Best Jeep® Gladiator Mods and Upgrades

Suspension Mods: Lift Kits, Leveling Kits, and More

First, let’s cover one of the most popular modifications for any four-wheel-drive Jeep platform—suspension modifications, like lifts and leveling kits. Modified suspension systems offer countless benefits over your JT’s factory equipment, including enhanced aesthetics, improved ground clearance, additional articulation, and enhanced performance in off-road conditions. 

Lift kits and leveling kits come in several different configurations. For instance, leveling kits may consist of a mere spacer—a composite, aluminum, or fabricated steel spacer installed above the factory coil/strut assembly—or a complete replacement front coil/coilover. Lift kits are no different, offered in coilover, long arm, and standard configurations. Each offers different aesthetics and performance levels—which is right for you? 

To help ease your decision, check out the Best Lift Kits for the Jeep Gladiator on RealSource.

RealTruck Expert Recommendation: Superlift 4" Standard Lift Kits

Regarding lift kits and leveling kits, a modest standard lift kit is arguably the best bang-for-your-buck suspension system for the Jeep Gladiator. The Superlift 4” Standard Lift Kit is one such product, offering a taller ride height, improved off-road performance, and enhanced ground and fender clearances.

Superlift is a reputable, US-based suspension manufacturer renowned for its reliable construction, exceptional quality, and affordable price points. It’s also a RealTruck brand, meaning any Superlift product comes backed by RealTruck’s industry-leading customer service and unbeatable warranties. 

Features:   

• Complete front and rear lift kit

• Vehicle-specific fitment

• Includes all required installation hardware

• Most kits are available with Superlift, FOX, or Bilstein shocks

• Made in the USA 

• Backed by a limited lifetime warranty

Wheels, Rims, and Tires

After installing a lift kit on your JT, we recommend filling out the fenders with fresh wheels and tires. Wheels, also called rims, can make or break a vehicle. They’re the finishing touch that makes a build unique, ensuring your JT stands out from every other Jeeper on the road. However, the benefits aren’t limited to aesthetics. 

Aftermarket wheels can also impact performance, as they're offered in various configurations outside factory specifications. These include different sizing (diameter, width, offset), materials, and finishes. Different sizes can help dial in your Gladiator’s fitment, promoting rub-free clearance for oversized tires. Furthermore, alternative materials and finishes can help to impact a wheel’s overall weight, durability, and more.  

Accompanying aftermarket wheels are aftermarket tires, which significantly impact looks and performance. Not only do oversized off-road tires provide an aggressive appearance, but they also enhance performance. Whether your Jeep is a daily-driven rig, weekend wheeler, or avid off-roader, RealTruck’s assortment of all-terrain, hybrid-terrain, and mud-terrain tires ensure unmatched performance in any terrain. 

Check out the Best Jeep Gladiator Wheels and Tires for additional information on sizing, tire types, and our experts’ top-recommended products.

RealTruck Expert Recommendation: Nitto Ridge Grappler Tires

Not only is the Nitto Ridge Grappler a high-quality off-road tire, but it’s also our top-selling tire on RealTruck. With an aggressive tread and sidewall design, exceptional on and off-road performance, and Nitto’s 500 treadwear rating, the Ridge Grappler is an excellent choice for any terrain type, whether cruising on paved streets, blasting down dirt roads, or clawing through deep, sticky mud.  

Features: 

• Heavy-duty spiral-wound construction

• Revolutionary dynamic hybrid tread design

• Variable-pitch tread pattern provides quiet on-road operation

• Shoulder and later Z-grooves provide unparalleled traction

• Alternating tapered edges and step blocks

• Dual sidewall design for enhanced personalization

• Reinforced block foundation adds rigidity and reduces flex

• Stone ejectors prevent stone drilling between tread blocks

Side Steps, Nerf Bars, and Running Boards

With a lift kit and oversized tires installed, you’ll likely notice the massive increase in ride height—especially while attempting to climb into the cab. Rather than twisting an ankle or throwing out your back doing athletic leaps and dismounts, consider outfitting your Gladiator with premium side steps from RealTruck. 

Side steps, including nerf bars and running boards, lower you and your passengers’ access point into the cab. These accessories also provide a wide, stable, non-slip foothold, ensuring safe entry in all conditions. 

Side steps come in countless configurations, ranging from mounting style to material and finish. Check out our comprehensive Jeep Gladiator Side Step Guide for a thorough breakdown.

RealTruck Expert Recommendation: Go Rhino® RB20 Slim Running Boards

Go Rhino®, a RealTruck brand, consistently pushes the boundaries of innovation and style. The company’s premium accessories offer unmatched durability, convenience, and aesthetics, and the Go Rhino RB20 Slim Running Boards are no exception. 

Featuring robust plate steel construction and a stylish Ford Raptor-inspired design, Go Rhino RB20 Slim Running Boards perfectly complement any Gladiator, whether a dedicated wheeler or daily driver. 

