Big Changes for 2025 Jeep JL Wrangler/JT Gladiator (Is the manual dead?)

In today's episode of "Tailgator" we talk about the big changes coming to the Jeep JL/JT production line for 2025. Is it enough to save the platfrom? Moreover, is it enough to save the brand? Only time will tell....
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[@edwhite4992]

My Gladiator is the most fun truck I’ve ever owned. And I’ve owned many.

[@GatorOverland]

Totally agree! My favorite vehicle of many owned.

[@jeepboyz12]

Side note, it'd be wonderful if Jeep could dedicate some resources into adding a heating element to the LED Headlamp lenses for inclimate weather. I know a lot of people that don't have to deal with this issue, but while driving in the snow, especially wet snow, it accumulates on the LED lamps and becomes nearly impossible to see. It would be great to see an upgrade in that fashion for future models as well!

[@GatorOverland]

I’ve experienced this myself and it sucks to drive in when they are caked up.

[@kevinvoyer5053]

I suggest looking into the MORIMOTO TWO STROKE 4.0 LED bulbs, that have a unique cooling fan, that takes the air inside the dust cover, then sends it thought the aluminum housing that holds the Cree LED elements to cool them down, but then blows the heated air towards the clear cover, in an effort to help melt some accumulated snow and ice. That did a great job doing so in my last truck’s headlights, a 2019 Colorado! But their not cheep, but mine were three years old when I traded the truck in for a new Gladiator, that I’m going to be forced to exchanged the awful halogens for the MORIMOTO LED’s, at $200! But worked outstanding.

[@kevinvoyer5053]

Yea I bought a new Gladiator Sport S about 8 weeks ago and 2,700 effortlessly comfortable miles on all types of surfaces. Coming out from two consecutive Colorados, a 2016 Ext Cab 4x4 Z71, V6 with tow package, then after we both retired and needed just one vehicle, we wanted a Gladiator when released in late 2019, but they were so expensive at least $48k for auto hardtop, without any convenience like power windows or locks. So we test drove every mid sized truck and ended up with a 2019 Colorado WT 4x4, V6, with every available option in the base trim. That meant ONSTAR 4 G LTE WIFI. 7” touch screen, 6 speakers, color match bumpers and door handles, tow package with auto lock rear. That we used to tow a 26’ Travel Trailer at a Cat Scale certified 10,250 lbs CGVW! With ease and comfort all up and down the East coast and west to Pigeon Forge and Galveston, TX, at a total of 68,000 trouble free total mileage. Then I found the Gladiator, sold the Travel Trailer so no need to tow. But the biggest plus? Was a $15,000 discount on a $51,000 msrp! The ride on and off road is definitely better than the Colorado, but handling not as precise. I do plan on adding Bilstein 5100 shocks, that were fantastic in the Colorado. Plus upgrade the tires at some point, although I really like the wheels, that comes close to matching the Granite Crystal Metallic paint, that came with BridgeStone Dueler HT in size 245/75-17 @ 31.6”, that are great in the rain and dry roads, not too bad in sand, but I would like only up to 32-33”, not too wide. The black hardtop roof looks great, I’ve added some carbon fiber trim pieces over the fog light surrounds, fender vents, plastic panel under the wipers and covers over the windshield tie downs on the hood. The only option it doesn’t have I miss are LED headlights and fog lights, every other light all in an out are LED! So I’ll add LED bulbs at some point as the lights suck at night, especially when the days get shorter. The reason I heard the 2025 Wrangler will not be available with 3.6 automatic, is due only to all the left overs sitting unsold! That stillantis wants folks to buy a left over first. I’ve read the manual is geared too high, that’s why people are burning clutches, due to gearing and not enough experience.

