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Gladiator suspension lifts

Posted: Wed Feb 22, 2017 4:03 am
by Grand_Wag_85
Those of you with the 60's era Gladiators, what have you done for a suspension lift? SOA is out of the question, because it's factory...LOL

I see Hell Creek has a 4" spring kit. What size tires will that allow?

Re: Gladiator suspension lifts

Posted: Wed Feb 22, 2017 8:57 am
by fulsizjeep
33s easy peasy. 35s if you don't twist too hard.

Re: Gladiator suspension lifts

Posted: Wed Feb 22, 2017 9:17 am
by Grand_Wag_85
33's is about all I'd ever need. I've seen what happens to FSJ axles with 35's :p

Re: Gladiator suspension lifts

Posted: Wed Feb 22, 2017 9:19 am
by Grand_Wag_85
Slight side track. Are the gladiator axles the same width as the later J truck axles?

Re: Gladiator suspension lifts

Posted: Wed Feb 22, 2017 9:25 am
by fulsizjeep
NO. They are closed knuckle drum brake style.

<doh> I mis-read that. I am not sure of WMS measurements.

Re: Gladiator suspension lifts

Posted: Wed Feb 22, 2017 9:40 am
by Grand_Wag_85
fulsizjeep wrote:NO. They are closed knuckle drum brake style.
Exactly why I'd like to swap them with either a J truck or WT Cherokee ;)

Re: Gladiator suspension lifts

Posted: Wed Feb 22, 2017 9:44 am
by fulsizjeep
YES!

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Re: Gladiator suspension lifts

Posted: Wed Feb 22, 2017 3:28 pm
by Nikkormat
Width will be fine, you'll need to move the front perches.

I am unaware of any bolt on suspension options besides the kits from hell's creek. Some people make bastard pack from early CJ5 front springs and run rear blocks.

What do you have your eyes on?

Re: Gladiator suspension lifts

Posted: Wed Feb 22, 2017 5:45 pm
by Grand_Wag_85
Shot you a text.

*Might* get one of the Gladiators back...in a nutshell

Re: Gladiator suspension lifts

Posted: Wed Feb 22, 2017 7:35 pm
by 44bz
Nikkormat wrote:Width will be fine, you'll need to move the front perches.

I am unaware of any bolt on suspension options besides the kits from hell's creek. Some people make bastard pack from early CJ5 front springs and run rear blocks.

What do you have your eyes on?
It's likely more than just moving front perches. As everyone rags on closed knuckle axles for greater turning radius, an open knuckle axle could very well put your tires in the springs at full turn.

Hellcreek offers the only kit anymore. I haven't come across a build where cj springs were grafted into gladiator springs but anything is possible I guess. Also there's no need to add rear blocks on a post mount truck, just flip the rear shackle down for instant 3-4" lift.


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Re: Gladiator suspension lifts

Posted: Wed Feb 22, 2017 11:49 pm
by Grand_Wag_85
You make a good point. Now that I'm thinking of it I bet a hi steer conversion to the axle being swapped in would be necessary.

Probably going to be running the stock axles for awhile anyways. 3.90 gears with the factory locker in the back.

Re: Gladiator suspension lifts

Posted: Thu Feb 23, 2017 11:34 am
by 44bz
Check these out - there's some good info on lifting post mount trucks, swapping axles, and dealing with steering.

http://www.ifsja.org/forums/vb/showthread.php?t=124405
http://www.ifsja.org/forums/vb/showthread.php?t=178098
http://www.ifsja.org/forums/vb/showthread.php?t=97476


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Re: Gladiator suspension lifts

Posted: Mon Mar 06, 2017 6:02 pm
by Grand_Wag_85
Thanks for the info!