WELCOME TO RIVER DAVES PLACE

Going big w/ the Accessorie House!

EL PROPO

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So a few months back I decided to pull the trigger on a Jeep Gladiator Rubicon. I have wanted one since they came out in 2020! With the help of my friend, the gladiator was found and it was a match. White in color and sporting the red rubicon trim package with all the options, Nav ,led lighting , cold weather group , painted fenders and leather , etc.

So as the last few months have gone by I was slowly gathering goodies here and there lol , told the wife it needed “maintenance “ lol .

This truck is equipped with a camping shell …. But not an ordinary fiberglass shell. This is an RLD designs from South Africa it is retailed around 4500 bucks and is all stainless steel and powder coated to match. These shells claim to have the highest load rating so attaching a roof rack or tent or both will be no problem .

Next The gladiator was due for a butt lift. A rear high clearance bumper from dv8 was installed. The Install took about 1.5 hrs and a few Coors lights . I went on fairly easy and it accepted the rear park sensors which was a huge plus.

Next we bought a few trinkets red grill insert and some storage boxes and a buddy surprised me with a rough country cooler/ refrigerator . River Dave has seen it in action I am impressed with it battery power, solar, or plug in ability’s . This is mounted to a decked tool box system mounted to the bed floor.

Next I worked my way up front and installed a stubby fab fours front bumper 3/16th Steel with winch mount and fog lights. This took about 2 hours and some more beers lol . But the end result imo is an aggressive yet functional look. After the bumper install I finished it off with a Fab Four skid plate and a rough country 9500 lbs winch. So far so good loving the look and the winch works great from the tests I have done in the drive way.

Some of you may be wondering why I chose to do accessories first or bumpers or trinkets. Well to be honest supplier chain shortages took a toll on this build. I ordered a new wheel design from TIS offroad with a patented bead lip and waited over 3 months for a full set as I was only able to get my hands on 2 and needed 5 . As I waited till august when I was told July I was over waiting and with the help of a friend in bullhead Robert Ensly help sent the rod back and get me outfitted with 17inch KMC Beadlocks. And recommended the cooler discovery stt m/t 40/13.50/r17 tires.

Now the fun begins!

I got the tires mounted, sealed and balanced. Now my friend of many years the hero of this story comes in clutch at the 13hr. Steve Chubbuck owner of The Accessorie House in Montclair Ca. Provides everything from bed covers, wheels, tires, lifts to full builds.

I called and said I’m ready to go what are we doing? With the guidance of Steve and one of his knowledgeable associates Jason, we settled on the 4.5” evo mfg stage 4 overland enforce Hd kit. Upon asking when I can get an appointment, he said give me a few days we will make it happen.

So then comes the next hurdle I never planned to go insane with a jeep build , if you are familiar with jeeps it means “ just empty every pocket” I just wanted something functional that I could go trailing with and and hit some rocks if i choose to and mall crawl in style . So I was originally going to try the rough country shocks. Steve advised I go with falcons as they were a better option and more suited for what I wanted to do. But things don’t always go as planned. Falcons are not available now.


When you work with reputable businesses like The Accessorie house and the people who make it all go round , you sometimes get lucky . When I say lucky I mean it! I honelsty can’t say enough how excited I am for this build now! I get a phone call from the owner steve and he says I got some good….. I went head and got you the King Shocks 2.5” with reservoirs. WOW!!!!!!! I am floored kings are months if not a year out , I have asked may friends in the industry. The Accessorie House , Steve , and ,Jason made it happen!

So a week later her I am in the shop ready to help where I can and get this Jeep gladiator ready for the mall , desert, and ,mountains. Stay tuned for more progress. https://www.ahmotorsports.com/
+19096215953

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2Driver

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Those RLD shells are bullet proof.

Maybe you are already after it, but you may want to do something with that 3-piece front axle FAD set up if you're taking that beast off pavement…lol or bring a tow rope and a friend.
Good news I understand, Dana has a replacement to get rid of the FAD set up. Since you’ve already voided most your power train warranty, I would consider it cheap insurance. I’m doing mine at some point.
 
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EL PROPO

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Those RLD shells are bullet proof.

Maybe you are already after it, but you may want to do something with that 3-piece front axle FAD set up if you're taking that beast off pavement…lol or bring a tow rope and a friend.
Good news I understand, Dana has a replacement to get rid of the FAD set up. Since you’ve already voided most your power train warranty, I would consider it cheap insurance. I’m doing mine at some point.
I’ll look into this ! If anything maybe Dana 60 swap later hahah
 

EL PROPO

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So day 2 !

