AEV Gladiator Rubicon

[Flyin6]

I added something to my garage i have long wanted and lusted after

2022 AEV modified Rubicon Gladiator

It has the JT370 package which I liked because it has nearly everything a serious off-roader would want...And its factory warrantied!

AEV JT370

AEV JL RX Front Bumper
AEV Non-Winch Cover Plate
AEV Front Skid Plate
AEV 7000 Series LED Off-Road Lights
AEV Light Cover Kit
AEV 2.5" DualSport RT Suspension System
AEV Front Geometry Correction Brackets
AEV ProCal SNAP Module
AEV Alloy Wheels
37” Mud-Terrain or All-Terrain Tires
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Sensors
AEV 4.56 Axle Ratio Upgrade
AEV Jack Base
AEV Branding Package
AEV IP Cluster
AEV Logo Headrests
AEV Vehicle Build Plaque

Pic is from the AEV website, but mine is the same color and the same package. Mine differs in that it has the big 5-hole AEV wheels with the 37" BFG KM3's

[Flyin6]

That suspension system is no-joke. It has triple-rate coil springs, and AEV/Bilstein shocks which I will add, are firm. I want to say some of the suspension arms and things like that are AEV.
The 4.56 gears work well with the 37s and I have thus observed it to have gotten 16.4 and 18.2 on two different half tanks of fuel. Power is not there, but this time I really don't care.
The subtle paint treatments are pretty cool. Things like a body matching dash painting, a black painted interior, and a textured black front grill to name a few. The instrument cluster says, "AEV" instead of "Jeep."
So far, I really love this thing.

I can also say that you can easily sell a Tesla for exactly what you have in it!

Goodbye T-car, hello Jeep!!!!!!!

[dave945]

Well, that was kinda unexpected. Does this mean the suburban project is on hold?


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[Bob Smith]

Man, you traded the EV in for a Jeep. Who would have thunk it.

[Flyin6]

Well, that was kinda unexpected. Does this mean the suburban project is on hold?


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More than that.
The Suburban project is now concluded and the vehicle is redundant
It is for sale and will probably going to a new home soon

[Flyin6]

Man, you traded the EV in for a Jeep. Who would have thunk it.

I liked it, but I guess I didn't like it enough
A couple of things killed it for me
I went out for a cup of soup. Pulling out of the parking lot, I scratched the wheel and did $500 in damage
I talked to Tesla about it, they advised me to purchase a set of winter tires/wheels for $3500. They said if I didn't, I might break a wheel driving in the winter or pothole season.
I also do not like how you can't see vehicles coming up on you on either side, then suddenly they magically appear on the screen. If a car is coming up on you fast you check, signal then begin to pull over you can hit that car. I nearly did several times.
Finally, it screams at you when you approach a painted line on the side of the road. It will scare you out of your skin. It did that to me while I was driving over to look at this Jeep. I decided right there I would not drive that car home if that Jeep could be purchased
All that, and I am much, much more a lifted Jeep guy than a fast T-car guy

[Flyin6]

Looking at this thing I see only two shortcomings

1.  No bed liner

2. No winch

#1 is easy enough to fix, I'll need a winch. The Dealer said they put 10K warn winches in these jeeps.

What winch would you recommend?

[Bigdave_185]

Lol you crazy


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[TexasRedNeck]

Adult ADHD….


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[wyorunner]

Talk about a quick and heavy change! Hope the jeep treats you well!

[stlaser]

Welp……

Warn, expensive unit so it’s not the cheap chinaman import


Or go find an older one and build it with upgraded parts.

[Flyin6]

Welp……

Warn, expensive unit so it’s not the cheap chinaman import


Or go find an older one and build it with upgraded parts.

Shawn, which one? I see a Warn for around $850 that's a 10K, and another for around $2200...Which one?

https://www.morris4x4center.com/warn-vr-evo-10-s-winch.html?msclkid=e812102d45321c4f66ba734a4f34f05a&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=SHOP_L_VND_%20CATCH-ALL&utm_term=4582627035553625&utm_content=CATCH-ALL

I can tell you now I will not opt for the $2200 one
And what do you think about that new HF 12K fully integrated unit? Thoughts?

https://www.morris4x4center.com/warn-vr-evo-10-s-winch.html?msclkid=e812102d45321c4f66ba734a4f34f05a&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=SHOP_L_VND_%20CATCH-ALL&utm_term=4582627035553625&utm_content=CATCH-ALL

And finally, I do not like the nose down attitude which will get a bit worse with 80 lbs of winch. OK to add a spacer to push it up 1.5"?

