One Year Review of the Gladiator Mojave (REAL review) [ep 87]

It's been a year since we've had our Gladiator Mojave and it's been FULL of action! We'll have gone through two different lifts, so we thought it was a good idea to make a video of how we even got to this point.
Is the Mojave the right choice? What about the disadvantages, and would we do it all over again?
Watch and find out!
#gladiatormojave #jeepgladiator #jeeplife
Cheers!
- The Haskins
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👕 Merch - farfromordinarylife.com/merch
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Jeep
'21 Gladiator Mojave
37" Cooper STT Pro
1.5" Rock Krawler spacer
1.75" Synergy 5x5 wheel spacers
4.88 Yukons
Stock wheels
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Camera
Olympus OM-D EM-1 Mark III
Leica 12mm 1.4
GoPro Hero 9
GoPro Max
DJI Air 2S
DJI OM 4
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🎵 Epidemic Sound - www.epidemicsound.com/

[@geovanniromanos5342]

The level of humbleness coming from you guys is truly respectable and rare. People like you two are so fun always so fun to have around and teach, welcome to the jeep community, you guys are meant to be here ❤.

[@FarFromOrdinary]

Thank you so much for such a great comment, we sincerely appreciate it! 🧡🧡

[@andymckane7271]

I've been driving a Jeep, specifically a Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon, since April 2012. I drove Land Rovers, the "Series" vehicles, from 1964 to 1993. It didn't take a year before I dearly loved my Rubicon. As soon as I heard you were "rock crawling" with the Mojave, I said to my wife, "They should have bought a Gladiator Rubicon." I've been toying with the idea of buying a Jeep Gladiator to replace my 2011 Buick Enclave. (We moved to Molokai from Springville, Utah in March 2019.) For the past month or so I've been thinking over which Gladiator model we should purchase. The Gladiator in stock form is simply far too long for serious rock crawling. I'm seventy-five. Rock crawling under the best of circumstances on Molokai's lava rock would probably destroy the toughest of vehicles. So I've been working on selling my wife on the purchase of a new Gladiator. Have not yet told her "It'll need to be a Rubicon," as that's at least $10,000 more than Deb wants to see us spend. Fact is, I so dearly love our Wrangler Rubicon, I wouldn't want any other Wrangler or Gladiator model. (We've rented 4 or 5 Gladiators while visiting Oahu, Kauai, Maui and the Big Island over the last 3 or 4 years. Have not yet driven a Gladiator Rubicon.) You've made a superb video here. I'll share it with my wife tomorrow. I think it'll help sell her on "the right Gladiator to buy!" Welcome to the Jeep community! Keep up with your Jeep driving! Andy McKane, Maunaloa, Molokai, Hawaii. @@FarFromOrdinary

[@johnfulater2945]

The best comment I have heard - Jeeps are Adult Legos - no one builds them the same. Build your own!

[@FarFromOrdinary]

Love this!

[@IdontspeakBro.]

Your honesty benefits many. Great video guys

[@FarFromOrdinary]

Thank you!!! ❤️

[@alleliteaaronstarcher9417]

In the process of getting a 2023 Mojave in Sarge Green. Love it! Hear it’s great on the highway too. Hopefully by the time you read this, the bank will make it happen. Wish us luck!

[@FarFromOrdinary]

Good luck!!!!

[@TrailerTravelin]

Love watching the places you bring the Gladiator. Happy Anniversary.

[@FarFromOrdinary]

Thanks ya'll!

[@ridesar]

Welcome to Jeeps. I started with an old CJ-7 and have never looked back. Great adventures with great people everywhere you turn. I too love my Mohave, it is a beast in the woods and a joy as a daily. Good points on where you armored up. Thanks for sharing!

[@FarFromOrdinary]

Glad you enjoyed it! The culture is definitely special, just wish we would have gotten into it long ago. Better late than never I suppose!

[@danieldigiusto1943]

Fantastic video, also very inspirational, looking forward to more upgrades and adventures to come 💪

[@FarFromOrdinary]

Thanks Daniel!! 🙌

[@frederickdillingham9370]

Great video! Love the information you both provided. Can’t wait to see you on the road or trail in az!

[@FarFromOrdinary]

Cheers!!

