did it too. I do like the looks of the stock Mojave wheels and the KMC rims I wanted were on backorder so it made choice easy. Shop tech measured the rim and said it was the minimum they could do. I'm glad they did it cause I like the way it turned out.

[@oolian39]

@@TrailCartel nice, you’re a gentleman for actually answering these questions here thanks ! Last one I promise lol are they the 37x17x12.5 or 13.5 ? And does it matter cuz I can only find the 13.5 available currently

[@TheBrocam]

Great video. Looks great. I have a 22 Rubi EcoDiesel. It’s still new. I was just going to do a spacer lift. I heard you mention the Skyjacker on the Rubis you did. Did you recommend one over the other? Any thing else you recommend to do for the Rubicon vs the Mojave?

[@TrailCartel]

I like AEV’s spacer lift. We have had good luck with the skyjacker lift. Four of my friends are running them on their Rubicons and haven’t had any trouble. I just needed something made for the Mojave so I used AEV on mine. I am super happy with the AEV kit. It’s a little more expensive but it came with spacers for the driveline and I liked AEV’s sway bar links better. Keep me posted on your build! I love those diesels.

[@quadmaster922]

What’s the gas mileage with 37’s? I get 14 with 35’s lol

[@Fili_Delta]

How’s the Mojave been doing on those 37s? Super curious for a review after you put some miles on it.

[@TrailCartel]

It did great on them. I put a lot of daily miles on them and a Moab/Colorado trip. I’m on 38’s now. Finishing up the changes and Working on an update/walk around video.

[@ElmoWV304]

@@TrailCartel to go to 38's, did you do anything else. I e track bars, control arms, bigger lift??? I'm getting ready to do a 2 1/2" in my Rubicon to go from 35s to 37s and really thinking about the new 38x13.50x17 Patagonia MT-02s in an 8 ply. Also, re-gearing??? Did you swap gears or axles.

[@TrailCartel]

@@ElmoWV304 I did change to a 4” lift to accommodate the 38’s. With the new lift a added a synergy track to align the front axle and a synergy relocation bracket to align the rear axle. I had already changed the gears to 4.88 when I was on 37s

[@weknowmacs.3787]

@@TrailCartel let’s see em!

[@JeepTraveller2021]

Looks awesome-do you plan on doing anything with the diffs or axels?

[@TrailCartel]

Thank you! We put 4.88s in and added a Eaton locker in the front

[@LenSilvester]

@@TrailCartel did you notice an improvement in MPG and overall performance putting in the 4,88's? I'm doing the same lift and 37's on my Mojave soon, I tow a 3500LB camper often, so thinking the 4.88's would definitely be a benefit, or maybe 5.13's because of towing. thanks!

[@TrailCartel]

@@LenSilvester The MPG stayed the same but the 4.88s gave me back the factory performance. If I was towing with mine I would have went with 5.13s.

[@antiantifans1914]

How long did you wait till you regeared it?

[@TrailCartel]

I called and scheduled the re-gear as soon as I put 37's on it. It was drivable in town with 4.10s but i didn't like it on the highway.

[@antiantifans1914]

@@TrailCartel thanks for the reply. So many opinions on rehearing or not regearing. I have one last question do you feel like not gearing would have meant actual damage to the tranny or just bad mpgs and sluggish on the freeway? Sweet jeep BTW. I love my mojave so far.

[@TrailCartel]

@@antiantifans1914 I just wanted to get 8th gear back on the highway. We were adding a front locker so we geared while it was open. I went with 4.88 gears.

[@mattbrew11]

@@antiantifans1914 sorry to keep jumping on posts but the whole experience of driving the jeep is better regeared I promise. My diesel is back to beast mode with 4.56. If you tow at all id do 5.13 with the v6 personally

[@antiantifans1914]

@@mattbrew11 I am interested in doing 35 inch tires I think. Not sure if 4.88 gear is the best incase i go up later. 37s seems like to do it right I would have to beef up everything from axles to steering. Not sure I want to put that money out for something that is my daily driver

[@drepagaming]

Looks great! Could of saved $270+ by just using JScan instead of a Tazer. No difference other than the live pluigin features.

[@Mike___Kilo]

I figure this is what it'll cost me to upgrade to 35 x 1150's on my stock Overland.

[@andrewiglinski148]

That’s a brave dude crawling under that on just jackstands

[@TommyTommyhuynh]

Look good to tire to small

[@josetrigo3265]

Wthz ur mpg

[@TrailCartel]

15.8 after re gearing

[@terryhester2944]

What track bar did you go with?

[@TrailCartel]

I went with Synergy’s track bar. Thanks for watching!

[@thomastennison852]

Exactly what I want to do but with 20x10 wheels.

[@nathannielsen8061]

I like the look of 35-37s on a Mojave, once people start putting 40s on the whole truck looks comical and unbalanced.

[@p.youhana3563]

Wheel spacer 🤦

[@kolbclassicbuild4871]

Seems like there was a high ratio of “look @ me” time…. Buy a mirror.

[@TrailCartel]

Thank for stopping by and taking the time to make a negative comment.