4by4tech magazine

Jeep Gladiator or Jeep JL - We test them both!

4 4TECH BY

Your source for everything off-road from Jeeps to trucks

ALWA YS FR EE!

Inside: Building custom skids for the CJK8 Rusty’s Off-road TJ Sport Cage Metal Cloak JK lift BFG KM3’s how are they standing up?

Tuffy Security Storage Solutions Coyote Enterprises Boltless Beadlocks We take the Gladiator on a serious trail ride to Secret Lake (shhhh don’t tell anyone) Along for the ride? A vintage Jeep Comanche and every generation of Jeep Rubicon!

   

       

   

   

 

           

               

      

MAXIMUM ARTICULATION By: Albert Vandervelde Editor

England is a misnomer, the speed limits max out at 70 mph – not much different than anywhere else – but the little back country roads barely wide enough for two British micro-cars to pass are pretty much all posted at 50mph – that’s where the driving gets fun because everyone right up to the oldest granddad is rocketing down these little lanes, boxed in by rock walls or hedge rows inches from the white line at 50 mph – in cars with 1 liter engines like our rental Vauxhall Astra – turbo mind you.

Its been a long process building the CJK8. A lot of things have held it up along the way and we didn’t make our self imposed Moab Easter Jeep Safari deadline even with an extra week of 12 hour days but it is looking pretty epic. Painting all the pieces took almost 2 months on its own, From high build primer to painting every surface on the Aqualu body, JK window brackets hinges etc... still the half doors and hard top to go...

My wife and I recently made a trip to England for 3 weeks. We rented a car right from the airport near London and did a driving tour of the middle of the Island – it’s a big island but still an island.

It has been 25 years since I have driven a right hand drive on the left side of the road - half my life ago. Changing the side of the road you drive on is far different than buying a right hand drive and driving it here in North America.

We started out making maps to try and reduce our Internet use on the trip. That went right out the window pretty much on day one going around London trying to fins Windsor Castle – after that the Google map lady became our travel companion for the rest of the trip. To say people drive fast in

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Volume 2 Issue 1 - 2019

Lets talk about this little engine that can. 1L Turbo 104 HP 6-speed standard (you need to sell the farm to pay the rental fee on an automatic in Britain) 4.4L per 100KMs combined that’s 65MPG! This thing sips fuel so going there and paying in British pounds for gas what we pay here in Canada, about 1.30 per liter, won’t break the bank on your travels – but getting a 1.0L turbo or no turbo up to speed needs you to drive… miss a gear (shifter is in your left hand gear pattern is the same as here so all the gears are kinda backwards to you) – and boy you pay.

The great British roundabout…

They are everywhere, the break into multi lanes, and have stoplight in them. Everyone is going around them like they are driving Ferrari’s and god help you if you’re a tourist and pick the wrong lane leading into the roundabout - horns will bea-blaring – there is no mercy. More than once we made the trip around a couple adjoining roundabouts a couple of times to find our way out of them or onto the right exit. Once we deciphered what the Google lady was telling us – anticipating roundabouts got a lot easier, but those first couple of days were WWW.4BY4TECH.COM

                                                     

   

                        

                  

    4 4TECH



BY

4 4TECH BY



4 4TECH BY

    

   

      

                   

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   

                        

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   

                 

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   

    

        



4 4TECH BY





   

            

      

      





4 4TECH BY

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       

                                

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4 4TECH BY

                            



                            

                        

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                                                               

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FROM THE GARAGE

Ready to take your Jeep to the next level? Check out Clayton Off-roads NEW Overland Plus Jeep Wrangler JK and JL Lift Kits. These kits offer the off road strength and reliability Clayton Off Road is known for without sacrificing on road comfort.

What is OVERLAND PLUS? Overland Plus is our new series of control arms that feature GIIRO joints at both ends.

