Love the straightforward talk, keeping it real, telling it like it is…great context. I love running the off-road sand trails more than rock crawling with my Mojave…just put on the apex quick disconnect just in case I run into rocks while looking for scenic views…was not aware of short shock, thanks for that! I also put on the Fox 5:15 ATS steering stabilizer, really made a difference
Appreciate the love man! Yeah those quick disconnects make for a more comfortable ride across the board. That Fox ATS though! I bet it handles a lot better.
@@FarFromOrdinary a whole lot better! In about a week or so I’m going to put on the synergy steering box sway bar brace to finish tightening up the steering
There will always be something to do. For aftermarket modifications I’m sitting around $35K, maybe more, and I don’t feel like my Jeep is complete in any way. I definitely wish I could do things over with all of the knowledge I’ve got now. I’d do things very very VERY differently.
Trying to build mine right the first time. 20' Rubicon. Clayton 2.5" Overland+ (about the same height as other 3.5" kits), Fox 2.5" DSC's. Working on figuring out what tires to get. Thinking 37" KM3s. Getting 513 gears installed in a few weeks along with an Artec front truss. Lastly I deck it out with Metal cloak and Rusty skids everywhere.
Listening to your experiences and not having enough dispensable cash (moving to the west ate up all my money, but I'd do it all again- desert trails= my thing! Catching air going over whoops 45+!!!) I was able to keep to $10000. But I see some upgrades coming up- mostly overlanding with being able to handle obstacles as they happen. Looking at couple grand maybe. Did you upgrade to extended brake lines? I got 'em- just need some nicer weather to get them on... as I see it, I'll need them going forward.
Again a very great and informative video from you. I still not sure if I should get the Mojave or the Rubicon. But much of my off-roading will be in the sand and dunes since I live in Saudi Arabia, I have some time to think about it till the end of the year. I really want to have the 37s but I’m not sure if the ride quality will be worst or same as 35s on the road since this will be my daily driver. Can’t wait for your upcoming adventures.
Round these parts, we don’t mention the money invested… that’s just taboo, but yeah, it gets expensive quick. I’m lucky enough to be able to do most of the work myself, which saves a bunch, but it’s still pricey (I secretly have a spreadsheet… eek). Btw… might be worth considering removing the control arm skids and just having the frame side control arm brackets reinforced, if you’re nervous about it. Most of the Gladiators I know don’t worry about taking hits on those control arm mounts, especially with the beefy MetalCloak arms.
Yeah that's a good point the skids do take away from the clearance a bit. But even without, that problem would still exist. I think we'll eventually end up going long arm, MC is purportedly working on this for the JT. That RK long arm kit relocates the mount, seems like that's the most ideal solution.
The Rusty Offroad skids aren't 400... They are 139 today. I actually got mine for 129 last year. Also have a Mojave. Do you use offroad +? It creates a very aggressive brake-lock-diff that gets close to a locker in first gear while in low.
Great info and video - what is the brand (name and model #) of the A pillar lighting bracket on your truck? Its difficult to find one for a Mohave, but I really like the one you have.
How did you get the front shocks to work on the metal cloak being they're 14 mm? I've seen a few people talk about using their kits but I've been on their site and can't find anything for the mojave specific? Also the mojave is a better build in my opinion, if you watch people who purchased a rubicon doing what you do as far as rock crawling they end up replacing diffs and even the sway bar(rock jock). But upgrading the beefier frame you can't really do which you get with the mojave. Also I like the seats and steering wheel as well vs the rubicon. I've owned fyi
Hey Stephen! The Mojave, stock, is great! But it's A LOT better with this new lift and suspension. yeah the bolt holes had to be drilled out, and right now when at full flex those rocksports rub against the frame because the outboard shock relocation mounts from MC don't fit the Mojave. The lift does work, but they will supply some Mojave specific coil isolators so that the coils fit into the top perch correctly. Overall really happy, just wish they would spend more time focusing on the Mojave.
So you said you would go straight for the Ruby if you had to start over - would you stick with the Gladiator platform, or go JLUR? Or something else completely??
![Steel Bender (Easter Jeep Safari 2023 - Jeep Gladiator Rock Crawling) [ep 119]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Vspa9lVelys/mqdefault.jpg)
Love the straightforward talk, keeping it real, telling it like it is…great context.
I love running the off-road sand trails more than rock crawling with my Mojave…just put on the apex quick disconnect just in case I run into rocks while looking for scenic views…was not aware of short shock, thanks for that! I also put on the Fox 5:15 ATS steering stabilizer, really made a difference
Appreciate the love man! Yeah those quick disconnects make for a more comfortable ride across the board. That Fox ATS though! I bet it handles a lot better.
@@FarFromOrdinary a whole lot better! In about a week or so I’m going to put on the synergy steering box sway bar brace to finish tightening up the steering
There are literally a thousand choices to make when it comes to upgrading jeeps. Thanks for sharing the reasoning for yours!
So true Peter, thanks for stopping by!
