JK Forum Member Adds 33-inch Tires to Gladiator for Dirt Cheap
Gladiator Sport with a simple spacer lift can make use of the Rubicon wheels and tires.
The new Jeep Gladiator is its basic Sport trim level is an excellent truck that will do most of what the top-of-the-line Rubicon models can do. This is especially true when you add some key option packages to the Sport models, but in the end, the Rubicon still have a better wheel-and-tire package than a loaded Sport. You can hunt around and find a set of Rubicon wheels and tires that have been removed, but they won’t properly fit on a Sport model without some compromises or some basic upgrades.
Fortunately, SunnySideUp put together a great how-to thread on what you need to do to make the Rubicon wheel-and-tire package to fit on a Gladiator Sport without rubbing.
How-To Introduction
Before the OP explained how he made the stock wheel-and-tire package from a 2020 Gladiator Rubicon Launch Edition fit on his Sport model, he explained how this project came together.
Some of you will be like me… I ordered a sport Max Tow for the wider stronger axles, and the extra large brakes, extra tranny cooler, etc… I also ordered with the Aux. switch group for the larger battery and Alternator… and 4 pre wired switches.
But it still comes with 245 tires and steel rims. Cheap shocks.
I watched for a set of rims and tires and locally got a set of Launch edition tires (285 Falken) and limited edition rims for 1400 dollars for all 5 with TPMS sensors… with zero miles. I also got a full set of Rubicon fox shocks for 200 bucks. From what I’ve seen the 33’s will not clear the front fender liners and such without a lift. The 33’s will rub when turning and even worse at a flex. The rear clear fine.
Lifting the Gladiator
Next, the OP explained what products he used to lift his Gladiator Sport enough to allow the 33-inch Rubicon tires proper clearance.
I opted for a spacer lift. Teraflex 1.5 inch in the front, and Daystar 3/4 in the rear. Both are spacer lift pucks… and the Front lift comes with extended bump stops. Both kits had complete instructions. Some have skipped doing anything with the rear axle to get rid of the factory “nose down” condition. This does even the truck out if you’re not towing, but creates a problem towing… pointing your lights up into oncoming traffic. I think that most of the spacer lifts… that I’ve seen make the front aim up when nothing is done to the rear. So I split the difference. Teraflex spacer comes in two different pucks… so you can go with just one inch or with 1.5 inches. If you are never changing the front bumper I think the 1 inch lift would still give you enough clearance for 33’s. If you are thinking you might someday add a metal bumper you might want to go to the 1.5 inch.
I didn’t take any pics… installing a puck is not complicated. And doing all 4 took about 2.5 hours- and that was placing the new Fox shocks in position as well. The shocks do change the ride… and I think it is noticeably a better ride with the shocks. They are slightly longer which also negates the need for putting on shock extenders with the lift.
Of course, if you are attempting this project to add 33-inch tires to your Gladiator Sport without the upgraded shocks, you may need to look into the shock extenders. However, this is a great time to add better shocks, especially if you can find them used on the cheap.
Upgrade Review
Finally, the OP shares his thoughts about the feel of his Jeep pickup with the new wheels, tires, shocks and lift.
This jeep is a mild build…. a daily driver… and it will be towing some weight. So with that being said… it is staying close to stock. I think the look of the truck is helped with the 33’s… and the sport fenders are lower and maybe wider than the rubicon fenders- which helps fill the wheel wells.
I also added a Fox 2.0 steering stabilizer for good measure. The truck drives great, feels great and is perfect for what we plan on using it for!
The daystar pucks can be found for $29.00/ Teraflex spacer kit for $150 or less depending on the discount your store offers you. Fox take off shocks are about 150 to 200 bucks on ebay… and rubicon tire and rim combos can be found for 1000 bucks…
If you sell your old tires for 500 bucks- you can get a couple inches more clearance, for about 1500 to 1000 dollars. And your Gladiator will look more like they should have come stock!
If you want to put 33-inch tires on your Gladiator Sport, this explains one of the simplest routes and if you can find factory take-offs, you can save a bundle over buying the wheels, tires and shocks brand new.
Click here if you have any questions on this how-to write up.
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