GIIRO, with its structured anatomy and superior isolator technology, has bridged the void between rubber and flex joints for the ultimate touring bushing. Key features include: MAINTENANCE FREE DUAL DUROMETER FREE PIVOTING SELF-CENTERING SELF-LUBRICATING SILENT IN OPERATION ADJUSTABLE LIFETIME WARRANTY --> these are the best and last set of control arms you will need! https://www.claytonoffroad.com/

Coverking® Wrangler removable tonneau cover is manufactured from the company’s durable Rhinohide™ material.

Coverking’s Tonneau Covers for Jeep Wranglers easily attach to the vehicle in three key areas. One is from the back of the factory rear seat using heavy-duty straps that wrap around the headrests.

The tonneau’s sides tuck into the vehicle’s factory rear window retaining groves and also use the OE factory top retaining bolts to secure it tightly to the deck of the rear quarter panels.

The Rhinohide™ fabric resists abrasions, accidental tears, and is puncture resistant. The tonneau cover also wraps around the Jeep’s rear roll bar and has a wide flap that fits over the rear tailgate, providing a flexible and durable shield that’s simple to install yet provides easy access to your gear when you’re on the trail.

The Coverking® Tonneau Cover fits 2007 to 2018 Jeep Wranglers and is available for JK, JKU, JL and JLU models in Black, Sand, and Steel Gray. More information on all of Coverking’s Jeep products are available on the Coverking® website. www.coverking.com/jeep

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New JL exhaust systems from Hooker For the high-tuck Jeep Wrangler JLs, it's 4 horsepower and 7 foot-pounds of torque (with a muffler) and 8 horsepower and 11 foot-pounds of torque (without one). All three offer a huge weight savings over ordinary stock exhaust systems, and all are made of 18-gauge 304 stainless steel, 100-percent hand-welded, and topped off with polished stainless steel tips with-laser etched Hooker BlackHeart logos. https://www.holley.com/brands/hooker/

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FROM THE GARAGE Crane Axle has put a kit together for Rear Steer. This kit allows you to put Kingpin rear steering on what was a solid axle. Can be used with a Dana 60, Dana 70, and other axles for a Jeep, Buggy, and any other vehicle that you are wanting rear steer on. It includes GM Knuckles as there is more aftermarket support than with Ford Knuckles, Inner C's, All Kingpin Parts, Spring Eliminator Kit, Hardware, and Spindle Studs. This kit includes everything you need to get Knuckles and C's on your rear steer axle. https://craneaxle.com/

Warn Industries has extended its line of popular Semi-Hidden Kit winch mounting systems by offering new applications for both 2005–2011 (gen 2) and 2012–2015 (gen 2.5) Toyota Tacoma pickups.They join the Semi-Hidden Kit for 2016-2019 (gen 3) Tacoma and 2014–2019 4Runner which were introduced in 2018.

The new Semi-Hidden Kits help guard the Tacoma's front end from trail hazards while offering a secure place to mount a WARN® mid-frame winch up to 12,000 lbs. in capacity. The discrete style maintains the trucks' factory body lines, and their rugged 1/4" steel construction is exceedingly stout.

For the ultimate in corrosion protection, these bumpers wear a durable textured black powder-coated finish that undergoes a fivestep pre-treatment process featuring zirconium nanotechnology, and withstand 408 hour salt spray tests. Made in USA www.warn.com

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Since the initial launch, the JKS Manufacturing’s Flex Connect has been a huge hit allowing Jeep owners to easily tune their vehicle’s handling characteristics for improved on and off-road use.

The spring loaded sway bar link design gives Jeep owners the freedom to transform their factory sway bar into a tunable performance sway bar to better control body roll, smooth out rough terrain and improve wheel travel out on the trail all while catering to individual performance needs and driving styles. Currently offered for the JK, TJ, XJ, MJ, WJ, and ZJ, JKS Mfg is excited to announce the launch of a new offering for the late model 20182019 Jeep Wrangler JL at a new lower introductory price point. In stock and ready to ship, these new Flex Connect Master Kits include a complete package combining the flex connect, spring options and wrenches into one all inclusive package.

