Jeep Gladiator Axle Mods For 39s! 5.13 Gears, Axle Truss And Brake Upgrades.

Let's knock out a couple of the most important Jeep Gladiator Mods! 5.13 Yukon ring and pinions, axle trusses and even some super easy brake upgrades!
Here is a video on how to select your own ring and pinion ratios.
• Choosing The BEST Axle...
Don't listen to randoms dudes on the internet that will tell you what gear ratios to run (That includes me). Learn how to choose these ratios for yourself with the calculator I use in the video Linked above.
For me, this was a no brainer. I started by calculating my RPM with the stock tire size and ring and pinion ratio at 70mph (normal HWY speed). Then I consider what the added demand is on the truck after all of my other mods. 39" tires, heavy bumpers and a ton of gear. This will require more power to the wheels to get the same performance as stock, so I increase the RPM to meet the demand and make it easier for the engine to turn the tires with deeper gears. I will also be towing a trailer, so this calls for even deeper gears. The higher the numerical value, the more power is transferred to the wheels and the higher the RPM of the engine. Engines need fuel to make power and they need air to digest this fuel. More RPM makes the engine burn more fuel more efficiently (within peak efficiency range) and the increase in RPM spins my water pump faster giving my truck a better ability to cool when under a load. Since these mods, when I'm driving around town my MPG has gone up but, on the HWY, it has stayed the same when empty. BUT is definitely higher when towing.
In stock form the gladiator was at 1781rpm at 70mph with a 3.73 and a 33.
With 39's and a 5.13 I'm at 2073 rpm at 70 and driving the truck feels almost effortless. It requires barely any throttle to get up to speed and is an absolute pleasure to drive!
It's only 292 RPM higher than stock and what a difference in performance!
But don't take my word for it, learn how to calculate this stuff yourself and how to choose the best gear ratio for YOUR 4x4.
I hope this video helps and I hope you enjoyed it!
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Here are the brake upgrades from Power Stop 👊
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Axle truss kit
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DISCLAIMER:
Due to factors out of the control of Dirt Lifestyle, we cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. Dirt Lifestyle assumes no liability or responsibility for property damages or injury incurred as a result of any information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. Dirt Lifestyle recommends safe practices when working on vehicles and/or with tools seen in this video. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not Dirt Lifestyle. Be safe!
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#jeep #jeepgladiator #jeepwrangler

[@DirtLifestyle]

Here are some links to the products we installed in the video. Save upto 20% with coupon code "dirtlifestyle" at Northridge 4x4! www.northridge4x4.com/ Here are the brake upgrades from Power Stop 👊 www.powerstop.com/product/power-stop-z36-brake-kit/ Axle truss kit www.barnes4wd.com/Jeep-JT-Axle-Upgrades_c_293.html

[@hjstrater]

Can you high speed montage new gears into my gladiator too 😂. Makes it look so easy.

[@DirtLifestyle]

Lol

[@kjhaglfjhgfasd]

I love that you show the problems you encounter. Because it gives a really good idea just how fabricating your own stuff actually works.

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thanks man 👍

[@mikemorgan4670]

Great vid Nate. While this type of work is way beyond my skill set, I still find it fascinating to watch and try to understand. Your simple explanations make it easier to comprehend. Thanks for the content Buddy.

[@charlesnickell7257]

Damm I wish I could do all this myself like yall but I physically can't so I'm stuck with paying someone but this just like the rest of your videos are so good thank you

[@dorsk84]

That metal Flight of the Bubble Bee was a really cool choice for the montage.

[@DirtLifestyle]

I was hoping someone would appreciate it!

[@dorsk84]

@@DirtLifestyle Not only do I know my classical music, Thank you Bugs Bunny ans Elmer Fudd, I'm quite a metal head. So this was a nice mix.

[@MTJ1986]

Gladiator envy. That's all. Have some fun for the rest of us!

[@DirtLifestyle]

Lol

[@georgeeads8689]

Great job Nate. Always a pleasure to watch you.

[@jason.hartson]

Thanks for another awesome video Nate! Look forward to maybe seeing a walk around of the JT once its done.

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thanks for watching!

[@gearlist]

Incredible work as always Nate, we learn so much from these videos 👍

[@jim4012]

After being a spectator of the channel for a couple years, I have finally torn my rig apart into a million pieces. Thanks to folks like nate it is a reality! Thanks again for all of your hard work!

[@jim4012]

Also, I took over a pre-owned project. I'm finally making it my way.

