We took a stock Jeep Gladiator JT and built it into a capable overland rig with a Rough Country 3.5-inch lift on Vertex 8-stage adjustable reservoir shocks, a dual steering stabilizer and high-steer kit to kill death wobble, and larger wheels and tires. More clearance, a smoother ride, and no wandering at speed.
This Gladiator came through Juggernaut USA in Wheat Ridge (Denver), CO as a grocery-getter and left as a trail truck. The owner wanted more ground clearance and room for bigger tires without giving up on-road ride quality — and once you add tire to a Jeep, you have to address the steering, or you invite death wobble. We handled the whole package: lift, shocks, steering, and wheels/tires.
| Detail | Spec |
|---|---|
| Vehicle | Jeep Gladiator JT |
| Lift | Rough Country 3.5-inch lift kit |
| Shocks | Rough Country Vertex reservoir shocks, 8-stage adjustable damping, front & rear |
| Steering | Rough Country N3 dual steering stabilizer + high-steer kit |
| Wheels | Kansei wheels |
| Tires | BFGoodrich All-Terrain KO2, sized up |
The lift: Rough Country 3.5-inch on Vertex reservoir shocks
The 3.5-inch lift is the clearance and tire-room half of the build. What makes it ride well is the shock: Rough Country's Vertex reservoir shocks have 8-stage adjustable damping, so the ride can be dialed firm for loaded highway miles or softer for the trail. Reservoir shocks also carry more oil, which resists fade on long, rough, washboard roads — the kind of thing a Gladiator actually sees.
Killing death wobble: steering done right
This is the step people skip, and it is why lifted Jeeps get a bad reputation. Bigger tires and a lift change the steering geometry and can trigger death wobble — a violent shake through the steering wheel at speed. We installed the Rough Country N3 dual steering stabilizer to damp it out, plus a high-steer kit to correct the geometry and add durability. The result is a lifted Gladiator that tracks straight and steers tight, not one that fights you on the highway.
Wheels and tires
The truck rides on Kansei wheels wrapped in BFGoodrich All-Terrain KO2s — the go-to all-terrain for a reason. They put down real traction on dirt and snow while staying quiet and predictable on pavement, and the larger size fills out the fenders the lift opened up. It is the look and the capability people build a Gladiator for.
The result
Stock to trail-ready in one build: more clearance, a bigger footprint, an adjustable ride that works loaded or empty, and steering that stays planted at speed. That last part is what separates a Jeep that is fun to drive from one that is nervous — and it is why the steering work matters as much as the lift.
Common questions on this build
What causes death wobble on a lifted Jeep?
Bigger tires and a lift change the front steering and suspension geometry. Worn or under-damped components then let a small bump start a self-feeding shake. A quality steering stabilizer plus correct geometry (a high-steer kit here) is the fix.
Do I need adjustable shocks?
You do not need them, but they are worth it. The Vertex 8-stage adjustment lets you firm up for towing or highway and soften for the trail, instead of living with one compromise setting.
Can you build my Gladiator or Wrangler?
Yes. Lifts, steering, driveline, wheels and tires — we build Jeeps in-house. Bring us yours and what you want out of it.
Book the same work
We build Jeeps in-house at our Wheat Ridge shop north of Denver — lifts, steering, driveline, wheels and tires. We serve Denver, Wheat Ridge, Golden, Arvada, Lakewood, and the Front Range. Call (970) 341-4221 to talk through your build, or see our install services and suspension and lift installation. More from the bay: our Jeep Wrangler 392 MetalCloak build.
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