The master kits include the flex connect and an adjustable quick disconnect link, mounting hardware, retention brackets, a pair of each of the street-trail-crawl rate springs and the assembly wrenches. All of this is being offered at an introductory price point as previously base Flex Connect kits. Get more from your new Jeep Wrangler JL with JKS Mfg. Benefits: • Master kit includes flex connect link, quick disconnect link, retention brackets, mounting hardware, customizable spring sets, wrenches • Improves handling and road mannerisms • Easy to install, quick to tune • 4 spring sets to tune sway bar spring rate • Compatible with 2-5” of lift https://jksmfg.com/ WWW.4BY4TECH.COM

Tuffy Security Products has expanded their security console insert product line with a new model for 2019 Dodge RAM pickup trucks, part 354. As part of the continuously growing product line, the new RAM Security Console Insert is concealed under the OEM sliding tray.

Constructed of 16-gauge steel with a durable texture powder coat finish, the Model 354 slides directly into the existing OEM console. Model 354 console inserts come equipped with Tuffy’s patented Pry-Guard locking system which consists of a 10 tumbler double bitted security lock and accompanying key. Pry-Guard locking system components are made of 1/8-inch thick welded steel. The key can only be removed when the console is locked and must be removed in order to slide the OEM tray backward. A Pin-Lock hinge design adds to the security of the console insert. https://www.tuffyproducts.com/

Rugged Ridge JL Spare Tire Relocation Bracket repositions the tire mount upward 3.25-inches and outward 1.5-inches adding clearance from the rear bumper while eliminating interference with proximity sensors. By relocating the spare, JL owners can carry larger 35 to 37-inch diameter spares, both simply & securely.

Constructed from muscular 4mm thick plate steel and reinforced for added strength, the bracket features a satin black powder coat finish that protects while perfectly accenting the factory trim.

The installation is quick and concise, with the included instructions and mounting hardware, and the bracket is compatible with all factory back-up camera and high-mount brake light equipment. https://ruggedridge.com/

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FROM THE GARAGE

Revtek Suspension now a Daystar Products International brand Daystar Products International acquires Light Truck and SUV suspension manufacturer Revtek Suspension, a market leading manufacturer of suspension lift and leveling kits.

The Revtek acquisition is Daystar Products 10th in the last 3 years. Daystar’s growth through acquisition complements its proven record for organic growth, positioning the company for continued performance and value creation.

“We are pleased to add Revtek Suspension to the family of market leading brands at Daystar”, said Mark Turner, CEO of Daystar Products. “This strategic transaction is a natural extension of Daystar’s suspension assortment. Along with acquiring Tuff Country Suspension earlier this year, it strengthens Daystar’s automotive aftermarket hand with highly complementary suspension kits and components”. Like Daystar and Tuff Country, Revtek built a strong and lasting brand.

In-house enthusiasts and engineers oversee the manufacture of outstanding Revtek products in the USA. “We’re bringing the resources to boost product development, manage stellar growth and make it easier than ever for Customers to get the best suspension components and full suspension systems on the market.”

Revtek Lift and Leveling kits are sold worldwide through a network of leading retailers.

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               

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4 4TECH BY

  

      

      



4 4TECH BY





4 4TECH BY

  

  



4 4TECH BY



       



              

4 4TECH BY

        

   





4 4TECH BY







4 4TECH BY





                      

                    

                   

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                                         

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                                       

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                                                      4 4TECH 

                                    

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                         

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   

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                                                      

                                                      

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                            

        

4 4TECH BY

     

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4 4TECH BY

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 

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          

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4 4TECH BY

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                      

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Volume 2 Issue 1 2019

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                 4 4TECH BY

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4 4TECH BY

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             

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4 4TECH BY

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           

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         



          

           



4 4TECH BY





             

