Jeep Gladiator Rubicon Overland Build stage 3 - Lift and Tires

To prepare our Jeep Gladiator Rubicon for overland travel, we install a 3" Rock Krawler X Factor lift and 37" Milestar Patagonia tires.
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[@BirdDogOffRoadAdventures]

Looks badass man!!! All Gladiators should come with 37s from the factory!!!

[@Brofessor17]

Maybe 35s ppl would have trouble stepping into a truck with 37 inch tires plus you need 1-2 inches more for clearance

[@robertwicker196]

Having grownup in heavy equipment manufacturing/ metal fabrication...I keep saying as I'm watching this...PUT SHOME SHOES ON!!!! LOL , so good to see Ben get to help with this!

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

HAHAHAHAHA. We don't need shoes.

[@switchbackoffroad]

😂🤣😂

[@bobjackson7516]

LOVING the journey. Thank you!!!!!!

[@SimplyMustGo]

It’s looking awesome! Can’t wait to see what’s coming next!

[@wheelerk2012]

I just got my Iceco VL45 last week. Love it

[@daveoffroad7396]

Gladiator looks great.!! Can’t wait to see the next part of this build..!!

[@joselima7655]

looks awesome, mine is going through a transformation now glad to see what this setup looks like. i'll be sticking with 35"s for now but have enough wheel and lift to do 37"s later

[@phillipgale2016]

Nice transformation from Big Iron. Good job Matt. Look forward to all the other little project to be added.

[@EigerSummitOffroad]

Looks AWESOME!!!!!

[@jaredinark]

Looks awesome!

[@AlphaSierra323]

Nice work and looks fantastic! Well done and can’t wait to see how it performs on the trails!

[@jk_wrangler13]

It does look awesome

[@ajs7817]

Gladiators just look how they are supposed to with a nice little lift on them. Very clean!

[@taraaaron1242]

Agree. They look goofy stock. 🤪. Glad I put 37 on mine. Much better.

[@ricardovega6252]

@@taraaaron1242 did you have to re rear ?and how high did u go on your lift ?

[@mikeandshelliesoverlanding]

Looks great love the lift and tire combo

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

Thanks 👍

[@MaidenVoyag3r]

Looking sweet! Same setup I have, I have a rear bumper on the way with a swing out tire mount for mine.

[@terrybuller8068]

Looks Awsome . Congrats

[@codyrichardson238]

Looks sick.

[@jeffwarren392]

Looks fantastic! Discount Tire is the best!

[@MMID303]

I agree it's so beautiful 😍

[@b.mcclain9556]

Looks good!

[@Riding_with_Adam]

Thumbs up just for your excitement right at the beginning!!

[@chefmartyjoe58]

We were on vacation in Oregon and just watched your 2 videos. So fricking awesome

[@philip7249]

Looks amazing, I love it!!

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

Thank you!!

[@jamesstone1374]

Love Discount tire also, until they cross tread the lug and you need a 4 foot bar to get it off and then need to replace a stud... They've done that to me at least 3 times. Gladiator is looking great!!!

[@davidcurl1645]

Looking good guys. Looking forward to watching your build and I'm a Ford guy. Can't wait for more vids. Happy for y'all.

[@switchbackoffroad]

This was awesome!!

[@tacoma_jon]

Looks so much better. 🤙🏼🤙🏼

[@tales4adventures976]

Love the wheel color combo with the blue. Super excited to watch this project grow! Great video 💯

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

thanks!

[@jimedwards8958]

Love the Truck.

[@twoclap200]

Great video!

[@oust556]

Same thing with my coopers. Kept tire tied down under bed cover, almost no space left with w 37 back there lol. Then kept tire on rack above cover, can't see through 37 tire lol. Settled with getting same tire in 35 for under the bed as emergency spare and keep the spare 37 rubber at the house for when I tear through one on the gladiator.

[@MTHuntN]

I love your excitement, exactly how I would/will react. watching your channel has helped me decide what to do to my Gladiator, so thank you. keep up the goos work.

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

THANKS!! I still get excited when I get in my gladiator.

[@robl6044]

The JT looking sweet

[@chrismorse7513]

very nice

[@likeorasgod]

About to do Dodinsons Spring/Shock lift for the Cherokee, all ready have a 2" lift on it. So much easier when you have a buddy to give you a third arm....lol I see I'm not the only one that still uses crescents as hammers at times and I'm a hydraulic mechanic of oilfield equipment....lol

[@STACYBURK]

My 37 inch BF Goodrich All Terrain fit under mine. You have to lay down and guide it in while the second person cranks it up :)

[@camperbum]

I've not liked the look of theses until now, it looks awesome, we live in West Plains in the Ozarks and I tell everyone to watch your videos, my wife has a Renegade Latitude, but after watching your video, she's warming up to going bigger lol, thank's for sharing...