[Flyin6]

And to all you loyal incredibly wonderful knuckleheads who share and follow me through all these happenings,

1. Does Anyone else want to take over? (Daves being excepted of course...) You deserve better!

2. I apologize for the total lack of maturity (But I'm lovin' it!)

3. I apologize for the lack of consistency (But, come to think of it, I'm kinda' diggin' that too!)

4. And finally, from the bottom of my heart (Which goes down there a pretty long ways) I love all of youses! (really do!)

[Flyin6]

Got some pics of the thing:

[Flyin6]

Cool AEV badging all over...I like!

[Flyin6]

The bumpers are HD steel. I think the rear is a stock Rubicon steelie (Not sure) but the front is an AEV unit. It contains their "7000" series off road lights. The truck came with LED lighting stock.

Just like the stock steelie, the side pieces are removeable

[Flyin6]

The engine is nothing special, just the gasser 3.6. I'm going to resist doing anything here for as long as I can...I'm trained to resist...Trained by the Green Berets (Really!). I can do it...Devil, you can't tempt me...Devil BE GONE WITH YOUR TEMPTATIONS!!!!!!!

[Flyin6]

Check it out, Big 37" BFG KM3's

Wow

[Flyin6]

One of the AEV mods is to paint the dash the color of the body. I really like that feature.

[Flyin6]

So that's it for now. I'm busy just learning about the features of the jeep.

At this point, I am thinking about the first trip...One I may be able to do without a winch. I think I want to look at all 1000+ miles of the KAT (Kentucky Adventure trail)

So early in my acquisitions, I am hoping to find some terrain/GPS mapping app that will display on the in-vehicle screen and from which I can build a file to keep and share

Looking for a bed lining, perhaps this week, and possibly a winch, and maybe those front spacers...maybe

Later on, for sure, that AEV snorkel with the dust swirler. That will keep me safe from being chalk 3 in a convoy on a dirt road and should I tip it too deeply into a stream or pond...

[Flyin6]

Pretty good review of the HF Badlands 12,000 winch here:

https://motrr.com/winches/badlands-apex-12000-winch-review/

https://ruggeddriving.com/badland-apex-synthetic-12000-lb-wireless-winch-review/

https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=Badland+12000+apex+winch+on+aev+jeep&&view=detail&mid=7E40DD898983FD4A02797E40DD898983FD4A0279&&FORM=VRDGAR&ru=%2Fvideos%2Fsearch%3Fq%3DBadland%2B12000%2Bapex%2Bwinch%2Bon%2Baev%2Bjeep%26qs%3Dn%26form%3DQBVDMH%26sp%3D-1%26pq%3Dbadland%2B12000%2Bapex%2Bwinch%2Bon%2Baev%2Bjeep%26sc%3D0-36%26sk%3D%26cvid%3D277687FA90E643A394DE33C90004F668%26ghsh%3D0%26ghacc%3D0%26ghpl%3D

[TexasRedNeck]

Love you brother. All in good fun. Here’s some temptation.

https://www.rubitrux.com/wrangler-jl-gladiator-jt-6-2l-hellcat-srt-supercharged-hemi-conversion-swap.html


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[stlaser]

Welp……

Warn, expensive unit so it’s not the cheap chinaman import


Or go find an older one and build it with upgraded parts.

Shawn, which one? I see a Warn for around $850 that's a 10K, and another for around $2200...Which one?

https://www.morris4x4center.com/warn-vr-evo-10-s-winch.html?msclkid=e812102d45321c4f66ba734a4f34f05a&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=SHOP_L_VND_%20CATCH-ALL&utm_term=4582627035553625&utm_content=CATCH-ALL

I can tell you now I will not opt for the $2200 one
And what do you think about that new HF 12K fully integrated unit? Thoughts?

https://www.morris4x4center.com/warn-vr-evo-10-s-winch.html?msclkid=e812102d45321c4f66ba734a4f34f05a&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=SHOP_L_VND_%20CATCH-ALL&utm_term=4582627035553625&utm_content=CATCH-ALL

And finally, I do not like the nose down attitude which will get a bit worse with 80 lbs of winch. OK to add a spacer to push it up 1.5"?

You already know, it’s the $2200 one. I agree I won’t pay that for one, so I’d try to find an older 9k and just rebuild it with better parts for a third of the overall price. I literally buy these older winches many times in working condition for sub $500, yes I’m a hoarder of old good winches. I have several 8274’s I’ve bought for $150, even have a cool old ramsey winch I’m rebuilding but it’s pto driven. Then you can say you built something on this too. Yes a spacer on front spring is good idea, recall Duane’s issue with that years ago and you need adjustable lower control arms to keep front caster at +6 degrees.