4 4TECH BY



4 4TECH BY







4 4TECH BY





4 4TECH BY





      

                                     

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                              

                 

4 4TECH BY

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

     

                       

     

   



4 4TECH BY







             



4 4TECH BY

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              

       

    

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

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       

             

     





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

                                               

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             

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  

      

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      

          

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       

  

        

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

      

      

              

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4 4TECH BY







    

           

                              

                               

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   

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With the JL being out now for almost a year we finally got out hands on the Gladiator pick up. Looks like a JL with a box, right? Well despite the “all new” moniker – which, really is not a total fib, I would say its pretty much a JL with a box. That is both good and bad as they are targeted (price wise and size wise) at the Tacoma and Ranger and almost to the ½ ton truck class as the Gladiator is 12 inches longer than a Tacoma double-cab long box – that’s a lot. This Jeep is bigger than both of those – yet narrower and when it comes to cargo far less capable than the 1500 series truck segment. I think its awesome that Jeep brand owners Fiat stepped up with this Jeep, its been a long time since Jeep was in this segment with the last truck being a Unibody Comanche with a last production run of 1992 – that’s 27 years ago folks! Best part was on our trail day with the Gladiator we had a Comanche with us (though LS powered) – plus a TJ Rubicon and a JK Rubicon – so we really had our bases covered!

When it comes to the inside, if you have sat in – or looked at the inside of a JL – there is nothing new here. Under the hood – a 3.6L V6 – nothing new here either – nor is the front end and most of the body work up to the back of the cab – so

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Volume 2 Issue 1 2019

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RETURN OF THE GLADIATOR

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Volume 2 Issue 1 2019

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Our Group of Adventurers – Chris in the green Rubicon, Brian in the anvil Rubicon, Me in the not quite broken in but about to be red Rubicon (yes that’s all three Rubicon models on one trip!) – and what Gladiator trip would be complete without the last Jeep produced as a truck – Jon is his LS power Comanche – now to find what is so secret about Secret Lake and put these Jeeps through the trail test!

The Original Rubicon came out in 2003. I had the pleasure of driving the first one in Canada and it graced the pages of my old print magazine back in that year.

Chris is onto his 2nd Rubicon after the first went out in a blaze of glory rolling down a hill – (without him in it) and getting destroyed. A simple sport cage kept the Jeep in remarkable condition hence the article this issue with the sport cage we installed in this Jeep, and used as the test bed for the KM3 tire test.

This 2004 model (stickers removed) still works excellent!

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Volume 2 Issue 1 2019

“all-new” is a bit of a stretch. This really is a longer JL with a box. And that shows on the road. Years ago I drove a Tacoma all the way to Moab and back – a full 2000kms of highway and wheeling. It was comfortable, drove nice and straight and generally used a reasonable amount of fuel, all my gear fit etc… In my week with the Gladiator despite its length, it tracks and drives like a Jeep on the highway. I’d call it “darty”. IT likes to follow the truck ruts on long steep highway hills – and its too narrow so tends to wander a bit in those ruts. It’s a lot quieter than I expected – really quite reasonable with a hard top – and is the only truck of any current type to come with a removable soft or hard top. The .6L has lots of power with the Rubicon package and the 4.10 diff gears and I did haul my empty car trailer for 350kms WWW.4BY4TECH.COM

over a couple mtn passes with the Jeep itself full of stuff for my daughters wedding and it did so quite reasonably. I suspect in the near future the diesel engine will be available, as they have promoted. As for space for all that stuff? I was really-really missing my 2017 GMC in this regard. I had every inch of space in the Jeep stuffed full – front seat, back seat and the entire box under the tonneau cover full. After the wedding when I dropped the Jeep off and picked up my Sierra?

All but two crates fit into the back seat of my truck… The back seat of the Jeep folds in a strange way and really doesn’t offer much extra cargo space beyond accessing the under floor storage. The box is usable but don’t think your using this to haul a pile of yard stuff every weekend – buy a utility trailer.

