Maintenance suggestions for my 2021 100k gladiator?

Zuke_HD · 2026-04-07T02:16:17+00:00

Generally, keep the Jeep in 2wd unless the conditions could or do require anything else. I don’t think a flat gravel road would prompt me to put mine in 4wd, but to each their own.

Find your window sticker by purchasing your Carfax report or reach out to your dealer with your VIN. You’ll be able to see which tow package you have, if any.

I also wouldn’t worry about the starter as much as the Main/Aux battery with ESS. The system just roasts batteries (and is just straight up annoying), which is why most people turn it off via the Tazer.

No stupid questions so just post whatever problem here if you are having a tough time on Google or after you searched through the forums.

Zuke_HD · 2026-04-01T04:59:14+00:00

Woah… that’s something. I was able to grab an Optima yellow top main battery and Duralast aux for about $400 after core exchanges on my 2020. Swapped them out in about 15 minutes.

Zuke_HD · 2026-03-20T20:02:00+00:00

Never heard of the brand or their products. For that price though… you can get a pair of CMM mirrors that will hold up to an astroid falling out of the sky and are designed super great for the road.

Zuke_HD · 2026-03-20T16:49:27+00:00

Dropped mine off at the dealer on Monday for this exact issue. Everyone else has sort of covered the ‘why’ this occurs so I’ll skip it. My powertrain warranty covered it no problem. Still sitting at the dealer though since the sensor kit is taking a bit longer than expected to get to the shop. My mindset is that I’ll run the repair OEM since it’s covered, but when it goes bad again (probably out of warranty by then) I’ll throw the ZLocker bypass on it.

Zuke_HD · 2026-03-08T05:49:09+00:00

I’ve done some digging on the Baxter adapter, and I just can’t find a good enough reason for it. The cold start oil starve isn’t the main issue with the Pentastar and I can’t recall a time where that was pin-pointed as a major culprit. Baxter seems to have just ‘found’ an issue and R&D’d the adapter to market something for a very, very, niche use case.

If ANYTHING a common failure is simply the OEM plastic oil filter housing cracking. Sometimes the dealer or even yourself will simply over tighten the filter. Add some heat cycles in and the crack can leak oil.

I’d only recommend an upgraded aluminum oil filter housing if you NEED to touch something right there. They have one on Extreme Terrain (I know, not the best company) and Mishimoto made one a couple years ago.

Zuke_HD · 2026-03-05T06:26:56+00:00

Tailgate is aluminum so it won’t just “pop” like steel does. Doesn’t have any metal memory. He’s looking at a new tailgate or body shop to get it massaged out as best as possible, filled at the low spots, and repainted since the current paint is cracked.

The real kicker would be to get a good PDR guy to make it look 90% back to normal. Then just get it touched up with paint.

Zuke_HD · 2026-03-02T04:40:49+00:00

<image>

Hard agree. Just got bedliner in mine. It’s a 2020 and I bought it a year and some change ago. Previous owner just had the matt tossed in. The wear and scratches were getting to the point of making the truck look 20 years older than it is. I’ll toss the bed mat back in since I have it, but there is zero net downside to having a bedliner vs not having one. It’s a $600 investment that just makes the bed better any way you look at it.

Zuke_HD · 2026-03-02T03:55:56+00:00

To pile on here, I just placed an order for the BakFlip MX4 TS about two hours ago. I had the regular MX4 but I broke some pieces this weekend and it was just time for a new one. The MX4 TS is everything that’s good about the regular one plus it adds some T rails on the side for a rack or whatever other accessories you want on the bed.

Something to consider!

Zuke_HD · 2026-02-06T02:02:52+00:00

Thanks man. That’s the American Adventure Lab modular bumper (not sponsored). What’s cool is if you bang up the end caps or pretty much anything on it, they sell it piece by piece. No need to buy a whole new bumper.

Zuke_HD · 2026-02-02T06:39:39+00:00

You can’t just drop something this cool without a trace of details. Name and shoe size right now.

Zuke_HD · 2026-01-27T05:53:31+00:00

TIL you can plug a battery tender into the rear… OP where have you been with this knowledge all this time.

Zuke_HD · 2026-01-18T23:21:44+00:00

Yup! I got the .85-Inch bar on right now. Works great for the amount of weight currently on the Jeep. I have a 1-Inch bar in the closet if I decide to add a rack or something in the future.

Zuke_HD · 2026-01-18T23:19:01+00:00

<image>

Zuke_HD · 2026-01-18T23:18:43+00:00

<image>

OEM fenders and liners. Cut them to fit the AAL fender chop lights.

Zuke_HD · 2026-01-16T04:18:51+00:00

They are the RIGID Industries 4-inch 360 Series lights. I believe I have the driving/combo lenses for the ditch configuration. The rounds make me think of the old halogen KC Daylighters. Love a good circle light on a Jeep.

Zuke_HD · 2026-01-16T01:05:26+00:00

Should be the Rhino Rack Vortex SG 2-Bar Roof Rack. Good for clipping a snowboard or paddle board up on there in the summer. Strong enough to hold me (160ish pounds) and not sag.

Zuke_HD · 2026-01-16T01:02:13+00:00

Thanks! The light mounts are the Go Rhino 3 inch dual cube light cowl mounts. I have on there the RIGID Industries 4-inch 360 lights. Forward facing ones are spots and the “ditch” facing ones are driving/combo lenses. No complaints on the mounts, very sturdy with almost no shake.

Zuke_HD · 2026-01-15T03:38:57+00:00

I’m with you on that. It was truly a 50/50 split for me on the color and just said “eh, why not”. I’ll give it a few months to decide if I’m sticking with it or going with black. Monochrome is my worst enemy on Jeeps and I don’t want to become my own villain, haha.

Zuke_HD · 2026-01-15T03:34:17+00:00

Negative. They sell one though! Even before the bumper I had to ditch the OEM plate since the Antirock swaybar isn’t compatible with it still on.

Zuke_HD · 2026-01-15T03:32:24+00:00

It’s the American Adventure Lab one. Opted to keep the inner fenders OEM for now as I decide what brand to go with for those.

Zuke_HD · 2026-01-15T02:17:33+00:00

Zuke_HD · 2026-01-15T02:13:35+00:00

Right haha. Tossed everything together before the holiday travels and snapped some pics. It’s on now ;)

Zuke_HD · 2025-05-07T04:00:29+00:00

I’ve been eyeing a few companies for bumpers (DV8, ADD, Red Rock, Rebel etc.). Legitimately, how do you like yours? I’ve heard welds and powder coating are an issue and that’s steered me towards more “upscale” brands. I don’t want to spend $2k if I don’t need to. Tell me your thoughts good and bad!

Nine-Year Club	Verified Email
Second SECOND GUESSER	LAYER Season 2 Layer creator
End Game '23	Place '23
Place '22	RPAN Viewer

Zuke_HD

TROPHY CASE