Please refrain from HF junk on this please…..

[stlaser]

Love you brother. All in good fun. Here’s some temptation.

https://www.rubitrux.com/wrangler-jl-gladiator-jt-6-2l-hellcat-srt-supercharged-hemi-conversion-swap.html


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Friend of mine did this on a newer Jeep truck.

[Bigdave_185]

All this winch talk.  When was the last time you use the winch on the Duramax?


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[stlaser]

Don, here is the old school light bar look I think this truck needs. My buddies jku, old school daylighters. I love it!










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[Flyin6]

All this winch talk.  When was the last time you use the winch on the Duramax?


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Funny, but I have only used my truck winch to winch out other people's stuck mowers and tractors and things like that. It's an ancient Australian (Prob Chinese) T-Rex brand that I had mounted on a bunch of different vehicles. Still works fine, but if I get further along selling the Suburban, I may toss it on that truck and keep the Burb's 13K unit.

[Flyin6]

Don, here is the old school light bar look I think this truck needs. My buddies jku, old school daylighters. I love it!










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That's crazy!
!. Lotza amp draw there
2. Won't fit with the soon to come AEV snorkel
3. I like it!

[Bigdave_185]

Better order some of them plastic traction pads too


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[stlaser]

Don, here is the old school light bar look I think this truck needs. My buddies jku, old school daylighters. I love it!










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That's crazy!
!. Lotza amp draw there
2. Won't fit with the soon to come AEV snorkel
3. I like it!

Nah, new technology they’re led version something something…..

[Flyin6]

Better order some of them plastic traction pads too


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I have two already!

So this is interesting

On board mileage calculator indicated 16.3 when I topped up from half a tank

Fuel quantity is going to be a problem...Will need more

Actual math:

Miles traveled 125.6
Fuel added: 7.668
Actual mileage: 16.3

A perfect agreement, hard to believe!

So learning curve. For that half tank, I was using 69-70 mph as the cruise speed/highway. I felt the engine was struggling some because it dropped a gear fairly often. But the winds were terrible, and the jeep was taking regular tours of both lanes on the highway (Unexpectedly!)

Today I dropped the cruise speed to 65 mph and right now the same fuel calculator is saying 20.3. My guess is I can push the mileage up to 18's by staying at 65 or below. This thing has a lot of parasitic drag.

[stlaser]

Well, it is shaped like a brick

[Flyin6]

I have all the rear window decals ordered! First mod: almost complete!

I also ordered the AEV Winch mounting plate, which my JT does not have. While we all wrestle with the winch selection, I know for sure that I need some way to mount it, so I checked that box. I could have fabbed up something myself, but with this Jeep, I think I'll access the aftermarket first. I'll bet there is more product development here than anywhere else on any other vehicle. Might as well take advantage of it

Early on, I noticed the fuel tank is not large enough. I drive to town twice and around a bit and it takes 1/2 a tank. That dog won't hunt running in low range for a day or two. I'd rather not carry a bunch of 5-gal tanks, although that is an option. Started reading about those Aussie long-range tanks that add another 17 gallons bringing the jeep up to around 40 gallons total. Starting prices are in and around $2200, so, ya, that's a tough pill as well to swallow.

What I think I need most of all is to meet up the local Jeep crowd and get on a weekend outing PDQ to see for myself what I may need to do to this thing

So far, I have to say. I Love this truck, really hit a home run with me so far!

[stlaser]

Check motobilt and genright to see if they have a tank

[Bob Smith]

Just wondering, my jeep trots around in the hills from before daylight till darn near dark and includes around 15 paved road miles getting up to them. I have never used more that 1/2 tank of gas with a tank about the same as yours. Are you sure you need to spend that much money for capacity you most likely won’t  need.

[Flyin6]

Just wondering, my jeep trots around in the hills from before daylight till darn near dark and includes around 15 paved road miles getting up to them. I have never used more that 1/2 tank of gas with a tank about the same as yours. Are you sure you need to spend that much money for capacity you most likely won’t  need.

That's a good point, Bob.
You're right in pointing out that I may be thinking I need all this extra fuel thing when I really don't know.
Thinking about it, I could easily add a small additional tank, but first, I want to get this truck back into the Daniel Boone National forest for a full day and see what it looks like after that to get an idea.
I may have something going for the upcoming weekend if I can work it out...Get some better data.