Had a slight hiccup and the rear lift springs from EVO mfg were lost in transit ( thanks UPS) so I made a mad dash to Carson to get replacement parts, fast forward.. 2 hours of southern Cali traffic down to Carson I made it and grab the parts and the boys there were great and hooked me up with some swag!
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Now back at the shop things were progressing. We moved on and jumped around to do other tasks while I was out running for parts.

So I must say I have built many things and done fab / machining / lowered things etc but I have never set up upper and lower short arms on a straight axle jeep. Super interesting to see how we preset all the lengths and mounted the arms and secured the drag link and steering. I must say the Accessory house had some great home made engineered axle cradle stands that are hydraulic which made holding the Dana 44s in place a breeze. Believe it or not there is a sequence to installing parts on this kit . Here is a hint , Springs go in last!
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Now that the arms are installed and aligned , we moved on to spring install. With the help of a snap on pry bar, Bam 💥 we were in the perch . Now time for the goodies. The break lines were replaced with the new longer version. Now we are able to add the jewelry. KING SHOCKS ! Installing the 2.5” reservoir shocks was a breeze and check out the awesome black finned heat sinks on the resi canisters . Once the shocks were secured we bounced to the rear and installed the track bar and mount . From there we got our caster measurement and checked our alignments all in the green . These will all be checked on ground at later time again. Lastly we went full droop and checked all our clearances and break lines . Secured what needed to be secure and we are ready for break bleed and wheels & tires to be mounted .
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Now it was late but around 7 and the guys were determined to get it on the ground for me.

WELLLLL…… It’s Effing amazing ! It sits perfect! I could not be any more pleased with the direction this build is going and with all the solid advice from everyone involved in this build. Here’s a few pics from the shop and a gas station pic . Yes the truck is filthy I drove it from havasu monday night. More pics to come and day 3 we are having new gears installed and programmer set. Stay tuned!

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pixrthis

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Steve is a great guy and does great work. Your Jeep turned out bitchen.
 

CLdrinker

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Dam that thing looks bad ass.

I am curious how long your axles live with those 40’s.

Wife’s cousin has bent a couple axles with only 37’s
 

Singleton

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Dam that thing looks bad ass.

I am curious how long your axles live with those 40’s.

Wife’s cousin has bent a couple axles with only 37’s

Everyone I know running 37’s or higher have bent 44’s.
Dana 60’s or trusses on the 44.
 

Sherpa

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your jeep looks nice........ me personally I'd get really tired looking over that hi lift on the hood though.
 

ka0tyk

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not a jeep guy...


but i smiled when i scrolled and saw that huge tire setup.
 

WhatExit?

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Like it a lot. Jeeps can be customized so many different ways.

Like the look of the 40's but they're gonna lead to more (a lot) $$$ if/when you go wheeling. Seems like $$$ isn't an issue so Just Empty Every Pocket. I'll guess you'll be running 5.13 gears (I've got 4.88s in mine with the 37" tires).

As for the Hi-Lift jack (on the hood!), that's well, I'll guess you're likely carrying it for the look. Hard to imagine you being able to use it on your Gladiator and if you do be super careful they can bite you any number of ways.

Look forward to your wheeling pics.
 

FROGMAN524

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Looks good but if you wheel it hard you're going to need some beefier axles for those 40's

 
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EL PROPO

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Dam that thing looks bad ass.

I am curious how long your axles live with those 40’s.

Wife’s cousin has bent a couple axles with only 37’s
Some friends have had no problems . We will see. All how you treat it I believe.
 

EL PROPO

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Like it a lot. Jeeps can be customized so many different ways.

Like the look of the 40's but they're gonna lead to more (a lot) $$$ if/when you go wheeling. Seems like $$$ isn't an issue so Just Empty Every Pocket. I'll guess you'll be running 5.13 gears (I've got 4.88s in mine with the 37" tires).

As for the Hi-Lift jack (on the hood!), that's well, I'll guess you're likely carrying it for the look. Hard to imagine you being able to use it on your Gladiator and if you do be super careful they can bite you any number of ways.

Look forward to your wheeling pics.

Yes jeep lol “just empty every pocket “ haha . As for the high lift it was for functional use when the truck wasn’t lifted it would be great choice and the Fab Four bumper actual has a cut out location for the hi lift to seat into the bumper to lift securely. I might order an xl high lift and move mount to the side of drivers front fender. But for now the mall better watch out cause it still lookin sharp hah!
 

EL PROPO

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Looks good but if you wheel it hard you're going to need some beefier axles for those 40's

60s will be awesome . Maybe one day I’ll check in and tell the wife it needs more maintenance 🔧 hahaha
 

Cole Trickle

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Everyone I know running 37’s or higher have bent 44’s.
Dana 60’s or trusses on the 44.
JT's have stronger axels than jl's. Tubes are thicker they have metal c's and stronger cv axle shafts as well as better brakes.