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

Awesome! thanks!! I honestly don't think Gladiators look good until they have 37" tires.

[@insomniacmike5832]

I honestly didnt like the Gladiators every time I drove by Bayird. But can honestly say I'm really coming around.

[@jlrhodes79]

Looks great. It looked so much easier putting the lift on a new Jeep with new bolts and not having to fight with rusted up bolts.

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

And no mud and dust falling in my face!!

[@Reid0225]

Hey I went to USA also.

[@out4ar1p]

freakin' sick lookin, niceee!

[@carlosochoa2346]

Nice

[@67wildwolf]

37s work in OM location with some air let out of them. Other wise you have to put them in the bed. Some bed rack systems have tire relocation options. AEV has the best option least for me and while it's in the bed you don't lose to much space,

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

We have a bed rack coming that will take care of the spare.

[@richpeterson8747]

Looks good. I've never seen a DT that empty around here they are always packed.

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

Me either. It was at the end of the day so maybe that was why.

[@cry2urmom757]

Mandles 😩😩😩 I can't unsee

[@dannyramirez8377]

I have a 6” lift schedule in 2weeks from today. Hope I love it

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

Why 6"? You planning on running 42s? That's way too much lift.

[@tis1980]

Looks great Matt. Now let’s see the light bar install and what you did with the snorkel situation lol.

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

That's coming. lol

[@trackexplore]

Looks really good. You guys are so lucky on what you can do with your vehicles in the US. I'm in Australia, we've got a blue gladiator Rubicon too. Here they come on 32's only. Legally we can only fit 34's. We'd like to get a 3" lift done too. That's legally the biggest we can go. But, it has to be engineered. Anyway, keep up the good work. I'm looking forward to seeing the gladiator on your trips.

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

Oh dang!! I didn't realize that. That stinks! Thanks!!

[@jamesblanchfield9104]

Discount tire are alsome I am a number one fan and your Jeep looks great

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

Thanks!!!

[@chevy-anda-jeep]

They make a curved track bar to fit the 37s underneath.

[@jimt2316]

Milestars fit at 20psi. You have to add some body english as you crank it up with an OEM trackbar. I am running it on my Gladiator and flexed the hell out of it in Moab. 1/2" clearance at the trackbar.

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

Mine don't. But I haven't tried super hard either.

[@barrybarton6166]

Looking good, noticed that your rear lower control arms have grease serks pointing down, you might consider pointing them up so as not to scrape them off on a rock.

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

Yeah I'm going to change that when I put the front lowers on that just came in yesterday.

[@3up3dwn1]

He went college in Mobile. That’s where we live!!

[@walj1295]

Clayton off-road makes a bent track bar, check’em out.

[@mikesters3532]

Many of the components should be torqued while on the tires with the weight of the vehicle on them. Control arms and track bar to name a few. This will avoid binding.

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

we had the weight of the vehicle on the axle when we torqued them. Same thing as having them on the tires.

[@johnniemeyer3139]

Your after market arms won’t bind like stock arms . You have a Johnny joint style pivot.

[@Zapperdude13]

Dude please for the love of god wear some boots when doing suspension, toes are fun to keep attatched

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

I’m using wrenches, not welding. 😂

[@likeorasgod]

@@OzarkOverlandAdventures Don't feel bad I do the same, my drive way mechanic work is normaly shorts and flip flops. I wear boots all day at work so got to let the feet free and air out.

[@nwilson228]

I drive a land cruiser and Toyota guy, but man I wouldn't mind owning a gladiator....:)

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

I'm really loving it!

[@Cad1900]

Awesome truck! Maybe you could deflate the spare and put a ratchet strap around the circumference to compress the diameter a little???

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

We have a plan B coming soon.

[@Bennyd2000]

So what is your thoughts on drive shaft change? Have you had any problems that make you think you should. Its 50 50 on shops telling me I should change them.

[@Landodirt]

Looks great! I’ll be interested in what happens with the spare tire fitting at a lower pressure.

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

We are going with plan B. LOL.

[@azgamer5462]

@@OzarkOverlandAdventures What is plan B? I am looking at the exact same setup on my 2021 JT.

[@sprocket374]

Whats the highest point measure on the roof,? Curious if i go this route if it will fit in my garage! Awesome 👍

[@MichaelRodriguez-un7tt]

They sell track bars that accommodate the larger tires

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

Yep. I know now. Have another solutions coming.

[@ovrlndeast2834]

Matt. What were the measurements after installing the 37’s??

[@darksideemt]

Congrats sir! Just making want mine so bad now. Sadly I have to wait 3 more years though. How much difference did you notice the pick up on it without it being regeared but the bigger tires and lift?

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

Not much honestly. I only notice needing to regear when i'm pulling the trailer.

[@jamescorcoran1785]

nice green and purple hair

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

Glad you like it.