Now after really being on the fence on this truck – and not really feeling where it fit in the market place – we WWW.4BY4TECH.COM

Brian is also on his second Rubicon – his first a TJ version died in a motor vehicle accident – but till that time was put through its paces. With small kids to pack around he chose to replace it with this anvil coloured 4-door. Brian lives and breathes Jeeps (ask his coworkers) and works in sales at Pat’s Driveline in Surrey BC. His trail experience showed on this trail day.

Jon is also a long time Jeeper and also works at Pat’s Driveline. We both bought LS engines for our Jeeps about the same time. Jon actually sold his other Jeep to buy this one to do the V8 swap – and beat me to the trails by a mile. While having a little engagement issues with low range the Chevy powered Jeep made short work of the slick wet trails in high range. Jeep ended this model line in 1992, that’s a 27-year gap since the last Jeep truck!!!

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I had the Gladiator Rubicon for a full week and this was the last day before returning it. I was keeping an open mind on this new model, but up until this day I found it a real compromise to other trucks on the market. A little to small to really haul anything, a little to big to be an easy commuter. Too much of a Jeep in ride and handling to be a real comfortable daily driver.

This challenging trail to Secret Lake brought out why this truck exists, and what it does best. If you want an overlanding rig that is the best trail capable truck on the market out of the box that can do all that other stuff pretty well too – this is the truck for you!

Sometimes the electrical gadgets get kinda gimmicky in new vehicles these days, but this one was pretty cool. From the dash you can access the rear back up camera while in low range. It also activates a front camera that provided a nice close up of what you can’t see right in front of your rig and gives you a pair of tires stripes to help you aim the Jeep.

Kinda like a spotter from the inside. I’m not big on driving by camera – but if your not totally sure what your literally up against its not a bad feature. Our Gladiator tester was a Rubicon so it also had electric lockers and the sway bar disconnect, 4.1 gearing and the 4:1 low range in the transfer case.

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Jon’s Comanche was a little taller, wider yet shorter than the Gladiator. That comes from the bigger axles, lift, tires and well the fire breathing 6.0L LS under the hood that replace the 4.0L. The Gladiator though is no slouch with the 3.6L V6 putting plenty of power (285HP-260Ft Lbs.) to the ground. How did it fair on this rather challenging trail? Really, very well, though I needed to watch where I put the tires to keep the belly from dragging. We got hung up a bit once – and to keep things safe Brian pulled out a tug strap and we eased the Jeep off the obstacle – and the trailer hitch did its thing coming back down and dragged in a few spots. A small lift and some 35-inch tires and this new Jeep will be capable of much that its 4-door SUV cousin the JL can manage with far better camping and overlanding room.

hit some trails with that Comanche and those other Rubicon’s and this was really where this truck shined and I finally felt it has a place in the current crowded light truck market. There is no current off-the-lot truck I would have taken so easily where we went with the Gladiator. Did we get it stuck – yup once and a light tug got it going again without hurting anything and this was not your novice trail, it was something 99% of the new JLs and Gladiator owners would not do, however it did so happily with a few back end drags and a little work keeping the extended wheelbase happy under the middle – but this is a true wheeling rig – all you guys who have chosen another compact truck brand for that extra needed exploring space – you can rejoice and have a very capable truck to explore in. With a little lift and some 35-inch tires – and your going anywhere you would want to take this truck. The rest of us who need a truck to haul, and tow, and drive all day – well we have lots of better choices in the ½ ton+ truck segment but that’s not a bad thing either.

Now SEMA is it two weeks – how many built Gladiators do you think I’ll see?

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  

                              



                                      

4 4TECH BY

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  

       

  

          



4 4TECH BY

                 





  

   



                               

4 4TECH BY



  

                   

                 



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4 4TECH BY



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  

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                    

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        

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                        

    

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        

                     

       



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