Exciting New Aftermarket Goodies for Your Jeep Gladiator

It’s about the journey, not the destination. Does any brand embody that ethos better than Jeep? For more than 75 years, the badge has become synonymous with concepts like freedom and adventure. (I mean, really, the brand actually owns the phrase “Go Anywhere. Do Anything.”) But while the Wrangler has long held the coveted status as VIP 4×4, it has had to fight for the limelight lately—thanks to a little sibling rivalry…

The arrival of the 2020 Jeep Gladiator did more than just satisfy a near-decade of rumors. It made us sit up and take notice. Great styling combined with impressive capability makes for a vehicle highly engineered to take on a variety of rugged terrain in stock form. But where’s the fun in staying stock? Especially when it comes to a Jeep. Not only are these utilitarian beasts built to work—they’re meant to be customized! And now that manufacturers have had more time to tinker, aftermarket goodies are in full swing.

With that in mind, here are some of our favorite new products for the 2020 Jeep Gladiator. From suspension and exhaust to wheels & tires and exterior protection, these add-ons ensure you can not only get off the beaten path—but make your way home again, as well. Check back soon for a second product run-down, covering cargo management, truck bed protection, lighting, and more.

Suspension

As we said, Jeep engineered its Gladiator to tackle trail obstacles straight from the factory. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t room for a little improvement, right? Here are some suspension products that will help you personalize ride quality and increase off-road capability.

ICON Vehicle Dynamics Jeep JT 2.5″ Suspension System

We’ve mentioned this SEMA-award-winning suspension system on the blog before. You can read the long version here, but suffice it to say that if vastly improved ride quality, suspension geometry, and component quality is what you’re after—this is your solution.

The system includes front dual rate coil springs, rear billet aluminum coil spacers, 2.0 Aluminum Series shocks, front bump stops, adjustable sway bar end links, and all necessary hardware for a 100% bolt-on installation that delivers wheel travel gains over 30%.

Skyjacker 4.5in Front & 3in Rear Long Travel Lift

If you’re seeking a comprehensive kit that not only lifts but also levels, check out Skyjacker’s Long Travel Suspension System. 100% bolt-on, it uses front and rear coil springs and allows you to fit up to 40” tires. Shocks are included, with your choice of an off-road-tuned M95 monotube option or a more on-road-oriented Black MAX twin-tube.

Not to be forgotten…

Depending on your budget and off-road agenda, FabTech makes very comprehensive 5” Trail Lift and Crawler Lift Kits for the Jeep Gladiator that range from $2k-$5k. Teraflex offers some high-end systems as well, but also has a great base lift kit that provides all the basic parts needed for bigger tires and increased ground clearance for a very affordable $400. The point is—you have some serious power of choice in this department.

Shocks

If a suspension system doesn’t interest you, replacing those OEM shocks should still be a consideration—especially if you plan to take that Gladiator on some bumpy terrain.

Ensure a smoother ride and better control with the proven performance of Fox Racing Shox 2.0 Performance Series IFP Shocks. Durable and easy-to-install, these make a great upgrade. If you’re interested in something more Jeep-specific, check out Teraflex’s Falcon Series. Available with the brand’s unique SP2 Mode Adjust feature, you can opt for a set that tunes compression and rebound for Soft or Performance settings.

Wheels & Tires

Bigger tires offer bigger possibilities, so complement that new suspension kit with some beefy rubber that takes your Gladiator from off-road ready to off-road dominating.

Yokohama Geolandar X-MT

Engineered for hardcore rock crawling, the Geolandar X-MT ensures “undeniable traction, ruthless performance, and the strength required to get you to the top,” says Yokohama. Size options range from 35-40 inches in diameter, making them ideal for rugged, lifted trucks. Features include a high-density, triple-polymer compound for exceptional wear and traction; deep side blocks for superior crawling performance; and a staggered tread pattern for a quieter ride.

Those seeking a little more on-road comfort should check out the SEMA award-winning Geolandar X-AT.

Falken Wildpeak

As the OE supplier for the 2020 Jeep Gladiator, you really can’t go wrong here. Designed to excel in wear, winter, and wet performance, the Falken Wildpeak A/T3W is standard fitment for the new Gladiator. If you’re looking for maximum off-road traction though, consider upgrading to the Wildpeak M/T.

An aggressive upper sidewall with offset shoulder blocks protects the tire from sharp rocks and trail obstacles, while providing additional off-road traction at low tire pressures or in off-camber situations. An optimized tread pattern ensures the tire maintains exceptional road manners.