[@montechie]

Lol, in the Rockies I've heard it called the Arkansas Squat because of the mud bogger look...

[@Rubi747HVY]

I think someone makes a track bar to allow the spare to fit. Would love to hear your thoughts on the gear ratio. Looks great.

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

I just learned about this and will look into it. the 37s and 4.10 gears isn't bad but sucks when pulling the camper. I'm going to regear soon.

[@raywarner4704]

Clayton makes a track bar with a bend in it for the spare.

[@yrrah89]

would you say of the places you go, can the grand Cherokee trailhawk do those trailers too?

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

The Grand Cherokee is going to struggle in the deeper water crossings and mud in the Ozarks. However it performs very well on the rocks and would be a great rig for traveling out west. Watch our next video coming out Saturday where we take it to an off road park. That rig impressed the crap out of me!!

[@anthony84501]

That looks so awesome. What did they use for balance in the tires? And how far out were they?

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

Not sure how much weight they used but it wasn't much.

[@frankiefreedom58]

What was your solution on mounting the spare tire??? I just purchased a 2021 Gladiator Rubicon and getting ready to give it a 2 1/2" AEV lift with 37" tires...

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

We have a bed rack coming with the spare tire carrier built in.

[@1Coolbanana]

Thats awesome, great job. What did the measurements end up once it settled in? Did you end up with caster adjustment needed?

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

3.5" inches in the front and 3" in the rear. The measurements on the control arms were spot on. No caster adjustments needed after the install.

[@charlesbochar8681]

Looks amazing! Are you planning anything for the bed?

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

Definitely. Should be here after our Utah trip next week.

[@Digifx69]

Drop to 20 psi and it will fit. I have milestar mts. It will be tight but it does fit.

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

didn't even fit at 5psi. LOL. Still rubs the track bar.

[@Digifx69]

@@OzarkOverlandAdventures weird mine fits with an inch space from trackbar

[@Digifx69]

I had to use pry bar behind tow to get it in then it needs to slide passenger in the metal shield.

[@mrsmith9964]

Love it excited 4 u guys what's the over all gain after tires 😃😃

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

6" overall!!

[@mrsmith9964]

@@OzarkOverlandAdventures highrollers 😏 looking forward to the next offroad vid.!!

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

@@mrsmith9964 Next wheeling video coming Saturday!

[@mrsmith9964]

@@OzarkOverlandAdventures my expression is like yours walking inside the tire center 😱😱

[@mrsmith9964]

@@OzarkOverlandAdventures I made your guys peach cobbler last night on my fire pit! Holy crap! added some ice cream dang it was so good thanks for sharing!

[@outsidewithdj]

How do the bilstiens compare to the stock rubicon shocks

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

I'm really liking the Bilstiens so far.

[@White_buffalo_4r]

I think tire day is one of the most exciting on build progress unless you get both lift and tires done at once.

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

Agree!!! I didn't expect them to happen the same day but was so excited that it did!!

[@jesusmucharraz5830]

Looks awesome!!!! What size wheels are those?

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

17x9

[@robertwicker196]

I wonder who has more flex...Sully or Ben's Jeep :)

[@switchbackoffroad]

Hush!

[@frenchie4wd]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@brucestephenson5962]

Looks awesome. What size wheel is that? The width?

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

17x9. thanks!

[@anthonygendron9737]

Are you still landing on re-gearing so you can keep it in the 8 gear?

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

Yes. Probably some time this summer.

[@mikethepirate628]

Love the build! Would I be too nosey if I asked what you were gonna do with the old rubi wheels and Mopar lift?

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

Already sold.

[@mikethepirate628]

@@OzarkOverlandAdventures awww boo. Prolly didn't take long lol.

[@johnschoenenberger2207]

Crescent make the best hammers

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

😂

[@rodneyhanbaum697]

looks like alot of badassery! very nice. do you think the 37s make that much better performance than 35s? getting ready to start some upgrades and I was planning on 35s...Mine is a daily driver as well, and I pull a boat, sometimes a camper..Since you do actual real world stuff I would appreciate your opinions.. Thank you!!

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

37s make a big difference with that longer wheelbase.

[@johnschoenenberger2207]

Rock crawler progressive springs didn't work on rear of our jku when loaded way to soft

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

We will see what happens when I add the bed rack and RTT.

[@philip7249]

Do you know of any good trails for a stock JT in northwest Arkansas?

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

There's a bunch of great forest service roads and beautiful places to see around White Rock Mountain.

[@curtshelp6170]

Buy a dead blow for those fine suspension adjustments and save yourself some arthritis in your older age.

[@Joelotto124]

Nice truck I have the same color in the Mojave. What brand and wheel model is that. 👍🏻

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

Thanks! It's the Vision Manx wheel.

[@MilkBone3327]

Looks awesome! What do you think of those Milestar tires?

