RubiTrux News
RubiTrux News
BUILD OF THE WEEK - Overland Gladiator JT
A real head turner. This Gladiator JT has all you need to disappear into the mountains for a nice weekend get away. In this article we will give you the full rundown of this trail beast, and maybe give you some ideas on how to build your own. Getting Down To Business This Gladiator is hitting trails with confidence with the AEV 2.5” dualsport RT suspension, giving this build a smooth ride to and from work on top of a durable suspension for those weekends on the trail. Holding on to the suspension are the 17” KMC machine finished grenade crawl beadlocks that are designed to grip the tire in order to keep it from sliding around the tire during low PSI crawling. These wheels are locking on to some Nitto ridge grappler 40inch meaty tires, made with knobby walls and a mud-terrain pattern, this tire is designed to grip rocks when climbing and prevent slipping in mud or slick terrain while still having a well mannered on road feel. You can’t run 40s without regearing. Both of these axles are geared to 5:38 to reduce the strain on the suspension, keeping this Jeep running smooth on the trail and on the road. On both sides you’ll notice the Rockslide Engineering power steps, used on a lot of our Jeep builds. Providing easy access in and out of the vehicle and 10 gauge steel protection against rocks and debris you typically encounter on a tougher trail. RSE steps are the only true powered step that doubles as rock sliders. The steps deploy a full 12 inches from the body, automatically opening and closing with the doors of the Jeep. Must Have Accessories All gladiator builds aren’t complete without some add ons. This one is no exception. We’ll start with the smart cap EVO that is made of stainless steel instead of fiberglass, making it weatherproof, strong, and a perfect pick for someone who is just getting into overlanding! Another big thing you’ll see is the Addictive Desert Designs rock fighter front and rear bumpers that have a hammer black powder coat finish and a satin black powder coat panel finish, this stubby and durable front end provides a ton of protection and you can mount up to 5 cube lights or a 20inch light bar with the universal fitments on the front bumper. The owner used that to his advantage and added the Baja Designs LP4 pod lights with amber lenses that provide 6,885 forward projecting lumens and an additional 1,972 lumens of peripheral light so you can see more on the trails. To help with cold air intake we converted the hood to a Mojave hood. Road Armor front and rear fenders help give this Gladiator an aggressive look. The statement piece on this rig would be the limited edition Shreddy X Baja Designs XL pro LED light pod pair that are custom with a blue and purple paint splatter design and caps you can only get with these lights, resembling Blake Wilkey’s iconic Baja Bug trophy truck. Best Of Both Worlds This JT belongs to one of our employees and it is on our lot everyday showing off our bread an butter, well mannered on road builds that are ready for anything on the trails. We’ve seen this build drive around and conquer trails, there’s nothing this JT can’t do! View some of our other or upcoming gladiator builds on our website!
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Built For The Trails: All New RubiTrux JK Crawler
For over twenty years now, RubiTrux has been making turnkey ready Jeep conversions. With Jeep Wrangler JKs becoming a more affordable trail ready rig, we decided to build a no compromises JK with 42s, ready for the trails, and built to take a beating. Read below for a full breakdown and our methodology. Upgraded Suspension One of our first hard choices was the suspension. With all the long arm options out there we had a hard time picking which kit would work best for us but we knew we wanted to preserve on road handling and have the adjustments necessary for off road crawling. We ended up choosing the TeraFlex Alpine RT Coilover kit with JK specific Falcon Coilovers. Long arms are used to reposition the mounting points and restore proper suspension geometry, all around reducing the stress on the suspension itself but also gave us a comfortable on road whether it was on the highway or in town. Combining the long arms with the Falcon coilovers helped too as they have an adjustable and tunable damping rate for adapting to any terrain. Nothing is worse than breaking an axle shaft when trying to climb Hell’s Revenge in Moab, that’s why we went with Terra 60s with 5.38 Yukon gears to give us a bulletproof setup and that low end torque we need on the trails. Tires and Wheels For the tires we decided to go with the 42x13.5 Mickey Thompson Baja Boss’s. These tires are knobby, rugged, and made for climbing. The knobby outer edge gives you the grip you need when climbing a narrow gap or a rock wall and you won’t have to worry about smaller sharp rocks or rough edges puncturing them, making this the go to tire for any rocky or slick terrain. We knew we wanted the reliability of beadlocks when off roading (even down to 5psi), with a trusted wheel brand. We decided to go with Methods machined 106 beadlock wheel. Their years of race experience gives us that piece of mind needed when rock crawling. The Engine Our no compromises JK wouldn’t be complete without a 6.4L V8 392 HEMI. The torque and power from this 392 is hard to beat, creating 485 horsepower and 475lb-ft of torque you can smoke tires even with 42s. There’s no better sound than a 392 roaring through the mountains! You’re bound to stand out and get loads of attention with this build, especially at any Jeep show.
