Trading Jeep Gladiator for Bronco

[Snowdogyyz]

I traded in my Gladiator when my ordered 2022 Badlands came in. Never looked at Jeep again once I got the 2.7 Bronco. I actually liked the Gladiator but ride wise and power wise- not even close. I’ve since traded the Badlands in for a 2023 WT which was my original order to begin with- wanted to move to the hardtop.
My wife owns a 2.3 Outerbanks. It has great power and torque BUT it’s not the 2.7. I drive them both all the time and can easily feel the difference. I know I’ll get pushback from the 2.3 owners but since I own both and drive both consistently, I can tell you there is a power difference. The 2.3 is great and probably all that most wants or needs, but if you are even a little concerned about power- go with the 2.7. I don’t think you can go wrong with either though.

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[SoDak1623]

The 2.3 old or new has more power and torque than the 3.6 and makes it at lower RPM. IDK how much gear you plan to load up your bronco with, but if a gladiator could carry it around then your bronco should be plenty fine power wise.

 

[Felix808]

Welcome. The 2.7 builds torque down low faster than the 2.3. This is an advantage off-road not having to spool up the motor as much resulting in more control. If you want even more, add a Whipple Stage 1 (CARB Legal)

 

[broncobase1]

I rented a new Gladiator Willies for a cross country trip a couple years ago. The Gladiator is cool in its own way but if you value highway ride and handling the Bronco is vastly superior. I prefer my Bronco on the highway over my other two cars, but 10 minutes on the highway with the Gladiator I was wishing I opted for the Ram truck I originally ordered.

 

[broncobase1]

The 2.3 old or new has more power and torque than the 3.6 and makes it at lower RPM. IDK how much gear you plan to load up your bronco with, but if a gladiator could carry it around then your bronco should be plenty fine power wise.

The old and new 2.3 have identical specs.

 

[Brian_B]

The old and new 2.3 have identical specs.

Nope

They are close though, but the updated 2.3 is a bit higher output

 

[Blackcat]

I loved the Gladiator when it came out, but then we bought a Wrangler and that ended that. My wife’s Wrangler is fun around town, but I can’t imagine commuting 60 miles a day in it or a Gladiator. Bronco just rides better.

 

[DALOLA]

I loved the Gladiator when it came out, but then we bought a Wrangler and that ended that. My wife’s Wrangler is fun around town, but I can’t imagine commuting 60 miles a day in it or a Gladiator. Bronco just rides better.

lol... I was the same way, wanted a Gladiator when it came out, thought it was so cool, which it is... then I went for a test drive....

That fantasy evaporated rather quickly...

 

[HalfmuleFarmer]

I’ve rented two Glads for expeditions. “What a bucket of bolts” was my reaction both times. Felt taped together. Bronco is no Mercedes, but a whole different level than the Gladiator.

 

[dreemcatchr]

The Outer Banks definitely has the 2.7. I don’t believe they are even available with the 2.3.

They actually come standard with the 2.3

 

[CarmeloS]

Hey @Mutt , tell me more about the ACT Clutch, because I was always considering a manual Daddiator as a future trucklette.

 

[Mutt]

Hey @Mutt , tell me more about the ACT Clutch, because I was always considering a manual Daddiator as a future trucklette.

Hey Carmelo, the Gladiator manual was really the straw that broke the camel's back for me. I had just bought a Clayton Overland Plus lift, AEV wheels, and 37's...all of which are sitting in my garage. I knew I was going to have to regear, but the big outlier was the trans. I wanted it to be able to take a little abuse and not have any problems. So I started doing the research. ACT, Centerforce, and Southbend are the main players. Centerforce and ACT were the one's I concentrated on and both had good set ups, except they sort of did it by attacking different aspects of the clutch. I'll link Dirk from ACT''s vid's to give you exact info, because I'll fill you up with misinformation if you let me!!

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/jt-jl-clutch-and-flywheel-explained-by-act.68758/

I talked to Dirk directly...really good guy and very knowledgeable. But here's my beef...there is no 100% fix as far as just a clutch swap goes. There's still a bunch of people out there still having problems after swapping out the clutches from either company. Too many for it to be just a one-off. Some are reporting a grinding or wurring after a couple thousand on the ACT. But the big concern is the trans sensor that reports to the ECM that the trans is overheating is still activated after the clutch swaps. Don't get me wrong, there are plenty of people out there that had great results with the clutches...but there's too many still having problems after the fact to be ignored.

In the midst of all of this a Bronco add came up on youtube while doing research! I really do like the looks of the Bronco...it's just a good looking ride, it's capable, and it looks like it's a solid foundation. I know everyone has their gremlins, but it seems like Ford has got their act together for the most part. And my company gets something like an "X" discount with them (I'm not sure exactly what it is, but I think I'm eligible for a $3K discount on most trims except the Raptor).

So all of the info the community has been me is awesome....thank you all. Especially about the Badlands, and the MIC tops. It's looking like I'm going to pull the trigger next month. I think I'm looking at a 4 door, Badlands V6. And now I have to start offing my wheels, suspension, and Mojave...it's been fun, but I really am jealous of all of you!