I find myself in a similar predicament. Got a Mojave, mulling over parts to venture farther off-road. Thanks for all the info and happy trails 🙏🏼
Cheers!!!
There will always be something to do. For aftermarket modifications I’m sitting around $35K, maybe more, and I don’t feel like my Jeep is complete in any way. I definitely wish I could do things over with all of the knowledge I’ve got now. I’d do things very very VERY differently.
Hindsight is 20/20! It's all relative for sure. Funny to hear you say it's not complete that rate. Is it ever really?
@@FarFromOrdinary it’ll never be complete. You’ll always find little things to improve on. I know I do.
This is very helpful info for our build!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Good report on upgrading for Big Rock Crawling.
Thanks boss!
Trying to build mine right the first time. 20' Rubicon. Clayton 2.5" Overland+ (about the same height as other 3.5" kits), Fox 2.5" DSC's. Working on figuring out what tires to get. Thinking 37" KM3s. Getting 513 gears installed in a few weeks along with an Artec front truss. Lastly I deck it out with Metal cloak and Rusty skids everywhere.
Yes!!! That sounds like a great setup, especially those fox 2.5's!
Listening to your experiences and not having enough dispensable cash (moving to the west ate up all my money, but I'd do it all again- desert trails= my thing! Catching air going over whoops 45+!!!) I was able to keep to $10000. But I see some upgrades coming up- mostly overlanding with being able to handle obstacles as they happen. Looking at couple grand maybe. Did you upgrade to extended brake lines? I got 'em- just need some nicer weather to get them on... as I see it, I'll need them going forward.
Yep def extended brake lines. Def the right way to go IMO in so far as upgrades that come out of necessity. It adds up quick!
Again a very great and informative video from you. I still not sure if I should get the Mojave or the Rubicon. But much of my off-roading will be in the sand and dunes since I live in Saudi Arabia, I have some time to think about it till the end of the year. I really want to have the 37s but I’m not sure if the ride quality will be worst or same as 35s on the road since this will be my daily driver. Can’t wait for your upcoming adventures.
Thanks Rico! Being out where you are I would think the Mojave would be such a great choice!
@@FarFromOrdinary Ya I’m leaning towards the Mojave more for the suspension. Now I’m debating getting the 35s or 37s as a daily driver
Round these parts, we don’t mention the money invested… that’s just taboo, but yeah, it gets expensive quick. I’m lucky enough to be able to do most of the work myself, which saves a bunch, but it’s still pricey (I secretly have a spreadsheet… eek).
Btw… might be worth considering removing the control arm skids and just having the frame side control arm brackets reinforced, if you’re nervous about it. Most of the Gladiators I know don’t worry about taking hits on those control arm mounts, especially with the beefy MetalCloak arms.
Yeah that's a good point the skids do take away from the clearance a bit. But even without, that problem would still exist. I think we'll eventually end up going long arm, MC is purportedly working on this for the JT. That RK long arm kit relocates the mount, seems like that's the most ideal solution.
The Rusty Offroad skids aren't 400... They are 139 today. I actually got mine for 129 last year.
Also have a Mojave. Do you use offroad +? It creates a very aggressive brake-lock-diff that gets close to a locker in first gear while in low.
You're right, I'm not sure why I had $400 in my notes. Thanks for the heads up!
Great info and video - what is the brand (name and model #) of the A pillar lighting bracket on your truck? Its difficult to find one for a Mohave, but I really like the one you have.
Thanks!Those are made by Bodyguard Bumpers out of Paris, TX.
@@FarFromOrdinary - thank you! Im now "subscribed"!!
I think 37 inch tires are pushing the limits for those Dana 44 axles, but thats just my opinion
Naw, there are some guys running 40's on the stock 44's going on a couple of years now with no issues. They're pretty stout!
How did you get the front shocks to work on the metal cloak being they're 14 mm? I've seen a few people talk about using their kits but I've been on their site and can't find anything for the mojave specific? Also the mojave is a better build in my opinion, if you watch people who purchased a rubicon doing what you do as far as rock crawling they end up replacing diffs and even the sway bar(rock jock). But upgrading the beefier frame you can't really do which you get with the mojave. Also I like the seats and steering wheel as well vs the rubicon. I've owned fyi
Hey Stephen!
The Mojave, stock, is great! But it's A LOT better with this new lift and suspension. yeah the bolt holes had to be drilled out, and right now when at full flex those rocksports rub against the frame because the outboard shock relocation mounts from MC don't fit the Mojave.
The lift does work, but they will supply some Mojave specific coil isolators so that the coils fit into the top perch correctly.
Overall really happy, just wish they would spend more time focusing on the Mojave.
@@FarFromOrdinary guess I'll stick to running the AEV spacer kit🤣
So you said you would go straight for the Ruby if you had to start over - would you stick with the Gladiator platform, or go JLUR? Or something else completely??
Definitely the Gladiator! Love that it seems "too big to be on a trail, " and love the additional challenge that the longer wheel base brings.
That’s how I feel about the LX - and I like the looks people give us when they see us wheeling a full size Lexus! 😂