Gladiator suspension lifts

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Grand_Wag_85
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Gladiator suspension lifts

Post 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?
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fulsizjeep
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Re: Gladiator suspension lifts

Post by fulsizjeep »

33s easy peasy. 35s if you don't twist too hard.
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88 GW, 401/727/208, 5" lift, D44s/4.10s/locked up, 35s
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Grand_Wag_85
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Re: Gladiator suspension lifts

Post 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
82 J10
77 J10 Golden Eagle 401
88 GW

You know it's bad when your car is on the EPA's 10 most wanted list!
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Re: Gladiator suspension lifts

Post by Grand_Wag_85 »

Slight side track. Are the gladiator axles the same width as the later J truck axles?
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88 GW

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fulsizjeep
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Re: Gladiator suspension lifts

Post by fulsizjeep »

NO. They are closed knuckle drum brake style.

<doh> I mis-read that. I am not sure of WMS measurements.
Flint Boardman
88 GW, 401/727/208, 5" lift, D44s/4.10s/locked up, 35s
https://jubileejeeps.org/quadratrac
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Grand_Wag_85
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Re: Gladiator suspension lifts

Post 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 ;)
82 J10
77 J10 Golden Eagle 401
88 GW

You know it's bad when your car is on the EPA's 10 most wanted list!
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fulsizjeep
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Re: Gladiator suspension lifts

Post by fulsizjeep »

YES!

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Flint Boardman
88 GW, 401/727/208, 5" lift, D44s/4.10s/locked up, 35s
https://jubileejeeps.org/quadratrac

Nikkormat
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Re: Gladiator suspension lifts

Post 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?
Gabe, "reformed" Jeep hoarder.
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Grand_Wag_85
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Re: Gladiator suspension lifts

Post by Grand_Wag_85 »

Shot you a text.

*Might* get one of the Gladiators back...in a nutshell
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77 J10 Golden Eagle 401
88 GW

You know it's bad when your car is on the EPA's 10 most wanted list!
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44bz
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Re: Gladiator suspension lifts

Post 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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Grand_Wag_85
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Re: Gladiator suspension lifts

Post 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.
82 J10
77 J10 Golden Eagle 401
88 GW

You know it's bad when your car is on the EPA's 10 most wanted list!
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44bz
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Re: Gladiator suspension lifts

Post 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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1968 J2000 - AMC 327/T18/D20 (twin stick), stock D44s, 3" body lift, 35x12.50 Goodyear MTRs w/ Kevlar
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Re: Gladiator suspension lifts

Post by Grand_Wag_85 »

Thanks for the info!
82 J10
77 J10 Golden Eagle 401
88 GW

You know it's bad when your car is on the EPA's 10 most wanted list!
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