[@brandonwilliams1067]

y'all did a great job with this. Living in the southeast, its nice having a winch! This red clay can be slick, and rather unforgiving! Keep on the great work! Your Gladiator looks great on 37's.

[@FarFromOrdinary]

Thanks Brandon! Yeah it's definitely about time for a winch! Really interesting how certain upgrade priorities can be based on location. I bet yours comes in handy in that type of environment!

[@MD1936]

Welcome to the Jeep World. It's a long time love affair and you'll get your long wheel base and long departure angle Jeep figured out. Keep at it! We are running a 2002 TJ and are still working on it.

[@FarFromOrdinary]

Thanks Warren! ❤ Pretty neat that your '02 is still kickin'.

[@martincorona5641]

Hello again guys. I went back to watch this video again. I like it very much. It came to my mind that there are not so many videos in KZbin about the mojave. Particularly for the unexperienced the owner. Things like how to engage (and disengage when done) in high and low 4x4, the use of the locker, the off road plus etc. Since I have seen you from the beginning in you mojave maybe you could make a video about this. If you have done so, please let me know. Happy Holidays!

[@FarFromOrdinary]

Hey Martin! We've got a video just like this planned for the future!

[@vapidwind1014]

Thankyou for sharing I just got my Mojave about 5 months ago and love it I’ve not done serious rock crawling but I’m amazed at its capability on these Vancouver island back roads with digouts to keep you from entering in most Vehicles I’m looking for a club this summer and yes I expect to be doing a lot of upgrades It’s my first jeep and coming from a 1500 ram o just can’t say enough good things about it

[@FarFromOrdinary]

Nice!! And congrats!

[@jeffstone7912]

I’d rather have the Mojave than the Rubicon. Simply add a manual disconnect to the sway bar. Mojave has a Frame that is reinforced around the front suspension from the factory. You can always add the air locker to the front differential. I think the Mojave is the better all around truck. The Mojave is more of a desert race truck, and the Rubicon is a rock crawler.

[@FarFromOrdinary]

Well said!

[@buckeyejeeper9996]

Great video , I’ve watched quite a few of y’all’s videos. Glad to hear the inspiring words. I watched the holy cross video ( which I’d love to do someday). But when it came down on your bumper I did cringe a little lol. I purchased a 2022 rubicon back in may for overlanding. So far I’ve added a Clayton 3.5” overland plus lift , fox 2.0 shocks, 37-12.50 Cooper sst pro’s, dirty life bead lock wheels, a tazer, an DV8 front stubby bumper with a winch and some interior stuff and a custom bed cover/ tent rack that I built myself. I came from a 2019 Chevy Silverado trail boss that we wheeled the guts out of. And I’ve got to say that I am absolutely in love with my gladiator.

[@FarFromOrdinary]

Thanks! Really appreciate that. Your Gladiator looks pretty sweet!! Have heard nothing but great things about Clayton.

[@buckeyejeeper9996]

@@FarFromOrdinary Thank you, it has extremely exceeded my expectations. And it flexes like a slinky. Love what y’all are doing and your Mojave. Keep up the great videos 👍👍

[@JeepinBailey]

Great story! Welcome to jeeping! Hope you guys stay a while. 😎 Mojave’s are great. Add a front locker and you’ve already got disco’s. 👍🏼

[@FarFromOrdinary]

Thanks!! Yeah I think we're in it for the long haul!

[@BillyBennecke]

@@FarFromOrdinary Mojave! Mojave! Thank you for your stories! I've lived precariously through your adventures, promising myself a long vacation is in a near distant future. I still would build on the Mojave (saying that I had the money) rather than giving up the enhanced structure (that the Rubicon lacks). I'm getting braided steel brake lines to allow for extreme articulation and I'm considering Apex Autolynx in front, and anti-rocks in the rear. Not all at once, but I think that should get me through my adventurous spirit. We shall see. Keep up the good work!

