Upon the release of the new Jeep Gladiator JT, enthusiasts were thrilled to see the comeback of the Gladiator name. Being one of Jeep’s original trucks from the early ‘60s, the Gladiator pioneered the truck production from Jeep, even after the FC and J-Series trucks released before. Jeep always had a truck in production for the owners that wanted the standard American ranch truck.
After the new Gladiator was released, enthusiasts went wild with modifications. To no surprise, owners began experimenting with JL front ends on the new Gladiator. Owners quickly realized that the Wrangler JL and Gladiator JT share the same front end from the strut towers forward. This lead to a world of grille and bumper options for the JT Gladiator.
#1 DV8 Offroad Replacement Grille
After finding huge success in the off-road industry, DV8 had finally developed an aftermarket grille for the Wrangler JL. Being that the Wrangler and Gladiator share the same front end, a JL grille will flawlessly fit in the place on the Gladiator front end. The aggressive tone given off from this component is due to the “angry eyes” design.
The aggressive design completely transforms the front end of the Gladiator giving it more presence. Wider slats across the front end provide a significant increase in cooling capabilities as there is higher airflow traveling through the grille. This can be of massive benefit for those who truly off-road their Jeep as it permits more airflow at lower speeds.
Utilizing a rugged ABS plastic construction, the DV8 grille offers precision fitment along with unmatched quality. Providing additional cooling benefits makes this grille ideal for owners that are looking to spice up their vehicle without spending an arm and a leg.
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#2 Oracle Lighting VECTOR Series Full LED Grille Kit
For owners that want to stand out from the rest, being that angry eye grilles are so popular, the Oracle VECTOR grille is the perfect solution. Featuring full LEDs in the headlights and running lights, the VECTOR grille offers the classic Jeep slat style while incorporating dual projected headlights. The Oracle VECTOR grille is the first of its kind to include full LEDs with high and low beams.
Bright LED technology is far more efficient than standard halogen bulbs which come from the factory. Being able to see further down the road or trail is vital to a safe driving experience and can also better help the visibility of road signs or any dangers ahead. The sleek styling pairs well with the front of the Gladiator giving off a rugged look with a touch of modern styling and technology.
The polycarbonate construction provides immense strength eliminating the chance of cracking or warping over time. An impact-rated shell allows road debris to hit the grille without sustaining damage. The low beam function offers 4,000 total lumens with an additional 1,600 upon triggering the high beams.
Being that Oracle is a lighting company, the LEDs provided are specifically engineered for those who want the most illumination at night. The LED output is projected in a way that will not blind oncoming traffic but provide optimal visibility during any night activities. The lower fog lights offer an additional 1,600 lumens which are ideal for dust, fog, or smoke as they yield less glare than lights mounted higher.
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#3 Addictive Desert Designs Stealth Fighter Bumper/ Grille Guard
Addictive Desert Designs Stealth Fighter Bumper protects the grille from any front end collisions. The bar that extends over the top of the bumper offers immense strength, protection, and also a mounting point for a winch. Having a winch attached to the vehicle can save you or a friend in numerous ways.
Every off-roading enthusiast will tell you that the probability of getting stuck at one point is very high. Conditions are not always ideal for breezing right through a trail or path. The Addictive Desert Design Stealth Fighter front bumper not only protects the front end but also gives owners the ability to pull themselves out of a sticky situation.
The aggressive design and functionality of the Addictive Desert Designs front bumper are unparalleled. Offering utility and function are what make this bumper the best solution for owners that want ultimate protection. The sturdy construction reduces the chances of the core support or frame getting damaged in the event of a front end collision.
High-quality steel construction offers a rugged mounting for a winch, as well as, an ideal location to mount a light bar. Having a lower mounted light bar reduces glare from blowing dust or fog. For ultimate utility, two front reinforced clevis mounts were included to accept a 3/4″ D-Ring which can save the day.
Buy Your Addictive Desert Designs Stealth Fighter Front Bumper Here!
Whether it is to protect the grille or replace it altogether, these are some of the best solutions. Each option will give your JT Gladiator a whole new presence with each one having functional benefits to the utility of your Jeep. When it comes to the similarities of the JL Wrangler and JT Gladiator, the option to install Wrangler parts offers immense ease of access to parts that are already available to the market.
Function and form are a huge factor for off-road vehicles and the Jeep Gladiator is no exception. Upgrading the front end not only improves aesthetics but also provides unique benefits to assist on the trails. Each grille has a significant improvement in performance while also beefing up the overall looks of the truck.
#4 Bestop HighRock Front Bumper
One of the best ways to protect the grille on your Gladiator is to install a front bumper. The factory bumper is susceptible to crumbling in the event of a front end collision. Since the front bumper acts as a part of the crumple zone in the chassis, it serves no protection to the grille, AC condenser, and radiator. If a front end collision were to occur, all of these components would be damaged.
When off-roading, the vehicle is rendered useless if the radiator is damaged. The Bestop HighRock front bumper is the perfect solution to combat damage to the grille or vital components. Another major issue owners have is clearing larger wheels and tires. The factory bumper can hardly clear 35″ tires without modification and in some cases require trimming.
By installing the Bestop HighRock front bumper, owners are able to fit larger wheel and tire setups to further assist in off-roading without having to worry about rubbing the factory bumper. Another feature of the HighRock bumper from Bestop is the high-clearance design. This allows for steep approach angles without risking damage to the low hanging factory bumper.
Being that most owners want to avoid cutting their vehicle for aftermarket parts, Bestop developed the HighRock bumper to be a factory mounting solution. Winch mounts are incorporated into the design of the bumper allowing owners to add one later down the road or right away. Optional D-rings are sold separately that provide extra anchoring for recovery jobs or simply putting stumps out of the ground.