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Exploring the Strength: HEMI Engines in Jeep Gladiators
The Rise of the HEMI-Powered Jeep Gladiators As the off-road industry grows, so does the demand for more power. To solve this, V8 engine conversions have been produced for various off-road vehicles. These conversions vary from a 5.7 HEMI to a 6.2L Demon V8 making 840 horsepower. One line of vehicles that has seen this become a growing trend is the Jeep Gladiator. One of enthusiasts' biggest complaints about the Gladiator has been its lack of power. Well, we can happily say that nothing fixes this issue like a V8 conversion, especially a HEMI. Performance Boosts with HEMI Engines When opting for a HEMI conversion in your Jeep Gladiator, there are three engines to consider: the 6.4L HEMI, the supercharged 6.2L Hellcat, and the 6.2L Demon. Each offers unique benefits and performance characteristics, making them ideal for different types of driving experiences and off-road adventures. These powerful engines can be paired with either the 8HP75 transmission from the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT or the 8HP95 transmission from the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk, depending on your performance requirements. These engine conversions completely transform the feeling you get while driving your Jeep Gladiator. Spec Sheet of Conversations 392 SRT 6.4L HEMI V8 Conversion - 505 HP, 475 FT/LB, 8HP75 8 Speed Automatic Transmission Supercharged 6.2L SRT HEMI Hellcat V8 Conversion - 707 HP, 650 FT/LB, 8HP75 8 Speed Automatic Transmission Demon 6.2L Engine Conversion - 840 HP, 770 FT/LB, 8HP95 8 Speed Automatic Transmission Essential Modifications for HEMI Conversions When performing a HEMI V8 engine swap in your Jeep Gladiator, such as installing the 6.4L HEMI, the supercharged 6.2L Hellcat, or the 6.2L Demon engine, several upgrades are often suggested to handle the increased power and maintain the vehicle's reliability. While not every conversion requires extensive modifications, enhancing components like the suspension, axles, and brakes is typically recommended. Upgraded springs, shocks, and control arms are crucial to manage the added weight and improve stability, especially for off-road performance. Stronger axles ensure that the drivetrain can withstand the higher torque outputs, and larger, high-performance brake systems are necessary to provide adequate stopping power. Additionally, steering components and chassis reinforcements are often upgraded to handle the stress from the powerful engines, ensuring that the Gladiator remains both safe and capable under its new performance parameters. These enhancements ensure that the vehicle can handle the significant boost in power and continue to perform reliably both on and off the road. Practical Benefits of HEMI Gladiator HEMI-powered Jeep Gladiators bring an exciting blend of performance, off-road capability, and driving fun to the table. On the daily drive, these powerful engines make a noticeable difference, especially when equipped with larger off-road tires that can otherwise make vehicles feel sluggish. The extra horsepower from engines like the 6.4L HEMI or the supercharged 6.2L Hellcat transforms everyday commutes into spirited drives, offering quick acceleration and an exhilarating driving experience. Off-road, the significant torque, and power allow Gladiators to tackle rough terrains, steep inclines, and challenging obstacles with ease, making them a top choice for serious off-road enthusiasts. Overall, the enhanced performance and sheer enjoyment of driving a HEMI-powered Gladiator provide a thrilling experience that makes every journey, whether on the road or off, more enjoyable and dynamic. Crafting the Ultimate Jeep Gladiators Here at RubiTrux, we have specialized in turnkey HEMI conversions for over 20 years, completing more than 600 successful transformations. Our dedication to quality and expertise in HEMI engine swaps set us apart. Each conversion is meticulously performed by our skilled technicians to seamlessly integrate the powerful HEMI engine, enhancing the Gladiator's performance while maintaining its reliability and drivability. Beyond conversions, we also offer turnkey Jeep Gladiators with HEMI engines already installed. These ready-to-drive models are crafted with the same attention to detail and premium components, providing you with an instantly powerful and thrilling vehicle straight off the lot. At RubiTrux, we combine our passion for Jeeps with our deep technical knowledge to deliver Gladiators that are not only capable but also exceptionally fun to drive. Check out some of our HEMI Jeep Gladiators we've built: Jeep Gladiator JT Rubicon Bright White Jeep Gladiator JT Rubicon Firecracker Red Jeep Gladiator JT Rubicon Granite Crystal
