THE ROAD CHOSE ME GLADIATOR OVERLAND BUILD "Preparing a warrior to do battle around Australia" STORY & IMAGES BY DAN GREC
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fter setting my sights on Australia for my third major Jeep expedition and selecting the newkid-on-the-block Gladiator, it was time to get down to work and turn my shiny new Jeep into a house on wheels ready to tackle everything Australia has to offer. For decades Australians have had access to vehicles with turbo diesel engines which make Americans turn green - including the much sought after diesel JK. In a strange twist of fate the JT Gladiator is now available
in North America with a torque monster 3 liter turbo diesel, while in Australia my only choice was the 3.6 petrol engine with the 8 speed automatic. A fully-loaded white Rubicon was available on the lot, and with covid uncertainty and the looming chip shortage I jumped on it, purchasing the first new vehicle of my life. Driving back to Dad’s place that evening I couldn’t wipe the grin off my face, though I was more than a little intimidated at the prospect of tearing into the new vehicle.
The build From the outset I knew the modest payload of the Gladiator would be the biggest limiting factor in all my plans. Once loaded with enough fuel, water, food and gear to safely cross the Simpson Desert, precious little payload will remain for luxuries, and each and every kilo of additional weight has been carefully scrutinized. To start off I shed some weight in the form of most of the backseat, and all the speakers and trim that lurk behind. In the bed I did away with the factory JEEPACTION │ 17