Features: 

• Galvanized 16-gauge steel construction

• Textured powder coat or protective bedliner finish

• Ultra-slim 5.5-in. wide profile

• Perforations keep the step treads free of debris

• Installs to vehicle's rocker panel

• Includes vehicle-specific mount kit and instructions

• Easy bolt-on installation (no drilling required)

• Rugged RB-Series raptor styling

• Limited lifetime structural | 5-year finish warranty

Body Armor: Bumpers, Sliders, and Skid Plates

Body armor is a must-have for any trail-used Jeep Gladiator, whether a purpose-built wheeler or a weekend warrior. Aftermarket bumpers, sliders, and rocker panel protectors help to keep your Gladiator’s body free from trail damage, retaining its like-new aesthetics and resale value. Aside from improving protection, body armor provides rugged styling and accessory mounting provisions.  

For more information on body protection, check out our top Aftermarket Jeep Gladiator Bumpers.

RealTruck Expert Recommendation: Rugged Ridge® Rocker Guard Body Armor

Rocker Guards from RealTruck and Rugged Ridge® are the perfect companion for any trail-used Jeep Gladiator. These accessories mount on top of your Gladiator’s scratch and dent-prone steel rocker panels, guarding against damage while traversing obstacles. 

With robust thermoplastic constructions and a stealthy textured black finish, Rugged Ridge Rocker Guards take abuse in stride and do so in style.  

Features: 

• Protects your Jeep’s rockers from chips, scratches, and dents

• Adds a rugged off-road accent that complements your factory trim

• Constructed from UV-treated thermoplastic

• Textured black finish

• Easy 3M tape-on install

• Sold as a complete set

• Made in the USA

• Limited 5-year warranty

Interior Protection: Seat Covers, Floor Mats, and More

With a Jeep Gladiator built for the outdoors, tracking dirt, snow, and other contaminants into the cabin is inevitable. Fortunately, RealTruck carries all the interior protection products to keep your JT’s upholstery and carpets in like-new condition. 

Seat covers and floor mats form a protective barrier against your Gladiator’s stain and wear-prone factory fabrics and the elements, retaining your Jeep’s like-new appearance and resale value. These accessories are the ideal addition for parents and pet owners, guarding your Jeep’s interior against everything from spilled juice pouches to muddy paws. 

For additional information on interior protection, read up on the Best Jeep Gladiator Seat Covers.

RealTruck Expert Recommendation: Husky Liners® WeatherBeater™ Floor Liners

Husky Liners®, a RealTruck brand, is your number-one source for premium automotive protection, specializing in high-quality, American-made interior and exterior accessories for various makes and models, including the JT Gladiator. 

The company’s WeatherBeater™ Floor Liners are a staple in the floor mat industry. They feature robust, all-weather-grade constructions, snug vehicle-specific fitments, quick installations, and effortless maintenance. 

Features: 

• Proprietary FormFit™ design

• Patented FormFit Edge™ creates a raised barrier along the door jam

• Edges never curl, even with age

• Easy clean up

• StayPut Cleats™ lock firmly to factory anchors

• No slipping, no sliding, no-nonsense

• Hassle-free maintenance

• Weatherbeater™ premium liner material is super-tough and resilient

• Withstands battery acid, oil, and conditions from sub-zero to blistering hot

• Made in the USA

• Limited lifetime warranty

Tire Coverage: Fender Flares, Splash Guards, and Mud Flaps

The addition of low-offset wheels and oversized tires often results in a lack of tire coverage. This condition poses several downsides, like exposing your Gladiator to rock chips and tire sling. Insufficient tire coverage is also a punishable offense in most states, warranting a citation. 

Save yourself the hassle of paint chips and tickets by boosting tire coverage with fender flares, splash guards, and mud flaps from RealTruck. We offer a wide selection of fender flares in various styles and finishes, ranging from extra-wide flat fender flares to fender flare deletes. 

Mud flaps and splash guards have just as much variance, ranging from oversized hitch-mounted flaps and universal rubber flaps to sleek, vehicle-specific splash guards.

RealTruck Expert Recommendation: Rugged Ridge® Max Terrain Fender Flares

Rugged Ridge®, a RealTruck brand, is a leading manufacturer of premium, off-road-inspired accessories for Jeep Gladiator and Wrangler platforms. The company’s Max Terrain Fender Flares are one of our favorite fender flare options, featuring a factory-inspired design yet extra-wide coverage. 

Rugged Ridge Max Terrain Fender Flares are manufactured from premium materials, like ABS thermoplastic and steel inner supports. Their flare design enables maximum tire clearance, while integrated switchback LED turn signals ensure maximum visibility and styling. 

Features: 

• Durable injection-molded thermoplastic construction

• Textured black finish

• Classic flat profile

• Provides extra-wide tire coverage and increased clearance

• Resistant to cracking, warping, and impacts

• Integrated switchback DRL turn signals

• Comes in a set of 4 for front and rear coverage

• Easy, bolt-on installation

• Limited 5-year warranty

Upgraded Lighting: Headlights, Tail Lights, Off-Road Lights, and More

Boost light output with our collection of aftermarket lighting for the Jeep Gladiator, including aftermarket headlights, tail lights, fog lights, off-road lights, and more. 