[@GatorOverland]

WOW!! thanks for the valued comment! and i couldn't agree more. I too came from a long line of fullsize 4x4's including a 2014 silverado and despite the reduction in power, the gladiator is the most comfortable and fun truck ive owned. Its not the most nimble in the corners, but it has my back getting me confidently most anywhere i steer it. I did a review of the auxito bulbs a while back after i upgraded my wifes Jeep headlights to LED. Literally a night and day difference. Here is my evaluation of them kzbin.info/www/bejne/g6PFgqqJfc5gnbs and the model# for the current JL/JT replacement is (20-23) Jeep Gladiator H13/9008 Low+High Beam Combo Bulb 80w/16kLM- amzn.to/3lpkgig . They have performed flawlessly for almost 2 years. As far as the bilstein shock go, that is always a solid standby for a shock upgrade. So much so that the MOPAR lift now has gone to bilstein B8 5160's (a 5100 w/ external oil reservoir) over the FOX 2.5 monotube shocks. They are technically at the opposite end of the spectrum of valve performance. The bilstein is a digressive shock, which will be firm forward and soften up with increased cycling, where as the fox were a linear shock that are more kooshy forward and firm up with increased cycling. Each have their purpose and preference. I went from the fox shock to the falcon which like the bilstein are digressive valving, and I 100% prefer the ride over how the Fox shocks performed.. and to think i actually liked the way the fox shock performed. Heres my shock evaluation video kzbin.info/www/bejne/p5eQqqCCid2oj5o. I do cover the reference of the bilstein in the video as well.. And for the manuals. Its a flawed clutch design that has clamp force threshold of 274ft/lb and they put it behind a 262ft/lb engine, leaving enough room for error to be revealed on any clutches not clamping the designed force. The clutch was designed to be smooth engagement and reduce noise compared to the JK application...which they did, but it came with a downside. Thanks again for the comment.

[@silverlover5817]

Thanks for the video. I'm planning to order the 2025 2-door 6-speed manual transmission Wrangler Sport sometime next year, and it will be my dream vehicle and will keep it for life. 🚙

[@GatorOverland]

We’re on the same track. This manual gladiator is my dream vehicle too.. love it! Keep in touch, let me know how you like your JL-M..

[@TorieDH]

The gladiator being a manual was really the only reason I was bought it. I love this thing but i dont know if i would get another one if its auto only. Totally understand why they did it tho. Hate to see it😢. On another note. I enjoy the way you format ur videos, you should do a "how to" manual off-road. Gladiator is my 2nd standard car but i am a little hesitent about taking it off road. I am new to off roading.

[@GatorOverland]

Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment. I do have a manual how to.. that’s a pretty good idea for doing an offroad specific how to. I do have a how to, but it’s not specific to off roading, but does explain a few things. Start at the 10:00 or so. kzbin.info/www/bejne/f6XIe4BvmMd1gZYsi=evQnf3QYP0KL8v76

[@jerryjohnson7348]

Manual transmission is the only reason why I got my gladiator

[@GatorOverland]

Same!! 🤘🏼

[@Clanc54R]

Same but my Tacoma. Even in 19 the Tacoma and Gladiator were the only available manual trucks. So my decision was only between the two.

[@GatorOverland]

@Clanc54R I do like the Tacoma abilities, but cant handle the seat position being so close to the floor. Had a 4runner and couldn’t comfortably drive more than a few hours before stretching… in the JT I only need to stop for fuel, no stretching involved 😂

[@backcountryportal4774]

I'm glad I got the manual JL for 2024!

[@GatorOverland]

🤘🏼🤘🏼🤘🏼

[@wadevincent]

I always enjoy your videos!!

[@airtek4809]

My gladiator is the absolute best vehicle I have ever owned.

[@GatorOverland]

Same!! Thanks taking the time to watch and comment!

[@xanderjackson8518]

Same here.

[@dvader3263]

Congratulations. Great trucks. Is it your 1st vehicle?

[@GatorOverland]

@dvader3263 no, I’ve owned 8 vehicles from full-size 4x4’s to hot rods.. this is probably my favorite ..

[@gmenelson]

Same

[@MotoringAdventures_KE7SAI]

Great video. Informative and concise! Looking forward to more of these.

[@GatorOverland]

Thanks for that Preston… I’ll be honest, you were some of the inspiration for doing a “one take” upload. Thankful for B roll, because this would’ve been even more of a boring video… I’ll have to figure out some way to spice them up in the future.

[@MotoringAdventures_KE7SAI]

​@@GatorOverland John, your videos are always on point and clean cut! They've inspired me as well! And yes, love the B-roll! They're like the pictures in a magazine article.