[@johnomahony7364]

Hi guys. Love the video. Just an FYI ..the Gladiators as with the Wranglers keep their value really well..that said you have 2 choices..you could trade it for Rubicon or you can just build up your Mojave..the Mojave has a beefier frame and more comfortable seats than Rubicon. Throw a good lift on it and some air lockers for the front axle and a quik disconnect for sway bar and your proble.s are mostly solved. Can't wait to see your next adventure. 😁

[@FarFromOrdinary]

Thanks John! Yeah with the Metalcloak lift we just put on it, we're def keeping it and just turning it into a Mojavicon. 🤣

[@paulsumpter9573]

I live in Hedgesville WV, and have been to Peters Mill several times with friends. One of them have a Gladiator Rubicon. Always a fun time.

[@FarFromOrdinary]

Nice Paul! Such a beautiful area out there.

[@jeepgreatstories]

That damn Steve!! ❤ Miss you guys!

[@FarFromOrdinary]

❤🤗

[@edpotts8514]

I was wanting a jeep gladiator. But I have always been a die hard chevy guy. So I'm 75 years old so I got a Z71 chevy Colorado so much electronics I hate that truck. Never drive it you send a lot of time looking at a screen. That is not driving for me. I know jeeps have less electronics. More hands on the old way I like that better. The jeep I remember having was a 1949 Willie's had a 4 cylinder. I Blu it up put a 300 horse power 327 chevy motor in it. Had a lot of fun with that truck it bad fast. I still wish I got the jeep. Have so much money in this chevy going to probably keep it. It is loaded with everything over 50 thousand in it. If I could get most of my money back I would probably have a jeep. Live and learn good luck with your truck

[@LackeysBeTrippin]

We are full timers and just traded our Ranger 4x4 for a Mojave Gladiator! Really digging your content! 👌 Hope to see you out there someday!

[@FarFromOrdinary]

Nice!!! And thanks so much, enjoy!!

[@martincorona5641]

See. That's why i got a mojave about the same time you did, and a two door rubicon. Good video guys.

[@FarFromOrdinary]

Thanks Martin!

[@larryb7047]

I just needed a medium-size truck, and set my sights on either a Rubicon or Mojave Gladiator. Purchased a just-off-lease 2021 Mojave (a few days ago), in that gorgeous Sarge Green, with all the options, 33K miles, and I'm in love with it. When these stock 33" tires wear down, I'll upgrade to 35s but stick with my stock wheels, & maybe a TeraFlex 1.5” Performance Spacer Leveling Kit. Not really interested in rock crawlin' (but will try it), and will definitely hit a few trails with this Mojave. Having a truck with removable top & doors seems to be the best of all worlds. Open air of a motorcycle ride, but much safer for us & the grandkids. Lookin' forward to learning the JEEP style of living. Thanks for the video!🦆

[@FarFromOrdinary]

You're going to have a blast in that thing!

[@Afrojeeper1701]

Get video.. I'm now going through mods to see what fits on my Mojave..Love your rig 👍👍👍

[@FarFromOrdinary]

Thanks man!!

[@hahaadventures4838]

Add a locker and sway bar disconnects and voila……you have a Rubicon 👍 That’s what I’ve done to my 2023 Mojave.

[@FarFromOrdinary]

Yep!

[@jaymills3843]

Nice Review.. you should investigate limited slip unit / or locker for the Front,, They can be installed. Shock extensions are available too.

[@FarFromOrdinary]

Yep, definitely going eaton e-locker, hopefully before next Spring.

[@richardthomas1531]

Yeah I went the same way with 37s and 2" spacer lift but when I put 488 in I had them put a front locker in while they had it apart.

[@FarFromOrdinary]

Nice!

[@HeisenbergXx]

Great video, great info. Great pick getting the Mojave, I have the 2022 and I love the thing. I was actually thinking about getting a Rubicon, but once I looked into the difference between the two I figured I was going to get a lot more out of the Mojave. I got mine under $50k, it's a manual, but the basic package has everything I need. Mine sat on the dealer's lot for months so I think they finally decided it needed to move and dropped the price to $5k so I jumped on it.

[@FarFromOrdinary]

That's a good deal!

[@HeisenbergXx]

Yeah, it's the bare minimum package it comes with. It sounds like you have a lot more upgrades, which is awesome. @@FarFromOrdinary

[@davidp8791]

Hey guys, thanks for the video. Great content! Quick question, I’m looking to purchase the AEV 2” spacer lift for my Mojave. I’ve seen folks talk about replacing the lower control arms up front to adjust the camber… in your opinion do you think that’s needed?

