The Ultimate DIY Guide: Building a Gladiator EcoDiesel Overlanding Rig
Updated: Aug 28
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TL;DR / Quick Summary
Purpose-Built Balance: A 3.5-year DIY build transforming a 2022 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon EcoDiesel into a reliable daily driver, rock crawler, and high-mountain overlanding rig.
Key Upgrades: Outfitted with a 2-inch diesel-rated Mopar/Bilstein lift, Mickey Thompson 35" "pizza cutter" tires, Spicer diff covers, and a full-width Warn Elite bumper with a 10k winch.
Towing & Utility: Optimized to effortlessly tow an Xventure XV-3 trailer using the EcoDiesel's low-end torque, paired with practical additions like a Mopar brake controller and Truxedo tonneau cover.
Real-World Philosophy: Practical advice focusing on function, budget-conscious decisions, and suspension fixes over flashy show-truck mods.
What You Will Learn In This Post
Building an overland rig that also serves as a comfortable, dependable daily driver requires a careful balance of power, protection, and practicality. In this guide, you will discover the core philosophy behind building a purpose-built 2022 Gladiator Rubicon EcoDiesel, including why the low-end torque and fuel range of the 3.0L diesel make it the ultimate platform for high-elevation trail runs and long-distance towing.
We will break down the essential hardware upgrades installed over a three-and-a-half-year journey. You will explore critical suspension modifications designed to handle extra front-end engine weight, the trail benefits of narrow 35-inch "pizza cutter" tires, vital underbody and front-end armor, and the specific fixes used to eliminate Death Wobble for good highway manners.
Finally, you will get a complete, itemized checklist of every mod added to the truck—ranging from trailer brake controllers and winch safety disconnects to daily-driver convenience upgrades. Whether you are prepping for the rocky passes of Ouray or just want a dependable truck for weekend adventures, this post provides practical DIY takeaways to help you build smart and avoid costly mistakes.
The Philosophy of the Purpose-Built Rig
Before we dive into the nuts and bolts, let’s talk philosophy. I generally see two types of Jeep builders: Guys with unlimited budgets building show ponies, and DIY weekend warriors like us, focusing on a true 'purpose-built' daily driver/off-road rig. Whatever kind of rig you’re building—mall crawler, rock crawler, or overlander—the Rubicon trim is a great platform to start with, as it comes stock with lockers, sway bar disconnect, and more, putting you way ahead. As a seasoned DIY mechanic, I know that even the best vision will evolve during the build process. That's the beauty of a customizable vehicle; it grows with us as we become more adventurous. Jump To The Complete List of Mods I have installed on this Gladiator.
Death Wobble? Our Gladiator shaking like a 7.0 earthquake when we hit bumps. I used the "Nuclear Option" to fix it. Check out the playlist link below and you can see the step-by-step process I used to cure it and upgrade my Jeeps supension
A Long Time & Lots of Money to Take This Gladiator From Daily Driver To Trail Ready
Welcome to Muddy Ruttzz. I’m done building this Gladiator. It took 3 1/2 years but I think I really found a combination of vehicle and parts that makes this 2022 Gladiator Rubicon Ecodiesel a great daily driver and a very capable off-road vehicle and overlanding rig. In this article I want to show you the parts I installed, tell you why I chose them.
Why the Gladiator EcoDiesel Overlanding Platform Works for Us
This Gladiator is actually my wife’s vehicle, which I bought after she commandeered my Wrangler Willys EcoDiesel (the story of the two Jeeps!). Jeeps other power plants tend to be underpowered when larger tires and accessories are added. That Is why I chose the 3.0 Liter Ecodiesel.
This particular build had to tick all the boxes: Rubicon, diesel motor, and the tow package. This specific Gladiator EcoDiesel Overlanding platform is the sweet spot because of the engine. The torque and fuel economy of the EcoDiesel are a game-changer for long trips from Las Cruces to Colorado, giving us confidence and less time at the pump. Full disclosure: I tow my Xventure XV-3 off-road trailer on most trips, but even without the trailer, this rig is designed to tackle high-mountain trails like those in Ouray.
The Ultimate Gladiator EcoDiesel Overlanding Build for High-Mountain Adventures
This particular build had to tick all the boxes: Rubicon, diesel motor, and the tow package. This specific Gladiator EcoDiesel Overlanding platform is the sweet spot because of the engine. The torque and fuel economy of the EcoDiesel are a game-changer for long trips from Las Cruces to Colorado, giving us confidence and less time at the pump. Full disclosure: I tow my Xventure XV-3 off-road trailer on most trips, but even without the trailer, this rig is designed to tackle high-mountain trails like those in Ouray.