[@PhatboyHD88]

Nate i have Powerstop brakes on my Jeep and buddy they are awesome , worth every penny. Been on there for 2 years ( in PA winters) and there is hardly any rust on them at all rotors still look new , amazing brake sets, and stop fantastic , your gonna luv them..

[@DirtLifestyle]

I have them on my discovery 2 and am a big fan of drilled/slotted rotors. Helps keep things cool and reduces off-gasing for better stoping power. It's win win in my book 👍

[@Thexkidd]

Doesn’t the mud get stuck in there and reduce breaking?

[@PhatboyHD88]

@@Thexkidd nope , they are amazing brakes , i have done 3 Jeep badge of honor trails with Powerstop brakes installed and not a single issue , not a squeak noise nothing ..

[@Thexkidd]

@@PhatboyHD88 good to hear. May have to try them then. Just saw there big break kit on rock auto.

[@shanes_bs2659]

Great vid as usual! It looks like that lift is serving you well!

[@loganpark7993]

Thanks for the video. I enjoy you saying more instead of adding writing. I listen to it while working in the shop sometimes. Thanks again nate.

[@xyzzzxyzzz6409]

You did real good work, cowboy!

[@jiggyquinn5635]

Thank you, good luck, happy trails 🤠

[@RM_Garage]

Nothing like the gear pattern being perfect the first time around (on the front)! Great video dude.

[@SouthernComfortOutdoors]

Man you done went and got a lift!! Very nice!

[@PaulKaiser42]

Great stuff as always!!! Sounds like you are heading out on a great adventure…so jealous👊🏻👊🏻

[@HighRiderSonoma]

Great video Nate!!!! Keep up the awesome work. I appreciate your vids!!! 🤘🏼😎🤙🏼

[@jimsather6892]

I think you will be super happy with that setup. I have a nearly identical setup on my JL. Kept the 44s, went with Yukon 5.13, and Yukon chromoly axles in the rear. In front, went with RCV axles with FAD delete. Running on KM3 39 x 13.5. I find the KM3s to be quieter than Nittos. Anyway, it's held up for nearly 2 years with no breaks. The only thing I don't do is bounce it, but is been able to handle everything else with no issue.

[@EvanMoon]

The sponsors are Rolling in and you deserve that. You put out awesome content. Keep it up sir!

[@Defender110SLO]

Owsome work. Cheers. 🍻

[@PaydayGabeBCNV]

Love your content Nate,, The main thing I've learned from several of these videos is,, Jeep vehicles are insanely expensive and need expensive upgrades to the a viable option. When you do the front shaft/truss mod,, upgrade the ball joints, "while you're in there". 😄👍 Safe travels 🙏.

[@edzimdahl1158]

Jeeps aren't any more expensive than any other brand names, have had mine for years and haven't spent no where near the money see/hear people spending, and don't baby it, it's a daily and a playtoy that keeps on keeping on, from back when they still came with factory v8 power

[@jefferyanderson3524]

I bet you are loving that new lift! That’s a life goal for me 😊

[@davidcollins2219]

Great video. Before I went to one tons on my Gladiator I had a similar setup. Trussed front & rear, 5.13s, RCV w/ FAD delete. One recommendation I have is maybe not deleting the FAD and instead go with upgraded parts in it. I know RCV makes a 2 piece kit. The reason is, to get the castor back for best drivability, you may end up getting slight drive line vibration on the front. Just a suggestion. Geat build!

[@JustinKingOffroad]

on my last re-gear, i noticed the gears were broke in about 275 miles. the initial drive heat was long gone, and the mating surfaces looked great. so i put the fresh fluid in and ran it!

[@erichughes9098]

Thank you Nate for Another informative video 😎👍

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thank you for another positive comment 👍

[@fishgutz4272]

I had 5.13 gears in my 2010 4dr Rubicon running 37x12 TRXUS MT. RMP a little higher than stock. Still got same mpg as stock, even running 75+ on the highway. Yet more enough for a lot of fun off road.

[@oleroy4749]

Sweet Jack Stands!!!

[@Flitzer514]

I had no idea gears required a break-in period. I guess I learned something today.

[@klugersgarage2802]

Nate, your going to have to tell us how those power stops work after 6 months. Almost every set I have had and warped. I am so happy to see you owning a lift. Love the video my dude.

[@thesneak281]

Turn the music down a touch. Hard for me to hide and watch videos while the gf sleeps. Awesome job as always!

[@ruubguus4321]

Good Job 👍💯

[@rustyrutledge9094]

Happy to see you don’t fear the gear… Most the guys on online forums try to tell you the Ecodiesel doesn’t need to be regeared for anything under 40’s 🙄. I run 4.56’s for the 35’s on my Gladiator Ecodiesel and think it’s perfect.