[@FarFromOrdinary]

Thanks David! At 2" I don't think geometry is affected all that much to be completely noticeable. That is to say, we didn't notice any difference in handling on a 1.5" spacer.

[@Puppykupo]

hey guys great vid. love the feedback on the truck, one question? since you upgraded to 37"s :/ what or where do you put the spare 37" ?? does it even fit underneath the truck? any feedback is appreciated it, before I upgrade mine up from 33" to 37"

[@FarFromOrdinary]

Thanks! It fits right up in the spare location with the heat shield removed. Some brands are different in size but most do fit there!

[@NavajoIndianaJones]

Enjoy the drive thru NM 🤙🏾

[@FarFromOrdinary]

Thanks Nick! 🍻

[@JPB_-wl6il]

You can add a front locker to your Mojave and disco sway bar, along with all the factory switches.

[@FarFromOrdinary]

Yep!

[@jamesperedo5699]

Love you guys, you’re so respectful to one another, it’s so nice to see you both enjoying going through the same journey together. I was just wondering if you found any benefits to having the Mojave, I know that you would rather have the Rubicon at this point but I’m in the market for the Mojave because it seems that it would be A better everyday vehicle, specially on paved roads, and ocasional rock crawling, what are your thoughts about this, thank you 😊

[@FarFromOrdinary]

Thanks James!! If it's occasional rock crawling I would definitely go with the Mojave! It's definitely a better as a daily driver if you're not doing all the crazy stuff. If you can find one with the Winter package that would be awesome! Love the heated seats when it gets cold.

[@TheNotSoOrdinaryCarGuy]

You still would have ran into a lot of the same issues even if you had a stock Rubicon. And the JT Rubicon doesn’t quite ride as well as the Mojave and doesn’t have the frame reinforcements that the Mojave has. The front locker does help but your main issues were the height and longer wheel base. And quite frankly, inexperience. We all go through this stage so that’s to be expected. You can add a front locker as well. Eaton makes one that’s like $1300. I’ve owned several Rubicons and a lot of other vehicles and I’m in love with the Mojave so far. I haven’t really gotten it on the trails yet but I’ve had many years of learning what types of trails I like to ride and that various types of vehicles can do. So that has a lot to do with it too. People wheel and rock crawl with much less capable Jeeps such as the sport and Saharas all the time. I really enjoyed hearing about your experience with the Mojave and how y’all got into Jeeping! It’s definitely a lifestyle type of vehicle.

[@user-fk2dm5oy9f]

I wanted a 2021 sarge green Willy's jeep gladiator with the manual transmission because it was the 80th anniversary year and so, I ordered it from the factory with tan heated seats, dual tops', and factory spray on bedliner. I want to keep the military theme going for my gladiator and I'll install a Warn winch good for 12,000 pounds and front fender Jerry can mounts. I've got the tan seat covers with the Molly panel bags for more storage and that military look.

[@FarFromOrdinary]

Nice!!!

[@turndroid234]

I also started looking at the mojave and comparing it to the rubicon. The Mojave have iron steering knuckles, it has a wider stance than the rubicon, full length full box frame, fox shock uses 7/8 in bolts rather than the 3/4 in the Rubicon uses and it has stiffiners at all mount locations. The things the Mojave doesn't have are the rubicon transfer case, front sway bar disconnect and front lockers. It would seem the Rubicon would fit your lifestyle better than the Mojave based on your preference for off reading. Good luck.

[@FarFromOrdinary]

Yep if we had it to do over again, would have gone Rubicon, but I guess now we're just building a Mojavicon. 😆

[@coryhuffman4627]

Never mind I was able to see them on your video and do a little research on them.

[@FarFromOrdinary]

Awesome!!

[@coryhuffman4627]

Hi, I have a 2021 Mojave and I really like the look of the stock wheels I see that you put 37s on your stock wheels. What tires did you put on? Did you have any issues with the stock wheels being 9 inch wide as opposed to the normal wider aftermarket wheels?