[Flyin6]

Check motobilt and genright to see if they have a tank

No fuel tanks that fit, thanks for the suggestion
Those folks have a lot of stuff for sure, but not so sure I need very much of it. Like I said to Bob, I think I'll just get it out on the trail and see how it works like it is.
But, every truck I have owned for the past decade, I think has always worn GLO diff covers. Would be a shame to change up that winning strategy on this one! So whatcha got for the jeep, Shawn?
-Big smiley face emoji-

[EL TATE]

99% chance you are not geared correctly for the tires. for most gladiators with addons and 37+ rubber 4.88 is a minimum requirement. you're likely to get away without re-gearing since it's a rubicon, but the trans will thank you for the change if you do it. Automatic right? I'm betting you're not touching the overdrives in its current configuration.

Very nice jeep BTW.

[Flyin6]

99% chance you are not geared correctly for the tires. for most gladiators with addons and 37+ rubber 4.88 is a minimum requirement. you're likely to get away without re-gearing since it's a rubicon, but the trans will thank you for the change if you do it. Automatic right? I'm betting you're not touching the overdrives in its current configuration.

Very nice jeep BTW.

It's upshifting to OD, Tate. Pretty sure of it. And yes, an 8-speed auto.

Would never think of regearing, it is what it is and I personally think AEV did a pretty good job of it. Are they your customer? Am I using Yukon parts inside those tiny-looking axles.

That's the only thing that makes me nervous is seeing tiny little Dana 44's where a 14-bolt and a D60 front ought to be. But it has a warranty, and I am going to wheel it, so if stuff should break, I'll let Jeep worry about it.

I do get what you're saying though. Jeep's factory offering with 35" tires and a stick offers the truck with 4.88's

[EL TATE]

yeah, it's upshifting, but possibly not into 7 and 8. try manually shifting on the highway and see if the RPM answers the questions. the automatics are pretty nice since the TCM recalibrates for the tire size which is why they did the 8 spd in the 1st place.

[Flyin6]

yeah, it's upshifting, but possibly not into 7 and 8. try manually shifting on the highway and see if the RPM answers the questions. the automatics are pretty nice since the TCM recalibrates for the tire size which is why they did the 8 spd in the 1st place.

I think I was a couple hours ahead of ya, Tate.

Had a post-op Dr appointment to drive to today. I set the cruise to 65. It was climbing the hills all the way up into the low 3,000 rpm range, but on level ground, I could see it shift a couple more times and finally settle in just under 2,000 @ 65 indicated. The mileage is holding pretty strong now showing 18.7 for the first 1/4 tank since the last 87 octane fill-up.

[Flyin6]

Made a more detailed study of the truck this morning. I noticed it is wearing Load Range D KM3s and that I do indeed have a full-sized spare!

[Flyin6]

I do not like the spare being carried underbody. I also do not like the rear bumper which adds a piece beneath it to provide rock protection.

I am thinking I can see a better rear bumper in this truck's future that tucks in better and wraps around to the rear of the wheel well. I can see adding a swing-away tire carrier to that bumper as well along with a jerry can holder.

[Flyin6]

I pulled the light covers off. These AEV 7000 series are not long range, but more of a driving light I think

[Flyin6]

IT has what I think is a stock Rubicon front skid plate.

Springs are definitely aftermarket

[Flyin6]

I played around with the rear seats. They can fold up or down and stack flat if needed. Mine has a bin of sorts beneath the seat

[Flyin6]

There is a cool Molle system on the seat backs, and nets in the doors, and storage behind the rear seats and a net there too!

[KensAuto]

What the heck? I leave for a few days and the super duper Tesla is gone?

Oh, nice Jeep boss.

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[Sammconn]

What the heck? I leave for a few days and the super duper Tesla is gone?

Oh, nice Jeep boss.

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I’m with ya.
This has escalated quickly…
Nice truck…and t-car gone, did you turn a profit?
Not that it really matters…
Look like huge tires for a poor little 44 to handle.

A word of caution.
I have to keep my spare under my truck.
The gravel eats the wiring instantly.
Now if you’re not running a lot of gravel may not matter.
Also if the wiring isn’t there not an issue either.

[Flyin6]

What the heck? I leave for a few days and the super duper Tesla is gone?

Oh, nice Jeep boss.

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Thank ya!

I know the feeling...I woke up one day and we were abandoning the people who risked their lives to help us in Afghanistan! A lot can change when you don't watch things for a few days...