[@davidvancas5160]

Love the flight if the bumblebees!!! That’s awesome

[@pfr65]

Nice upgrade....A lift in Nate's shop as well! Nice 👍

[@timking2194]

Great video love that gladiator. Going with the same tires on my jk

[@lyndonhamby7432]

39’s. Awesome 👍

[@VideoShowMeHow]

Hey mate, thanks for the upload, super quality as always! Smashed it out! Hey quick q if I may - what was that black frame bracket thing that sits over the axle centre?

[@clementc9975]

That’s a case spreader. It does exactly what it says. It presses the case open horizontally a very small amount to allow easier installation of the carrier. When the spreader is removed, it returns to original dimension.

[@DirtLifestyle]

The sway bar? Did it look like a bent rod?

[@hughwolfe1176]

Nate you’ve got an abundance of skills in your toolbox, is there anything you can’t do… I mean that as a compliment… Stay safe out there.

[@ryridesmotox]

Every time I see someone running patterns while doing gears it just makes me want to never do it myself lol. I'll gladly pay someone some cash for that... that and electrical. Love the videos. Keep em coming.

[@zve482]

Impressive. 👍🏻👍🏻

[@MrVPNG]

But you even have the RCV hat on! Haha great video as always

[@jasoncurcio6631]

Just recently discovered your channel .. Love it. Just curious if you've ever had any experience with Yes welders haven't done any welding in years but I keep saying the advertisement for them curious if they were worth the money

[@montechie]

These are both great ($) and dangerous ($) videos. Great to see how to do the work myself and save me money, dangerous because it helps me validate modifying my JTR (more)

[@kylancook3477]

Nate, I'd be curious what your brake Temps will be with those new brakes, maybe an after test? A before and after would been cool!

[@OwensGarage]

I just did my first gear change, put 4.10’s in my xj and swapped it to a high pinion Dana 30 at the same time. Must have done something right, I just drove it 4 hours down to George Washington national forest and back and they’re still quiet and nothing flew apart! Also it turns out an ‘01 xj with 2” lift, 30’s, 4.10 gears, and a rear lunchbox locker is WAY more capable than I thought it would be! And still got almost 17mpg highway- running 2800 rpm@ 75 mph. not bad.

[@chuckieswickedgoodfab]

Great Video Nate, and dude the lift!!!! I saw it in the older trailer video too, but man that is awesome. Would love to know maker, what it is rated for weight wise? I am in the market, been told to go with a 12K verus 9K so I don't have limitations and can lift a 1 ton truck if needed, which is possible since I do have a f250. I am interested in your two cents on it.

[@granitesand78]

Sick!

[@adrianw3985]

I have the full-time/part-time version of the 4:1 Rock-Trac transfer case on my Rubicon... these don't have the axle disconnect. I was pleasantly surprised to find that it is blocked off already from the factory.

[@MS-kh2je]

Thanks 😊

[@Fit4Life921]

I’m very interested to see what you do with FAD. I’ve been debating going single RCV shaft but I’m concerned about driveshaft vibrations and early wear

[@SWBCrawler]

One of these days I'm going to do my first gear set. Its not going to go as smoothly as your videos, and Im going to come here angry. :P Seriously though, Nice work. Gladiators coming a long nice!

[@MyShadowblue]

Nate's even safe when raising the lift! 😁

[@Escape.Idiocracy]

Great video- can you report in one of your future videos what your fuel economy is? - would be interested to see your mileage even with towing on this trip you are getting ready for. Good stuff!! Thanks!

[@Escape.Idiocracy]

Any update on fuel economy and drive experience with the gears?

[@sonicsphincter6]

I'm loving the metal version of Flight of the Bumblebee.

[@apexpredator_jku]

Now that you mentioned Powerstop.Any word on whether Trail To SEMA is ever making a return? It's by far my fave episodic wheeling series on The Tube. That whole squad has progressed so much since that last run & I'd love to see that influencer dream team reunite. It's like waiting for your favorite band to drop that long awaited album.

[@StormbornJKU]

Nice!

[@chriskeller90]

Why did you use a differential case spreader in this video? Compared to your other regear video. Thanks

[@GeorgeWashington-oz7lw]

The first pattern looked fine, did you change it to get more contact towards the heel side for a specific reason? With a lot of load wouldn't the pattern drift toward to heel?

[@mikebrandt4830]

Music for this one is on point! 🤣

[@nickwoellert5045]

Good morning sir!