 

[TheShark]

Hey Carmelo, the Gladiator manual was really the straw that broke the camel's back for me. I had just bought a Clayton Overland Plus lift, AEV wheels, and 37's...all of which are sitting in my garage. I knew I was going to have to regear, but the big outlier was the trans. I wanted it to be able to take a little abuse and not have any problems. So I started doing the research. ACT, Centerforce, and Southbend are the main players. Centerforce and ACT were the one's I concentrated on and both had good set ups, except they sort of did it by attacking different aspects of the clutch. I'll link Dirk from ACT''s vid's to give you exact info, because I'll fill you up with misinformation if you let me!!

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/jt-jl-clutch-and-flywheel-explained-by-act.68758/

I talked to Dirk directly...really good guy and very knowledgeable. But here's my beef...there is no 100% fix as far as just a clutch swap goes. There's still a bunch of people out there still having problems after swapping out the clutches from either company. Too many for it to be just a one-off. Some are reporting a grinding or wurring after a couple thousand on the ACT. But the big concern is the trans sensor that reports to the ECM that the trans is overheating is still activated after the clutch swaps. Don't get me wrong, there are plenty of people out there that had great results with the clutches...but there's too many still having problems after the fact to be ignored.

In the midst of all of this a Bronco add came up on youtube while doing research! I really do like the looks of the Bronco...it's just a good looking ride, it's capable, and it looks like it's a solid foundation. I know everyone has their gremlins, but it seems like Ford has got their act together for the most part. And my company gets something like an "X" discount with them (I'm not sure exactly what it is, but I think I'm eligible for a $3K discount on most trims except the Raptor).

So all of the info the community has been me is awesome....thank you all. Especially about the Badlands, and the MIC tops. It's looking like I'm going to pull the trigger next month. I think I'm looking at a 4 door, Badlands V6. And now I have to start offing my wheels, suspension, and Mojave...it's been fun, but I really am jealous of all of you!

Just remember if you get a hard top make sure you get a painted one.

 

[KillerPenz]

I probably won't add much here, but I have 3 vehicles to compare from:
2017 Jeep JKU 6 cyl.
2021 Bronco 2.7l 6 cyl. (BaseSquatch)
2024 Bronco 2.3l 4 cyl. (Big Bend)

If I did it all over again, I'd go with the 2.3l. And you guys can say put a tune on it, so much better.. blah blah blah... whatever.

The 2.3l (3.73 gears) will take my 2.7l (4.70 gears) from a dead stop, too much turbo lag in the 2.7l.. And both Broncos have pedal commanders. Jeep would lose to both hands down. The only thing I like about the 2.7 w/ the 4.70 gears is it handles hills better than the 2.3l. Not to say the 2.3 can't handle them, but when doing 80 up a hill, the 2.3l is pushing up near 3000 rpm vs. 2300 rpm in the 2.7l... sitting in different gears obviously.

I think you should definitely make the jump to a Bronco, but be smart like @BigMeatsBronco and a few others and drop a Godzilla under the hood! These turbo engines just annoy the hell out of me.

 

[CarmeloS]

Hey Carmelo, the Gladiator manual was really the straw that broke the camel's back for me. I had just bought a Clayton Overland Plus lift, AEV wheels, and 37's...all of which are sitting in my garage. I knew I was going to have to regear, but the big outlier was the trans. I wanted it to be able to take a little abuse and not have any problems. So I started doing the research. ACT, Centerforce, and Southbend are the main players. Centerforce and ACT were the one's I concentrated on and both had good set ups, except they sort of did it by attacking different aspects of the clutch. I'll link Dirk from ACT''s vid's to give you exact info, because I'll fill you up with misinformation if you let me!!

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/jt-jl-clutch-and-flywheel-explained-by-act.68758/

I talked to Dirk directly...really good guy and very knowledgeable. But here's my beef...there is no 100% fix as far as just a clutch swap goes. There's still a bunch of people out there still having problems after swapping out the clutches from either company. Too many for it to be just a one-off. Some are reporting a grinding or wurring after a couple thousand on the ACT. But the big concern is the trans sensor that reports to the ECM that the trans is overheating is still activated after the clutch swaps. Don't get me wrong, there are plenty of people out there that had great results with the clutches...but there's too many still having problems after the fact to be ignored.

In the midst of all of this a Bronco add came up on youtube while doing research! I really do like the looks of the Bronco...it's just a good looking ride, it's capable, and it looks like it's a solid foundation. I know everyone has their gremlins, but it seems like Ford has got their act together for the most part. And my company gets something like an "X" discount with them (I'm not sure exactly what it is, but I think I'm eligible for a $3K discount on most trims except the Raptor).

So all of the info the community has been me is awesome....thank you all. Especially about the Badlands, and the MIC tops. It's looking like I'm going to pull the trigger next month. I think I'm looking at a 4 door, Badlands V6. And now I have to start offing my wheels, suspension, and Mojave...it's been fun, but I really am jealous of all of you!

I remember driving a JL manual and feeling like I was learning all over again... after nearly a decade driving stick, so its heart breaking to see that what could have been a future Florida business vehicle is off the table as I was a fan of Dirks thread and believed in it.

Oh well, at least the Bronco's 7spd is a gem in comparison, love my girl and glad I made the right choice

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