[@FarFromOrdinary]

Hey Cory, Zero issues running these 37 x 12.5 x 17's Cooper STT Pros on stock wheels. We are using 1.75" spacers to clear the arms.

[@32phoenixx]

3:33 answered my question lol

[@FarFromOrdinary]

hah! It will now just be a Mojavicon!

[@joepipes7709]

I just bought my first Gladiator and when I retire I plan to flat tow behind a super C RV. My question is do you hook your tow bars directly to the bumper of the jeep? And if you do, have ya'll ever had any towing issues with that setup ?

[@FarFromOrdinary]

Hey Joe! We have an earlier video on flat towing the Mojave! We started with a base plate, but since then we've moved to a RockHard 4x4 bumper which supports flat towing.

[@jakebell9784]

Just came across this video and wondering if you still wheel with a group in AZ? Just moved to the Phoenix area and would love to find a local Jeep group for my wife and I.

[@FarFromOrdinary]

Hey man! Nope we're up in Colorado these days. Definitely hit up FB there's always local groups.

[@jakebell9784]

@@FarFromOrdinary Too funny, I just moved here from Fort Collins, CO.

[@peterc8979]

I contacted Fox shocks and they require maintenance pending usage. Things like lubrication and checking nitro levels.

[@FarFromOrdinary]

Good to know!

[@jordanfields3402]

Is that a 37 inch spare under your Gladiator? If so, does it rub against the rear trackbar or the frame? I have heard the larger 37 inch spare is slightly uneven due to the frame making contact. Any information on this would be helpful to know.

[@FarFromOrdinary]

Yep that is a 37" spare, it barely makes contact with the trackbar.

[@DirtRoadJourney]

Always blame Steve it's all his fault 🤣🤣🤣 just kidding we love you Steve. Can't wait to see what you guys do to the Gladiator next we have some plans for ours as well. Can't wait to see you guys at Trail Hero.

[@FarFromOrdinary]

Can't wait to see ya'll too!!

[@jeepgreatstories]

Hey now! 😂🤣❤️

[@DirtRoadJourney]

@@jeepgreatstories look at you out there corrupting innocent Jeep Family's all over the country. 🤣🤣🤣 keep up the great work.👏👏👏

[@EADGBEKEN]

A M A Z I N G 🥰🥰😍😍🤩🤩

[@erickhart6159]

I just would hate giving up the reinforced frame by going to Rubicon. Like another person said' front axle disconnect and sway bar.... you have Rubicon, other than gearing. Have apex, just planning on disconnect. $1400

[@FarFromOrdinary]

The reinforced frame is only in certain parts to support rough landings when running sand dunes. I think the biggest thing about not going Rubicon is the t case. With the Mojave geared so high you end up using A LOT of brake on the trail whereas in some cases in 4LO the Rubicon will just creep.

[@midwestiowashooter]

I bought my Gladiator Rubicon for a capable overland vehicle as overland mods make rock climbing even worse. Intentional rock climbing is super low on my priority list. Down the road I may get a 2 door for intentional rock climbing.

[@FarFromOrdinary]

Yeah it really is a game of balance. Love the overland mods like tents and the rack but don't want the extra weight but we also want the overland stuff LOL. One day I imagine our current rig moves to overland and we get a buggy. 👀

[@erickhart6159]

So if I am just driving the jeep. Maybe offroad but not rock climbing in my mojave do you think staying with 35s and doing the 2" lift would cope with most just offroad terrian? I did the apexs already. Plan on dana/Eaton front disconnect.

[@FarFromOrdinary]

Absolutely 100%. I would definitely start there.

[@user-fk2dm5oy9f]

You should be able to get a front air locker for your jeep without having to get the Rubicon gladiator. Or a Detroit front locker would work. 🤔

[@FarFromOrdinary]

Yeah Eaton e locker is where we're going.

[@user-fk2dm5oy9f]

@@FarFromOrdinary ok.

[@jimmychavezmathe2506]

How do the 37 inch tires drive compared to the stock on the road?

[@FarFromOrdinary]

Rides like a dream on the road, one finger. There's a slight hum to the Cooper STT Pro's but not bad.