[@jpetton]

"Flight of the Bumblebee" (Great music high speed video) is an orchestral interlude written by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov for his opera The Tale of Tsar Saltan, composed in 1899-1900. Its composition is intended to musically evoke the seemingly chaotic and rapidly changing flying pattern of a bumblebee. Wikipedia

[@protoculturematrix4369]

How has your JT been holding up with the 39's? Things like axles, ball joints and such. Very interested in doing a build like yours.

[@zacmarangi154]

One question I have, and have always wondered is, what are you listening while working on your rigs?

[@stanleyfurash7929]

I know you like to use all your cool tools in your videos but doesn't anyone make a truss that fits on the rear axle? No matter what it's a cool build and you have mad fab skills.

[@sierramantrvlnus]

Yay!

[@charlestraywick]

I just did the same to my gladiator except I have Artec trusses. I’m curious why you chose the trusses you went with? The Artecs fit nicely on the JT.

[@cdodge2996]

Pretty sure Barnes is a sponsor. I know Nate has a discount code we can use there.

[@petejoy6328]

So I was wondering, when you first assembled the rearend gear, did you use the same size shims on both sides that came out of it? If so, then it was set incorrectly at the factory. Just wondering! Enjoy your trip.

[@jim4012]

I measured, cataloged and did the exact process of putting the r&p back together.

[@esimler]

Hey Nate, more TDI videos coming?

[@kanefitty6849]

Excellent as usual…1st 🤙🏽

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thank you!

[@19TheDan]

what kind of mileage were you getting before and after this install. very curious in how it was affected

[@johnluta4338]

Did you have to add new front driveshaft? Looking at the same lift for 37’s. But if I need a driveshaft , I might settle for the 2.5”.

[@bscottroberts]

Where did you get the 39 BFGs? Been waiting months for 40 Nittos- national backorder....

[@mattbrew11]

couple Qs 1: what is RPM at 70 in 8th? 2: did you swap in HD driveshafts and what joint size? 3: I have the same size tires on mine but KM3s can I hire you to do the same stuff on my diesel? I just dont trust the shops near me to make the conscious decision to chase the best patterns because they have virtually No skin in the game beyond the 500 mile inspection. With stock gearing my diesel gets 24-25 mpg on flat highways at 70 but it hangs out around 1600 rpm in 8th gear. Much hill and its in 7th at 1900ish rpm and big grades push it into 6th around 2150 but ive never seen it drop below 6th even on the big grade between san diego and yuma az what does happens is water temps will get to about 225 and the oil has been as hot as 245 and I wonder if lower gearing will help a bit with that?

[@robertstafford2773]

i am slowly building my jeep glad to do over land and with the up grades you have done will it handle 40 in tires? 40 are my goal on this jeep but real don.t want to do 60's

[@bdb11111950]

I am sure this has been asked before somewhere and sorry if repetitive question. Do you need to disconnect the batteries before you do any welding on this newer vehicle with all the electronics on them? I have never had a problem with my older 2002 and older vehicles. But worry about damage to all the electronics on these gladiators.

[@DirtLifestyle]

I personally don't disconnect any electrical components when welding. I don't see any way that the power from the welder would interact with the electrical system of the truck unless you ground through a sensor or ecu. Think about all the exhaust shops out there welding on people's vehicles and not disconnecting anything. As long as you keep the ground clamp close you should be all good to go 👍. BUT it's definitely not a bad idea to disconnect the battery. I don't do it but I understand why folks would want the extra level of security.

[@bdb11111950]

@@DirtLifestyle Thanks for the input. I just just haven’t had a new vehicle sense my 2002 Tacoma with 300,000+ miles on it so wasn’t sure about all the new Technology and welding. What you said makes sense. I do respect your opinion since you have more experience than me with newer vehicles. Thanks for your reply and great content 👍

[@googlegok9637]

Since you mention oil change. When do you make the first oil change on the drive train on a new truck like your Taco? 20 years ago you must change oil first time in diff and transfer after 1000, now it is 10k for a new truck. What is your opinion?

[@DirtLifestyle]

Personally I give everything a couple thousand miles to break in on a brand new rig before I start changing fluids. But with my tacoma and gladiator I insisted to have an oil change at around 5k. Fof everything else I stick to the schedule from the dealer

[@lanceerwin156]

Do the diff covers come with reusable seals from the factory?

[@roncua6900]

Hello how is the drive now after the re bear I’m interested in the same set up.

[@williamfrye9441]

Wait have you always had a lift? When did you put that in!?

[@ayost62]

Was that the gold Harbor Freight ratchet?