[@kacyjones1387]

Wish they would bring back the Diesel. Instead of the eco put that smaller Cummins engine it. Would be nice.

[@GatorOverland]

Hell yea! Totally agree! Unfortunately, US EPA restrictions will probably phase out diesels altogether..

[@kacyjones1387]

@@GatorOverland idk they make a bio diesel now that they use. I hope not tho. I haul fuel for a living. Would suck to have a non diesel truck.

[@GatorOverland]

@kacyjones1387 totally understand and diesel will definitely stay in the logistics vehicle fields for sure..

[@bobvedder2451]

I chose an automatic for my '21 gladiator because of the increased towing over the manual

[@GatorOverland]

Make total sense.. anything more than the manual 4500 lbs towing is worthy.. thankfully I don’t tow often, and when I do it’s not much weight..

[@JR-5465]

You didn't miss much with the Comanche. I had one and the 4 litter I loved the Peugeot tranny felt just like it sounds like a car with a bigger open trunk lol. I'm half purest there are some things I don't want to see changed but have to admit the interior between my 2023 Gladiator and my first Jeep a CJ-7 I kinda like the amenities. I'm with you on the Hurricane I'd like to see that happen.

[@GatorOverland]

😂😂😂 well said! 🤘🏼🤘🏼🤘🏼

[@NemeanLion-]

I hate to say it, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they discontinued the gladiator altogether. The vehicle has been treated like an afterthought for years now and Stellantis is in big trouble. Hopefully not though.

[@GatorOverland]

Only time will tell.. hopefully they stick it out!

[@semiccap]

I've read that Automatics are obviously not like they uses to be. Technology has improved the robustness and pound for pound Autos are supposedly stronger than manuals now (contrary to what some of us growing up were told) The other thing is having a. computer control a. transmission rather than a person probably saves a lot of wear and tear in general.

[@GatorOverland]

These days the automatics are far more efficient than manuals. Back in the day everything was either vacuum modulated or had rudimentary electronic function based on pressures on governors… The advanced electronics these days make it to where it’s near error proof, and most anything that could go wrong is a part that was defective during manufacturing.. And totally agree that someone driving a manual transmission would be harder on the driveline than an automatic 😂😂

[@jeffreyhall838]

I love the Jeep Wrangler but the Jeep name brand is constantly rated in the lowest brands for quality. I and my friends have owned several and we have all had several issues (tranny's, turbo's, electrical issues, water leaks) that kept our vehicle back and forth to the dealer for warranty repair

[@GatorOverland]

All unfortunate and true… Sorry to hear about all that… Glad they are taking care of you despite the inconvenience

[@UnkyJofus]

The manual gearing was an odd choice. Reverse and 6th are a bit too tall, or low numerically. Maybe the fix would be making 4.56 stock diff gearing. My other trucks are manual. But went with an 8-speed Mojave. No conplaints.

[@GatorOverland]

Yes, I totally agree… The sixth gear is only about 200 RPM different than fifth so basically it’s just another overdrive… I regear’d 5.13 with my 37’s and it performs fantastic

[@phelandeluna5439]

What they are calling "automatic" in the JL and JT is actually a TriClutch. So, you have an 8 speed manual.

[@GatorOverland]

Funny way of putting it, but in a way yes… manual and don’t have to lift your foot..

[@backwoodstherapy]

With the Gladiator now getting standard power locks and automatic transmission that results in a drastic price cut for the way _most_ people would buy the truck. Before, if you wanted that, you had to get a Sport S with the automatic transmission option which would set you back almost $44k for the nighthawk or $45k for a sport s. This effectively makes the a gladiator about $5k cheaper.

[@GatorOverland]

You’re right on par with that! Less allocation of parts will reduce costs as well.. hoping to see $10k drop 😂

[@backwoodstherapy]

@@GatorOverland I’ve seen 2024 Sport S models with the auto transmission for about $40k brand new right _now,_ so I’m hoping in a couple years I can pick up a Sport or Sport S with the max tow (rubicon axles and 4.10 gears, baby) for about $30k. I’d love to have a truck again and my JLU has gotten so off road capable (3” teraflex lift, 35s) it’s not as comfortable as it used to be (gonna try to fix that with better shocks and changing tires from E load rating to C) and a Max tow Sport with a leveling kit and 35s would be a nice support vehicle and much more comfortable daily driver.

