Jeep Rubicon Gladiator vs the Rubicon Trail

ksss wrote:
I dont think it is the most capabable midsize pickup. The ZR2 is more capable by way of electronic locking front and rear diffs, DSSV shocks, better approach and departure angles gas and diesel options. The only thing that the Gladiator has over the ZR2 is more tow capacity, but as far as stock offroad capability, it is not even close.

I thought the Jeep has electronic locking diffs in the Rubicon package. Also the Gladiator will have the EcoDiesel under the hood sometime next year. Also if off road means maximum axle articulation then the solid axles will perform better otherwise independent suspension has other benefits so it really depends on what type of off road use you have. For me personally axle articulation is not important as being able to soak up off road bumps.

I dont think it is the most capabable midsize pickup. The ZR2 is more capable by way of electronic locking front and rear diffs, DSSV shocks, better approach and departure angles gas and diesel options. The only thing that the Gladiator has over the ZR2 is more tow capacity, but as far as stock offroad capability, it is not even close.

Stock Jeeps, even the Rubicon versions, are pretty low to the ground. The Gladiator exacerbates that problem because it's so long which makes the breakover and departure angles really bad. That's not going to be an issue going down a Forest Service or BLM road, even if it's a pretty bad one, but if you try to go rock crawling you're going to run into problems pretty quick in a stock Jeep. Even so the Gladiator is the most capable midsize truck currently available, in stock form or if you want to modify it to increase its capability.

True that

^ solids are better offroad all day long. undo the sway bar linkages and let the axle over travel and articulate further. google search jeep flexing and you will see the travel you can get. when I had my TJ I had quick connects so I could free up the front axle by pulling a pin. I believe rubicons had them stock.

I have not done "rock crawling".... but.... at 5:30 in that video, the guys are talking about how solid axles keep the wheels on the ground much better than independent suspension. I have never heard that before. Is that just for rock crawling?

I wish I had a crew of 15 or 20 to move rocks and push when I go crawling.

Still for a bone stock Jeep with a long wheelbase, no lift, stock meats - I say "Not bad..."

The Falcon is decent tire, not sure about rock climbing but they sell a lot of them here. I have a set on a ZR2. Gonna try a set on a 3500 next year.

There is nothing wrong with the spotters in this video. I have watched other videos with the Gladiator and they all come to the same conclusion. Without a lift kit and bigger tires, it really isnt the right tool for that job. Your putting 10 pounds of poop in a 5 pound bag. Spend an afternoon on the internet with a credit card and you could buy yourself more off road performance.

ROFL.
And what's with the Falcon Wildcrap tires? They buy a couple of the now artfully decorated Yeeps for the "test?"