Upgraded lighting offers several benefits to your Gladiator, improving visibility of the road or trail, visibility of your vehicle (from other driver’s perspectives), and styling. 

RealTruck offers all the leading light styles and brands, whether outfitting your Gladiator for nighttime trail runs or dark drives home. Most lights offer simple bolt-on mounting and plug-and-play wiring, making installation a breeze.

RealTruck Expert Recommendation: Morimoto Jeep Sealed Beam LED Headlights

If the output from your Gladiator’s factory headlights isn't sufficient, consider upgrading with Morimoto Jeep Sealed Beam LED Headlights, pairing high-output LED chips with premium projector technology. 

Morimoto Jeep Sealed Beam LED Headlights are the ultimate addition to any Gladiator, significantly improving light output and, thus, visibility. Integrated switchback DRLs and stealthy black housings offer exceptional aesthetics, while UV-coated polycarbonate lenses ensure long-lasting, yellow-free service. 

Features: 

• UV-coated polycarbonate lens

• Heavy-duty die-cast housing

• PWM LED driver

• DRL switchbacks

• 5000K bright white light color

• 5-year warranty

Bed Accessories: Bed Racks, Bed Liners, and More

At its core, the Jeep Gladiator is a pickup truck. And like any good pickup, it deserves a well-equipped bed, complete with a durable bed liner, cargo-bolstering rack system, and more. 

At RealTruck, we offer a wide inventory of truck bed accessories for the Jeep Gladiator, promoting a well-protected, capable, and secure cargo space for all your valuable cargo. For a comprehensive overview of products for the JT, check out our guide on Gladiator Bed Accessorizing.

RealTruck Expert Recommendation: RealTruck® GoRack™

With the loyal support of our customers, RealTruck has become more than a reputable retailer. We're now a manufacturer of premium automotive accessories like the RealTruck® GoRack™. This premium rack system is one of our first in-house branded products, though it's far from our last. 

The robust, all-steel overland rack system is engineered for the outdoors. It features a mid-height design for mounting roof tents, MOLLE side panels for accessory mounting, and impressive weight ratings—1,000 pounds static and 600 pounds dynamic.

Features: 

• Heavy-duty steel crossbars

• Mid-height rack system

• Provides versatile above-the-bed cargo-carrying capability

• Ideal for securely transporting bikes, kayaks, camping equipment, etc.

• Extruded rack side rails feature built-in T-slots on all four sides to support variable mounting configurations

• Integrated MOLLE side panels provide mounting for Roto-style fuel packs, traction boards, off-road jacks, tools, etc.

• Adjustable cross bars provide flexibility

• 1,000 lbs. static / 600 lbs. dynamic weight rating

• Compatible with T-slot-integrated truck bed covers

Performance Upgrades: Intakes, Exhausts, and Tuners

Lastly, let’s talk about performance. While the Gladiator’s 3.6L Pentastar V6 isn’t a slouch, it won’t throw you back in your seat—and that's on stock suspension and tires. Once you’ve added beefy steel bumpers, sliders, bed racks, and oversized tires, the once-sufficient powertrain falls on its face. Fortunately, RealTruck carries a wide selection of performance products to boost power and efficiency. 

If airflow is a concern, check out our selection of high-flow air intakes. Just as important as an engine’s fresh air intake is its exhaling of exhaust gasses, and performance exhaust systems promote just that. Top these mods off with a premium tuner or programmer to optimize results, recouping some lost power.

RealTruck Expert Recommendation: DiabloSport Trinity 2 Platinum Programmer

Whether bone-stock or modified with bolt-on power adders, the DiabloSport Trinity 2 Platinum is a surefire way to optimize performance. The easy-to-install and operate touchscreen tuner features several pre-installed tunes, allowing you to alternate between different power levels at the push of a button. The sleek, full-color display doubles as a gauge monitor, displaying crucial engine parameters that help to diagnose issues and prevent catastrophic failures. 

Installing the DiabloSport Trinity 2 Platinum is quick and easy. It features a convenient plug-and-play installation into your Jeep’s OBD2 port. 

Features: 

• Full-color, high-definition 5-in. touchscreen

• Performance tuning for mileage, towing, daily driving, and performance

• Capability to store and deliver custom tunes created by 3rd party tuners using Diablo's CMR software

• Customizable gauge screen layouts

• Customize and choose between five gauge screens per layout

• Custom color mixer and customizable gauge screens

• One-touch, easy menu navigation

• Read and clear diagnostic trouble codes

• Comprehensive data logging and performance tests

• Correct the speedometer and adjust speed and rev limiters

• Light sensitivity meter to activate user-adjusted day/night modes

• Internet updateable