[@GatorOverland]

@backwoodstherapy 🤘🏼🤘🏼🤘🏼

[@TwoFeatherChannel]

bad timing on Jeeps part by not having the Hurricane option when they are ditching the 392 and 3.6 auto for the JL's.

[@GatorOverland]

Yep.. unfortunatly the 3.0 hurricane won’t fit in the engine bay without significant modification.. it’s 1” longer than the HEMI, which is already a tight fit. Supposedly there is a new engine coming, but only crickets at this time..

[@TwoFeatherChannel]

@@GatorOverland I wish those crickets were chirping LS, LS. if my JLUR 3.6 goes bad, the LS would be my choice for replacement. I have a Silverado with over 400,000 miles on a LS.

[@GatorOverland]

@TwoFeatherChannel 😂😂😂 I love an LS.. it’s big boy legos for horsepower. Other than VVT/DOD issues, it’s is incredible power plant..

[@cupofmilk24]

My gladiator rubicon has 10k miles bought it 5 months ago and is currently sitting at the dealership because the transmission failed. Theyre replacing it under warranty

[@GatorOverland]

Sorry to hear that. Glad they are taking care of you.

[@TT-mf5nj]

Do you have the 8HP ZF? OR 850 RE? Is there any truth to these thoughts. Actual ZF is made in Germany. 850 RE is ZF parts made in USA. SOME say they are exact same thing but branded different.

[@GatorOverland]

Mine is actually the Aisin AL-6 manual. 850RE is made in Indiana. The 8HP is manufactured in Germany. I believe they are built to identical specifications. The Diesels came with the ZF 8HP75 and “some” came in gassers, but majority are 850RE They started making the ZF in the states to meet demand and called it the 850RE Either way the ZF 8HPxx are fantastic transmissions, maybe the best production transmissions ever built. (8) forward gears, (H) hydraulic, (P) planetary gears and the number is nM of torque rated . 75= 750nM, 70= 700nM and so on.

[@TT-mf5nj]

@GatorOverland awesome that's good to hear. Thanks

[@GatorOverland]

You bet! Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment! 🤘🏼🤘🏼🤘🏼

[@jerryjohnson7348]

Your gladiator is stripped down are you getting rid of it

[@GatorOverland]

Very observant Jerry… No, I had some duties that called upon for use of the bedspace… With a 1/2” wrench and about 10 minutes of time, I can have the Leitner rack off… I plan to put it back on this weekend.

[@alexforeri]

The only problem is that garbage and obsolete V6 pentastarshit, hope they can improve that engine, so will be fun to drive and better mpg! 😊

[@GatorOverland]

Totally agree

[@gammelldylan77]

I wanna see the price change…

[@GatorOverland]

It’s happening already for 2024 model that they need to move.. a lot of places 10%+ under MSRP.. they really need the pricing marketed around 20% lower as a mainstay for them to be worth the cost for normal folks to buy.. I.e. a moderately equipped JL/JT rubicon on a lot at $62k would be $49k… might not leave much room for negotiation, but I’d buy that..

[@gammelldylan77]

@@GatorOverland maybe where you’re from, here base model wranglers are still in the mid 50k. A base gladiator is in the high 40 just shy of 50k.

[@GatorOverland]

Doggett and Bolton CJDR got the memo down here in Texas.. 😂

[@gammelldylan77]

@@GatorOverland Massachusetts still sucks 😂 heck all of New England sucks.

[@GatorOverland]

At least you have seasons..

[@airtek4809]

3.0 hurricane?

[@GatorOverland]

Yes, the twin turbo straight 6 is also a hurricane variant labeld the “Hurricane GME-T6” and comes in the RAM, charger, and Jeep wagoneer.. standard output is 420hp, high out put is 510hp en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stellantis_Hurricane_engine

[@airtek4809]

@@GatorOverland wouldn't they need to make modifications to fit that ?

[@GatorOverland]

@airtek4809 yes.. technically it won’t fit.. in the video I said “I wish” they could put it in there.