For moderate off-roading I would still do a front truss but it should live for a while. If the plan is to beat on it its gonna have issues.

5:13's + for sure when gearing.
 

v6toy4x

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As mentioned 40s need back up, especially if you are locked up in front them stub axles are going to be screaming. Short list- axle upgrades, re gear, hydro assist. But you hit it, just empty every pocket. Not bashing at all, a gladiator on 40s would be welcome in my driveway any day! Googling your shell as we speak! Building and breaking it can be half the fun, or at least make for some good campfire stories down the road after the sting wears off!

Mo pics, especially the inside tool tray you mentioned with refer
 

EL PROPO

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JT's have stronger axels than jl's. Tubes are thicker they have metal c's and stronger cv axle shafts as well as better brakes.

For moderate off-roading I would still do a front truss but it should live for a while. If the plan is to beat on it its gonna have issues.

5:13's + for sure when gearing.
Yes 5:13 for the win! I’m definitely going to look into the truss set up. I don’t plan on trying to bash this truck more for trail and overland adventures . I would do a long arm if I wanted a crawler and would have bought a cheaper model and swapped everything .
 

EL PROPO

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As mentioned 40s need back up, especially if you are locked up in front them stub axles are going to be screaming. Short list- axle upgrades, re gear, hydro assist. But you hit it, just empty every pocket. Not bashing at all, a gladiator on 40s would be welcome in my driveway any day! Googling your shell as we speak! Building and breaking it can be half the fun, or at least make for some good campfire stories down the road after the sting wears off!

Mo pics, especially the inside tool tray you mentioned with refer
The shell is cool . If you go on their Facebook they have shells over seas that are Mobil hunting blinds no roof on them and they have a bench etc really a cool product and built like a brick shit house! I’ll get some pics of the inside soon . I’m working on some Molle panels for inside for tools and guns etc
 

EL PROPO

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Sliders look great. What brand? How hard to install.
Those are go rhino running boards . I went with that option due to the amount of rocks the stock tires were throwing up when driving in havasu . Now I can hear them banging off the underside of boards and not my fenders. A great 500 dollar investment .
 

81Sprint

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Really nice build, wheel and tire combo is killer! Did the shop flex it out?
 

beaverretriever

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Awesome! That shell is so cool! Great build. I couldn't imagine buying our new Mojave and changing out the Fox stuff it came with. I have been so pleased with the way it rides. We have done hundreds and hundreds of miles of fast dirt roads and it rides like a Caddy.

Ours looks so weak with only 35s but we are seeing 17mpg!

Congrats on the awesome ride.

My boring one.
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2Driver

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A built Jeep is still less money then RD’s Speed car asking price :)
I might not finish first, but when I show up in my Jeep, I am dust free (heater or AC blowing) and usually have fixed at least one SXS on the ride :)

I have had a number of both. I figured the run out after it’s all done is around $6+ a mile on a SXS…lol assuming you don’t send it or put it on its lid.
 

2Driver

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Awesome! That shell is so cool! Great build. I couldn't imagine buying our new Mojave and changing out the Fox stuff it came with. I have been so pleased with the way it rides. We have done hundreds and hundreds of miles of fast dirt roads and it rides like a Caddy.

Ours looks so weak with only 35s but we are seeing 17mpg!

Congrats on the awesome ride.

My boring one.
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Here’s my yawner on 34s. I like the set up and it goes everywhere I want to go. 49k OTD plus the lift and shell, I’m not complaining.

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EL PROPO

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A built Jeep is still less money then RD’s Speed car asking price :)
I might not finish first, but when I show up in my Jeep, I am dust free (heater or AC blowing) and usually have fixed at least one SXS on the ride :)
I’m not gunna lie I have El Diablo on order too hahaha #86
 

EL PROPO

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Awesome! That shell is so cool! Great build. I couldn't imagine buying our new Mojave and changing out the Fox stuff it came with. I have been so pleased with the way it rides. We have done hundreds and hundreds of miles of fast dirt roads and it rides like a Caddy.

Ours looks so weak with only 35s but we are seeing 17mpg!

Congrats on the awesome ride.

My boring one.
View attachment 1157094
love that blue color. I agree the fox suspension was nice , I just noticed it was a bit soft for me when I had all the gear in it . It would sag a bit. I will say on the 40s tho and kings this thing can take a corner and it doesn’t even feel upset. Also I wish this thing stock got anywhere close to that mpg in town I am averaging 11 ish and I don’t drive like a race car lol
 
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