JT Gladiator - Opinions?

YJay90 · 02-08-2024, 08:52 PM

Looking to get back in to a "Jeep". What can you tell me about the reliability of the Stellantis/Chrysler JT? Specifically with the NA 3.6L V6 and manual (6spd. I think) gearbox? Looking for a base model with the wide track D44s.

Please educate me.

This will be a DD and driven on jobsites that will need 4wd + aggressive tread AT or MT tires. I occasionally tow a small single axle pop-up camper and a small single axle utility trailer (both < 3,100 lb. GVW).

Last Jeep I had was a mild 2.5L 5 spd. '90 YJ with a 3" spring lift and 33s. Since then I've been driving an '08 F150 on 33s with the gutless but trusty 4.6L. Now that I'm at 200k+ miles I need to start looking for a replacement. I'd love a JL or JLU, but have come to rely on a pick-up bed.

I've seen you guys say that the JT manuals were ok, but the JL manuals suck. How so?

Long post. Sorry.

6DoF · 02-09-2024, 11:22 AM

i'm buddies with a Stellantis calibrations expert, gearhead, off roader, great engineer. they recently had him re-calibrated the manual JT. i guess the original dude actually didn't like manual vehicles and it made for a LOT of complaints. Joe made some significant changes and the mid pandemic and newer stuff should be a lot different/better. any JT can get the new cal though.

i rented an overland for 2 weeks once for work, was really nice around town. on the highway though, after 7h, it actually made me sea-sick from the extra motion ... Sean can fix ya up with the fix for that. i guess the Mojave doesn't do that wobbly junk factory too.

wrath · 02-09-2024, 09:58 PM

Tesla Model 3s, JTs, Power Wagons, and Silverados are stacked up at my work like cordwood. The first manual JTs and some of the JLs were really irritating to drive, especially at traffic lights. The first JTs also had a ton of rattles inside. Reminded me of a Chevy Cobalt or Dodge Caliber.

Anyway, I feel like the base JTs handle poorly like the new Maverick does even though the cal makes it way more tolerable to drive.

Last I heard Joe switched roles but it's been a few months since I saw him last at the township hall.

6DoF · 02-12-2024, 07:18 AM

yeah, i think the JT manual un-fukk was one of the last if not the last before moving.

xj_man_646 · 02-15-2024, 10:08 AM

Ahh, Hornicator.

02-08-2024, 08:52 PM	#1
YJay90 AKA: "Bob" Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: NJ Posts: 1,429	JT Gladiator - Opinions? Looking to get back in to a "Jeep". What can you tell me about the reliability of the Stellantis/Chrysler JT? Specifically with the NA 3.6L V6 and manual (6spd. I think) gearbox? Looking for a base model with the wide track D44s. Please educate me. This will be a DD and driven on jobsites that will need 4wd + aggressive tread AT or MT tires. I occasionally tow a small single axle pop-up camper and a small single axle utility trailer (both < 3,100 lb. GVW). Last Jeep I had was a mild 2.5L 5 spd. '90 YJ with a 3" spring lift and 33s. Since then I've been driving an '08 F150 on 33s with the gutless but trusty 4.6L. Now that I'm at 200k+ miles I need to start looking for a replacement. I'd love a JL or JLU, but have come to rely on a pick-up bed. I've seen you guys say that the JT manuals were ok, but the JL manuals suck. How so? Long post. Sorry.

02-09-2024, 11:22 AM	#2
6DoF AKA: jeepnski Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 16,886	i'm buddies with a Stellantis calibrations expert, gearhead, off roader, great engineer. they recently had him re-calibrated the manual JT. i guess the original dude actually didn't like manual vehicles and it made for a LOT of complaints. Joe made some significant changes and the mid pandemic and newer stuff should be a lot different/better. any JT can get the new cal though. i rented an overland for 2 weeks once for work, was really nice around town. on the highway though, after 7h, it actually made me sea-sick from the extra motion ... Sean can fix ya up with the fix for that. i guess the Mojave doesn't do that wobbly junk factory too. __________________ ...................................___ .................. ________\|\|___\____ ..;.;;.:;:;.,;..;\|/_(O)\______ /_(O)\|

02-12-2024, 07:18 AM	#4
6DoF AKA: jeepnski Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 16,886	yeah, i think the JT manual un-fukk was one of the last if not the last before moving. __________________ ...................................___ .................. ________\|\|___\____ ..;.;;.:;:;.,;..;\|/_(O)\______ /_(O)\|

02-15-2024, 10:08 AM	#5
xj_man_646 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: MN Posts: 27,750	Ahh, Hornicator. __________________ - James I like diesels

02-09-2024, 09:58 PM	#3
wrath Jeeper wannabe Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 3,069	Tesla Model 3s, JTs, Power Wagons, and Silverados are stacked up at my work like cordwood. The first manual JTs and some of the JLs were really irritating to drive, especially at traffic lights. The first JTs also had a ton of rattles inside. Reminded me of a Chevy Cobalt or Dodge Caliber. Anyway, I feel like the base JTs handle poorly like the new Maverick does even though the cal makes it way more tolerable to drive. Last I heard Joe switched roles but it's been a few months since I saw him last at the township hall.