[@vagelisperrakis826]

the dana 44 gladiator axles are strong enough for those big tires??

[@johnhancock7063]

Love the 5.13 gears, they make alot of sense. The formula I use for gears says 4.88 but that is for stock performance, if you want mileage then go to 4.56, but if you want to help the minivan engine go to 5.13. Love the channel

[@michaellarson2506]

Minivan engine?

[@johnhancock7063]

Every engine that has came in a jeep since the 4.0 belongs in a minivan

[@michaellarson2506]

I am not sure there is any “minivan engine” that has 442 lb-ft of torque…

[@jim4012]

I run 4:56 and 37". Down the road that will all change as the budget allows.

[@nicholascooper1193]

how tall is the ceiling in your shop? debating if a lift is "worth it" in my 10' ceiling.

[@intrepid4x4]

What is that frame you used when installing the ring and carrier in the axle? It almost looked like it was compressing the bearing races and shims?

[@one4x4nut]

It’s a case spreader

[@intrepid4x4]

@@one4x4nut thanks, I have done a few gear sets but have never seen one of these before

[@FISHONOVERLAND]

@DirtLifeStyle hey men nice rig ! I have 2022 JT diésel I want to run 40 inch tires (all trail difficulties every week) , I also tow a 4500 bass boat , what gear ratio would you recommend me ? Thanks in advance !👍

[@beadblaster9508]

I thought there was a special procedure for welding trusses onto axles because of the cast iron centre section.

[@pnw.paramotering3458]

There is.. I didn't see any welds on the cast center section probably because of that. It's a slow time consuming process to preheat and slow the cool down. Otherwise the welds can crack.

[@DirtLifestyle]

There is. I actually have a video all about it. In my opinion it is unnecessary in this application but it's all upto the person installing the truss 👍

[@summitdave8782]

Sweet...

[@DirtLifestyle]

👊

[@ratfarmers]

I was watching this video and my wife said "hey you need one of those tools." I said yeah I have a shop press and she said no the other tool.... yeah I have a torque wrench also. Then she says NOOOO and pauses the video and gets up and points at the lift! This tool! You need this tool! She's not wrong. Hehe

[@r3kanman]

Hey Nate - what is your ceiling height? I'm looking at the same style lift as I only have 10.5 ft ceiling. Just curious how high yours are and how well the low ceiling style lift is working....thanks...Kevin

[@DirtLifestyle]

I think mine was just under 11 but I would have to remeasure to be 100% sure. 👍

[@r3kanman]

@@DirtLifestyle thanks Nate pretty close to my height.

[@vdub5818]

Aren't 5.13's a bit aggressive for the diesel? I would think to properly utilize all the torque one would want a bit longer gearing. Usually I see guys on 40's with the Diesels running 4.56's or 4.88's. 40's and 4.56's are REALLY close to the factory 33 and 3.73 combo. If it was a gasser I would say 5.13's all day, even though they are a bit weaker. However with all the torque of the diesel a numerically lower gear ratio would seem to be the ticket using conventional logic.

[@DirtLifestyle]

Check out the video description 👍 I cover this in detail.

[@thaddeuslove6313]

You outta talk with Michael over at Bad Attitude Offroad for the best deals on parts

[@MacFingon]

Do you still have the JT? What ever happened to the Gladiator?

[@SuperSilence23]

I thought cross drilled disc did not work well with off-roading

[@tvh300]

Is the lift new?

[@davidcolinstillman5585]

HI NATE 👋 YOU MAKE IT LOOK EASY 👀 & FAST ! I KNOW IT'S THE VIDEO 📹 SPEED . THANK YOU FOR LETTING ME TAG ALONG . LOVE WATCHING YOUR KZbin CHANNEL ❤ HOPE EVERYTHING IS GOOD UP YOUR WAY ! HOPEFULLY THE GASOLINE ⛽ PRICES ARE A LITTLE BETTER UP YOUR WAY ? SAW AROUND 👀 DEATH VALLEY 💀 THE PRICES WERE $ 8.75 FOR REGULAR GAS ⛽ / LIFESTYLE OVERLAND . BE SAFE ! HAVE FUN ! ENJOYED 🍨 🍨 🍨 🍨 🍨 🍨 🍨 🍨 🍨 🍨 HOPE YOU & YOUR FAMILY HAVE AN AWESOME TRIP 👌 GOD BE WITH YOU ALL ALWAYS 🙏

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thanks! Yeah fuel prices are insane 🤦‍♂️

[@chillis28]

👍👍

[@stevenrailey9204]

How's that lift treating you