F-Cracker the Gladiator build

[AZVAJKU]

I finally got a chance to install the front bumper. The instructions are not yet available on the EVO MFG site, however they were nice enough to send me some pictures which were very helpful.

The install was not hard, however there are some tricks in the order of installation that can make it easier.

The hardest parts were taking apart the factory bumper to salvage the driving lights and harness, dropping the winch into the tight space without crushing your fingers, and threading the winch line through the drum. In order to get the synthetic winch line to pull through the drum easier I used a bar of soap to lube the line up a bit. Everything slides in easier when lubed. (That’s what she said)

Factory bumper held together by about 50 screws



Factory driving light harness and lights.






Adapter for the winch plate





The winch plate is well anchored




Don’t tighten the tow hooks on until after the winch is dropped in.


The finished product


It’s a tight fit!!

 

[wayoflife]

Nice! That looks great

 

[Brute]

I finally got a chance to coat the EVO Alumilite bumpers using ‘Steel-It’.
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Next weekend I’ll begin the installation starting with the front bumper.

Didn’t realize steel-it had a black option. That’s nice.

The last time I looked at this product (I think at an EJS a few years back) it wasn't available in black...apparently it is now. How was the application as far as coverage, runs etc?...I think it looks great...

 

[Sylvester]

Nice & Clean - Looks Great

 

[AZVAJKU]

The last time I looked at this product (I think at an EJS a few years back) it wasn't available in black...apparently it is now. How was the application as far as coverage, runs etc?...I think it looks great...

I painted it with ‘Steel It’. It went on like spray paint. It’s not as durable as anodizing, however it’s cheaper and I can touch it up as needed.

 

[Brute]

I painted it with ‘Steel It’. It went on like spray paint. It’s not as durable as anodizing, however it’s cheaper and I can touch it up as needed.

Yes, I've seen the product at a show or something...it looks very durable...and at the time, it only came in gray. I'm going to pick up a couple cans and give it a try...

 

[AZVAJKU]

Since my JK is at MOTECH, I am at EJS with F-Cracker the Gladiator. With the exception of 35-inch Nitto Trail Grapplers and a EVO front bumper/Warn winch I’m running stock. 35’s are nothing to sneeze at but on a Gladiator it’s like having 33’s! I’d be lying if I said I haven’t scraped some undercarriage. (Don’t tell the wife) Luckily I signed up for easy trails

It’s amazing how spoiled I have become driving my ‘big’ Jeep and now even on easy trails I actually need to pick lines and concentrate on what I’m doing. Plus if I tear up my wife’s Gladiator she’ll poison my food.

The ride out from VA was very comfortable and I averaged 23-25 MPG at 75-80 MPH.

Good times, I’m really happy to be here.

 

[Dale72]

Since my JK is at MOTECH, I am at EJS with F-Cracker the Gladiator. With the exception of 35-inch Nitto Trail Grapplers and a EVO front bumper/Warn winch I’m running stock. 35’s are nothing to sneeze at but on a Gladiator it’s like having 33’s! I’d be lying if I said I haven’t scraped some undercarriage. (Don’t tell the wife) Luckily I signed up for easy trails

It’s amazing how spoiled I have become driving my ‘big’ Jeep and now even on easy trails I actually need to pick lines and concentrate on what I’m doing. Plus if I tear up my wife’s Gladiator she’ll poison my food.

The ride out from VA was very comfortable and I averaged 23-25 MPG at 75-80 MPH.

Good times, I’m really happy to be here.

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Don't let her crawl underneath it when you get back home. LOL

 

[Traciehue]

Don't let her crawl underneath it when you get back home. LOL

She gets notifications of these posts so he’s busted! Lucky for him, I’m too old to train a new husband.

 

[Dale72]

She gets notifications of these posts so he’s busted! Lucky for him, I’m too old to train a new husband.

Guess he won't be able to drive the JT again

 

[wayoflife]

Since my JK is at MOTECH, I am at EJS with F-Cracker the Gladiator. With the exception of 35-inch Nitto Trail Grapplers and a EVO front bumper/Warn winch I’m running stock. 35’s are nothing to sneeze at but on a Gladiator it’s like having 33’s! I’d be lying if I said I haven’t scraped some undercarriage. (Don’t tell the wife) Luckily I signed up for easy trails

It’s amazing how spoiled I have become driving my ‘big’ Jeep and now even on easy trails I actually need to pick lines and concentrate on what I’m doing. Plus if I tear up my wife’s Gladiator she’ll poison my food.

The ride out from VA was very comfortable and I averaged 23-25 MPG at 75-80 MPH.

Good times, I’m really happy to be here.

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Lookin good out there! So wish we could have made it out and joined you.

 

[AZVAJKU]

We are disappointed you couldn’t make but completely understand. Next year!

 

[AZVAJKU]

F-Cracker in the Moab snow

 

[Sylvester]

very Nice - Wish I was there

 

[wayoflife]

Damn, that's a LOT more snow that I was thinking you guys got. Hope you had fun out there

 

[AZVAJKU]

Damn, that's a LOT more snow that I was thinking you guys got. Hope you had fun out there

We had a great time. It’s weird though, most of the snow was centered over town, once we got up north of town there was far less snow. Must be climate change!

 

[jorgelrod]

Yesterday we had the 35-inch Nitto Trail Grapplers installed. It does not look much different than stock and drives exactly as it did before. I think the Gladiator should come with 35’s from the factory. The spare easily fits back underneath.

Also, thanks out to Discount Tire of Fredericksburg Virginia. It took less than an hour.

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Are these 35-12.5s or 315s? I thought Discount Tire wouldn't install 12.50s on a factory rims due to rim width. If they are doing it now, that would be great, I have 0 money for wheels right now.

 

[Lperdue]

Are these 35-12.5s or 315s? I thought Discount Tire wouldn't install 12.50s on a factory rims due to rim width. If they are doing it now, that would be great, I have 0 money for wheels right now.

I’ve had multiple sets of 37x12.50 STT pros installed on the stock wheels at discount tire.

 

[AZVAJKU]

The tires are 35x12.50R17.

I purchased them from Discount Tire online and had them installed by my local Discount Tire.

My recommendation is to stop by your local Discount Tire and talk to the manager, tell him what you want to do and go from there.

 

[AZVAJKU]

Departing from Moab at the end of EJS.