[@realgzee2393]

Got my Mojave a year ago but we got a baby on the way, we're thinking of letting it go . I wanna keep it and make it work. You got thoughts on it ? Any people you know with kids that have one ? Thanks

[@FarFromOrdinary]

That's a tough call! Our kids are 12 and 16 but if I had a baby....the lack of side curtain air bags is what would make me choose something more safe depending on how much you drive. Congrats on the baby!

[@realgzee2393]

@@FarFromOrdinary thank you ! Keep Jeepin' !! 🚘

[@JESUSCHRISTISKING1992]

Hi great video! I’m in the market for a Mohave as well just went and test drove a 2023 and to me the Mojave just looks so much better than the rubicon’s especially with them FOX shock suspension 🤙🏿 it’s just man they’re really darn expensive. It’s definitely something I would love to keep for a long time so I might give in. What you think brother any thoughts on financing one. I was thinking dealership is my only option. Is it best to pay it off the sooner the better cause of the high interest rate? Cause if it’s 53k ticket price I know I only want to spend 53k-55k tops with financing it for like 2 years maybe less. Don’t want to finance for over 5 years cause I know that would really hurt my pocket. Any feedback on that brother? Thank you.

[@FarFromOrdinary]

Thanks! I'd say do it! Especially if you can pay it off quickly

[@pjfan173]

Open a door with the handle, but more importantly CLOSE the door with the door handle and no finger prints or scratches.

[@FarFromOrdinary]

True!

[@alexissitzler9833]

I am camping right next to you rn

[@FarFromOrdinary]

👀

[@alexissitzler9833]

Pleasant

[@alexissitzler9833]

You not here no more

[@FarFromOrdinary]

@@alexissitzler9833 OMG we kept loosing power! They tried to move us to another site and was super unlevel so now in dry camping waiting for the office to open 😭

[@alexissitzler9833]

Wow that sucks

[@brandonke690]

ground clearance comes from the tire size not the lift.

[@FarFromOrdinary]

👍

[@aarongerman7857]

is 26 seconds in the "Tippy spot" on 7 Mile Rim in moab? We backed out of that..looked terrifying in real life..looks..meh on video lOL!

[@FarFromOrdinary]

Yep!! That's Eileen. It wasn't bad! Yeah video always makes these things look so puny LOL

[@malachi2371]

Love the approach you guys have had. As a Mojave owner, I am doing some vicarious living through you and learning what it can and can’t do. I still can’t believe You are running 37s on stock rims, airing down and haven’t blown a bead… Just scratching my head… Thank you!

[@FarFromOrdinary]

Thanks!! Yeah it is a little surprising! I'm sure it'll happen some day but we're pretty cognizant of it so as long as we're not doing donuts at 15 PSI... LOL

[@johnc7753]

It's VERY common to not have beadlocks and air down. Especially if staying above 13-15psi.

[@stevealexander7772]

Seems like for what you are doing, at least in the video, a Rubicon would have been a better choice. The Mojave is designed around going faster in the desert. The Rubicon is the rock crawler.

[@FarFromOrdinary]

You might be a little late to this convo. Watch the video. Read the comments. We needed something to flat tow behind our RV, we had zero experience with Jeeps before this.

[@richardsturgis7540]

Don’t get rid of the fox 2.5 shocks there are amazing!

[@FarFromOrdinary]

They are amazing for sure! But not for rock crawling.

[@Dk20Silver]

200th like :D

[@FarFromOrdinary]

YES! 🤩

[@td7025]

Now you know ( Jeep ) Just Empty Every Pocket. See you guys in the Q

[@FarFromOrdinary]

You know it Tim!! ❤🤗

[@528lineboy]

I don’t understand why you didn’t just add a front locker so it’s then like the Rubicon? You have a more rugged truck than the Rubicon. Just add it.

[@FarFromOrdinary]

If you're paying we'll add it!

[@528lineboy]

@@FarFromOrdinary 😝 Just saying. I’m adding it to my Mojave in the near future.

[@jaynoneofyourbiz3563]

Great video but please leave out the annoying hipster music. It is atrocious, annoying and it makes it hard to gut though your video

[@FarFromOrdinary]

Ok

[@jaynoneofyourbiz3563]

@@FarFromOrdinary Nice rig. I put an order in for the control arm skid plates for my Mojave👍