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

I love them. They do wear faster than others but perform great off road.

[@robertwebb3841]

Looks amazing! Question - did you have to change the front driveshaft for that large of a lift?

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

not yet. We will see. lol

[@tales4adventures976]

This was what I'm most curious on. Lift looks amazing and I'm considering doing 3inches with 37's as well, but was concerned about front drive shaft.

[@robertwebb3841]

​@@tales4adventures976 ​ @Ozark Overland Adventures I would probably consider an aftermarket driveshaft. On my old JK, I went a long time with a 3.5 inch lift with the stock driveshaft and no issues, but eventually, it cracked due to the harsh angles and caused all kinds of issues that simply replacing the driveshaft alone couldn't fix. Just my 2 cents. Its really a small investment in the grand scheme of things.

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

@@tales4adventures976 I'm sure the front drive shaft will wear out faster but I've tested it at full flex and there's no binding anywhere.

[@BradFizer]

What’s the offset/back spacing on those wheels?

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

-12 offset

[@mikeholly9436]

Will the stock gearing handle 37’s? I had to regear my 18 JKU.

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

Your JK has a different transmission than JLs/JTs. The 8 speed automatic is awesome!!

[@taraaaron1242]

Ecodiesl doesn't need rehearing. All other jeeps do.

[@Harps555]

Looks awesome guys! The tire should fit I know some lift companies made there track bar in a way to specifically avoid that issue not sure if RK was one. I wanted to ask why you guys didn't go with a diesel gladiator? Was it a cost thing or other reasons?

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

I've just never had a desire to own a diesel. I really like the Pentastar engine.

[@crixusjt]

My spare 37 K02 fit under there no problem (37 psi).

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

KO2 37s are small.

[@crixusjt]

@@OzarkOverlandAdventures trruuuueee. Time for some 40s. 🤣

[@moretoliving2236]

Matt. Do you remember what model number was the kit? I think you have installed ROCK KRAWLER 3" X FACTOR MID ARM SUSPENSION SYSTEM JT30NL-S1 Thank you.

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

I got the same kit but I got the one without the shocks. SKU: JT30NL I did my own shocks.

[@moretoliving2236]

@@OzarkOverlandAdventures thank you. I am building up my 22 rubicon gladiator with same stuff so your channel is proving to be invaluable resource. Thank you sir.

[@paultrinidad2401]

What made you decide to go with that lift?

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

I knew Rock Krawler was high quality with excellent flex. My wife had one of their lifts on her Wrangler.

[@bmainard]

Wrong Coast.. it’s Carolina Squat

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

ahhhh. True. LOL

[@Aceinfinity-le8zc]

How tall did it end up being ? Garage purposes haha.

[@Do4now]

What’s the top height of the jeep with the 3.5” kit and the 37’s? Trying to see if it would fit in my garage. Thanks!!!!!

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

I’m not sure. I’m not running this lift/tire combo any more.

[@Do4now]

@@OzarkOverlandAdventures no way. Didn’t like it or just trying something else? What did you think of the 3.5 Clayton with 37’s? I was thinking of giving it a go but still undecided.

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

@@Do4now still running the Clayton and love it. I assumed you meant the Rock Krawler lift in this video. Running 38s for tires. When I get home tomorrow I’ll try to measure it.

[@Do4now]

@@OzarkOverlandAdventures aww crap I thought this was the Clayton. Sorry about that. Yes please lmk the height I’d appreciate it. I have an overland eco diesel jt and trying to run 37’s with garage height of 81” inches.

[@TrailYeti]

I have a very odd question, but I’m looking at doing my lift myself and I am trying to figure out how high I need to lift the vehicle off the ground to install a 4.5” lift? From the frame rails it under the body it sits at 14” approx, I am wondering if 19-20” is sufficient? I can’t really tell how high you have yours lifted there. Thanks in advance! Love your videos!🫡

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

I've never measured. I just use standard 6 ton jack stands. Mine is 3.5" lift.

[@TrailYeti]

@@OzarkOverlandAdventures Okay thank you! 🙏 Do you believe I need to get it much higher for a 4.5” lift?

[@johnhannon2676]

Starting a Go Fund Me to buy Matt a rubber mallet. #crescentwrenchlivesmatter

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

😂😂 I have one. It just wasn't handy at the time. LOLOL

[@ryantepley3662]

Yeah, I saw that and it was literally making me cringe! Brand new gladiator and brand new lift and hammering in place with a wrench. Dude, if you can afford all that you can afford a rubber mallet! That was so painful to watch.

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

@@ryantepley3662 I have a rubber mallet. But seriously why does this bother people? 😂

[@jerryberumen4430]

Are the shocks setup right?

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

Yes. There is only one way to install them.

[@jerryberumen4430]

@@OzarkOverlandAdventures ok, I would think there upside down