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Celebrating Last Year’s Jeep Gladiator Winner
Partnership and Preparation: Building the Dream Jeep Last year, we partnered up with Appalachian State University to build and give away a Jeep Gladiator Rubicon. The giveaway was a huge success, and we are thrilled that a lucky winner got to take home such an awesome Jeep. The collaboration with App State was a perfect blend of community spirit and ruggedness, resulting in a vehicle that truly stands out. The announcement at Kidd Brewer Stadium during halftime, paired with roaring applause and the Jeep being driven onto the field, was an unforgettable moment for our team and everyone present. The energy and excitement made it a highlight event of the year for both our company and the university. The Big Reveal: A Moment to Remember During the halftime of the highly anticipated game against Appalachian State's rival, Georgia Southern, the Jeep Gladiator Rubicon was driven onto the field at Kidd Brewer Stadium. The crowd's cheers grew louder as the excitement built. Representatives from both our team and Appalachian State University watched proudly as the winner, who had purchased just one ticket, was announced. This reveal during the rivalry game highlighted the impressive vehicle and the successful partnership that made the giveaway possible, making it a memorable moment for everyone involved. Engineering Excellence: The Jeep Gladiator Rubicon Build The prize, a 2023 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon, was a true testament to the dedication and expertise our team put into the build. This wasn't just any Jeep; it was a customized vehicle designed to stand out and perform exceptionally. The vehicle featured: AEV 2.5" DualSport RT Suspension Lift AEV Bilstein Steering Stabilizer Maximus-3 XLP Hoop General Grabber A/TX 37x12.50r17 Fuel Off-Road D627 Vandal Gloss Blk Mil Custom Embroidered Alea Verona Leather Interior Go Rhino Dominator DSS Rock Sliders KC Flex Era 4 - Combo Beam Custom Appalachian State-Inspired Livery A Heartfelt Reaction: Winner’s Joy Wendy Wilt knew she was the winner before the big game, but the surprise of seeing the Jeep Gladiator Rubicon was a moment she would never forget. As she was leaving work, Wendy was greeted with an incredible sight – the Jeep waiting for her outside. She could hardly believe her eyes. The look of disbelief and joy on her face captured the essence of the giveaway’s impact. Her excitement was shared with her colleagues, friends, and family, who gathered around to celebrate the moment with her. Representatives from both our team and Appalachian State University were present, sharing in the joy and reinforcing the strong bonds of community and partnership. Wendy's reaction highlighted the personal impact of the giveaway and the joy it brought not just to her, but to everyone involved. Looking Forward: Future Opportunities Building on the success of last year's giveaway, we are thrilled to announce that we are partnering with Appalachian State University once again for another exciting giveaway. This year’s prize is a 2024 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, a vehicle that promises to be as impressive and sought after as last year’s Gladiator. The rules for this year’s giveaway remain the same: there are 4,000 tickets available, each costing $100, and there is no limit to how many tickets each person may purchase. This structure ensures that everyone has a fair chance to win while also supporting a great cause. The funds raised will continue to support community initiatives and projects, fostering a spirit of giving and community support. We are eagerly looking forward to the same level of enthusiasm and participation from the community that made last year’s event such a remarkable success. This year's giveaway not only provides another chance to win an extraordinary vehicle but also strengthens the bonds between our company, Appalachian State University, and the community. Stay tuned for more details and get ready to participate in what promises to be another unforgettable event!
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