Mickey Thompson Baja Boss M/T

You can expect good things from this ultra-premium extreme mud terrain tire, as it’s the same one Mickey Thompson put on its own Jeep Gladiator build. An asymmetrical tread pattern reduces noise, improves handling and on-center feel, while new, 50%-larger four-pitch Sidebiters® offer unparalleled off-road traction.

Learn more about the Baja Boss and other Mickey Thompson offerings in our break-down of SEMA 2019 wheel and tire trends.

Exhaust

Ditch the restrictive stock exhaust for an aftermarket upgrade and enjoy better power output, better torque, and of course—better sound. Here are some suggestions to get you started.

Injen Single Exit High Tuck 3″ Cat-Back Exhaust System

Hand-crafted and TIG-welded for strength and durability, this high-tuck design from Injen exits at the OE location for endless bumper and suspension options. Made in the USA of quality 304 stainless steel mandrel-bent tubing, it offers increased ground clearance and dyno-proven gains of up to 5 hp and 5 lb-ft. of torque for all your off-road adventures.

Consider improving airflow further by pairing it with an Injen cold air intake like the EVO5005C which features a modular design, allowing you to adapt it to a fully-functional snorkel system.

AFE-MACH Force-Xp 3″ High Tuck System

Great for those who want off-road performance with on-road presence, the AFE-MACH Force-Xp features a high-tuck design for clearing rough terrain and dual high-flow stainless steel mufflers to eliminate drone and resonance, providing a deep, rich tone.

Aftermarket manufacturers have been busy innovating in the exhaust space. If you use that Gladiator for occasional trail adventures, hardcore rock crawling, or even just street-driving, there’s no shortage of exciting product available. Check out our more comprehensive rundown on Gladiator exhaust systems HERE.

Exterior Protection

The new Jeep Gladiator was built to chase adventure. Keep that capability protected with some quality exterior accessories. From bumpers to body armor, running boards to recovery gear, the aftermarket has it all.

Fab Fours

Looking to add some aggressive functionality to your Gladiator? Then Fab Fours is the obvious choice. The edgy manufacturer has more than a few unique front bumper options that are sure to do the trick, but it’s their innovative new rear bumper that takes our pick.

Specially designed for the Gladiator, it sports all the usual off-road goodies, like light mounting, tow hooks, and D-ring mounts–in addition to offering full rear-end protection. More interestingly, it features double rung side steps to hold the weight of an average adult. This not only adds a cool styling element, but also makes accessing rooftop tents and racks much easier. What’s more, it also has customizable skins for seamless color matching.

ADD

Addictive Desert Designs also has a variety of aggressive and protective front-end bumpers, any of which would make a welcome addition to your Gladiator. The brand’s Stealth Fighter replacement doors are really unique though, and worth a second look.

Sporting a cool, modern plate steel design, these trail doors look like they could handle grenades—let alone everyday trail obstacles. Made from 1/8″ plate steel with a hammer-black powder coat, they’re designed for a smooth, sturdy, anti-rattle operation and easy bolt-on installation.

Iron Cross

Like those brands listed above, Iron Cross Automotive has several highly-engineered front and rear bumper options for the Jeep Gladiator. But again, it’s a separate exterior accessory that caught our attention. The company’s new 4 Door Sidearm Step Board reeled us in with its aggressive looks and seamless design. The unique drop-down steps are a nice change from other options on the market, and that 5″ grippy foot pad ensures they’re not just for show.

Rugged Ridge

These guys have so many excellent new products available for the Gladiator, it’s impossible to mention just one. Plus, you can’t beat their prices! Check out the Venator front bumper that we covered back in October. Back then, we described it as looking like “your already-trail-ready bumper went keto and hit the gym for eight weeks” and we stand by that impression. Angular and heavy-duty, without adding unnecessary weight—at less than $800—this is a must-consider.

Other accessories you should look into are the classic-looking Fortis tube doors and exceptionally-styled new AmFib snorkel.

Westin

Similarly, Westin has a catalog’s worth of applicable products for the Jeep Gladiator, covering virtually every inch of the truck. One combination we particularly like is the WJ2 Stubby Front Bumper with LED Light Bar Mount and HDX Drop Steps. Both sport a nice, rugged, off-road ready design with angular components that complement the Gladiator’s boxy profile.

Plus, the bumper features adjustable brackets to accept light bars, as well as accommodations for a winch. Westin offers a variety of high-quality lighting solutions and winches (thanks to its recent acquisition of Superwinch), allowing you to purchase everything you need in one place.

Remember, we’ve got more where this came from! Check back soon for product suggestions in cargo management, tonneau protection, lighting, and more!