Xventure Trailers are made in the USA by Schutt Industries and are built to Military Standards. Check their Website for more information of the most durable and versatile off-road trailer you can buy. Schutt Industries
Dana Spicer Performance Diff Cover
Hardware Deep Dive: The Mods That Matter
Photos above show a few of the parts that have been installed on the Gladiator and each has a link to the install video.
Optimal Ride Balance: Lift and Tires
The 3.0 Liter EcoDiesel adds 300 to 400 lbs of weight upfront. Combined with the heavy Warn bumper and winch, we were constantly hitting the bump stops. We needed a lift specifically rated for that extra nose weight. We chose the 2-inch Mopar/Bilstein kit. Sure, we could have gone higher, but this kit was the perfect compromise for the daily commute, towing, and maintaining factory safety standards and ride quality.
Upgrading to Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T Tires for Enhanced Off-Road Performance
The most noticeable upgrade was the rubber. We replaced loud, worn-out 35-inch Nitto Trail Grapplers with the Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T "Pizza Cutter" tires (255/85/R17). This narrow profile helps the tire footprint lengthen when aired down, giving us incredible grip in the loose rock around Ouray without needing huge, wide tires. It’s a dual-threat highway and off-road tire perfect for a daily driver/overlanding rig.
Essential Protection: Bumpers, Winch, and Armor
We prioritized off-road insurance with the Warn Elite Full Width Bumper and 10,000 lbs Zeon Winch. Made in the USA and airbag-compatible, this bumper offers stout protection and essential tow points. The winch, a sizable investment, is non-negotiable for solo recovery. Beneath the axles, we added Spicer Performance Diff Covers before heading to Ouray, providing excellent protection over the stock stamped-steel covers.
Life-Proofing the Build: Covers and Comfort
Since the Gladiator is my wife's daily driver, accessibility was key. The Mopar Rock Rails with a Step provide protection to the rocker panels while offering a slight step-up. The Truxedo Tonneau Cover adds convenience and security to the bed cargo. Finally, the BulletPoint Mounting Solutions on the dash allow quick mounting of essential electronics, like the phone and Garmin Navigator.
Life-Proofing the Build: Covers and Comfort
Since the Gladiator is my wife's daily driver, accessibility was key. The Mopar Rock Rails with a Step provide protection to the rocker panels while offering a slight step-up. The Truxedo Tonneau Cover adds convenience and security to the bed cargo. Finally, the BulletPoint Mounting Solutions on the dash allow quick mounting of essential electronics, like the phone and Garmin Navigator.
There Are A Couple More Mods Need Mentioning
Towing a trailer required the installation of a Trailer Brake Controller to operate the electric trailer brakes on my Xventure XV-3 off-road trailer. I chose the Mopar trailer brake controller. Little bit tricky install and I am always a little nervous removing dash panels.
Under the hood I added a Winch Electrical Disconnect for safety. With the winch leads connected directly to the battery there is always power present. The disconnect solves that problem.
Rigid Industries Drive Lights, D Series Pro Surface
The Entire List Of Mods I Installed On This Gladiator
Mopar/Bilstein 2" Lift Kit with Reservoir Shocks
Warn Elite Full Width Bumper
Warn Zeon 10,000 lbs winch with Synthetic winch line.
Factor 55 Flat Link tow hook.
Spicer Performance Diff Covers installed front and rear axles.
Mopar Trailer Brake Controller
Bullet Point Mounting Solutions Dashboard Phone and accessory mounts.
Truxedo Tonneau Cover.
Mopar Performance Rock Rails with a step.
Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T 35x10x17 Pizza Cutter size tires.
Stubby Antenna
Batteries (Main & Auxiliary) replaced at 3 years.
Winch Electrical Disconnect.
Rigid Industries Drive Lights, D Series Pro Surface
Conclusion: The Sweet Spot: Four Takeaways for Your Build
What are the big takeaways after three and a half years of wrenching?
Define Your Purpose: This rig was built for 100% reliable, comfortable daily driving and confident towing/trail capability. That focus kept the build smart.
Budget Fuels Better Decisions: Our budget forced us to vet every part, prioritizing utility (like that Warn Winch) over vanity.
The EcoDiesel Advantage: The torque and fuel economy of the Gladiator EcoDiesel Overlanding setup is a game-changer in the mountains.
The Sweet Spot is Found in Balance: A minimalist 2-inch lift and carefully selected 35-inch tires offer the highest capability without compromising comfort and accessibility.
Call to Action
Did you find the article interesting and helpful? Check out all the articles on The Muddy Ruttzz Gazette for more helpful DIY and Adventure information and don't forget to see my Muddy Ruttzz Youtube channel.
About the Author
Muddy Ruttzz is a digital creator, overlander, and DIY builder documenting rugged vehicle builds and outdoor adventures. Backed by a career in industrial sheet metal fabrication, heavy infrastructure construction, and mechanical maintenance, he provides practical, trade-tested technical guides for real-world off-road performance.
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