Episode 1058 – Downhill Gear?
What is 8th gear for?
The Gladiator automatic transmission for the 3.6l is an 8-speed transmission. I’ve been happy with it but now that I’ve taken several long-duration, highway trips I have to ask the question. What is 8th gear for?
I have configured my center display to show what gear the transmission is in. On my most recent long trip (3.5 hours to Marble Falls, TX) 7th gear was the norm, and 2.5k RPMS for 70 mph. Overpasses it would drop to 6th gear then right back to 7th.
A few times I saw 8th gear, but this is when I was going downhill. Now none of us purchased a Jeep to get good gas mileage, but I’m fine with getting better MPG especially when filling up the Jeep.
The best MPG I have seen is 18 mpg. Long trip, EJS. That was mostly 7th gear.
I have 4.10 gears and 35” tires shouldn’t I be able to get 8th gear on flat and level?
In my mind the diff gears need to go lower, numerically higher. I don’t know the answer and this is where you the listener come in.
Do you ever use 8th gear in your JL/JLU or JT? What is your Jeep’s configuration?
Max tow
+9.
It’s NOT Our Fault… Probably
Another end of an era, as this show has been airing episodes, we’ve seen Jeep change hands several times, we’ve seen top-level execs come and go, leadership roles change hands, and more. The behind-the-scenes story of Jeep is certainly one of many ups and downs, but this latest change is one that we didn’t see coming. And that’s probably because it’s our fault. After word got out on a global scale that the head of the Jeep brand for North America under its parent company Stellantis, was associated with the likes of us here at the Jeep Talk Show, it didn’t take long for the inevitable wave of change to wash onto the shores of Jim Morrison. At the end of 2023 Jim stepped down from his role leading the Jeep brand here in the States, making way for a guy who came from Kia, but most recently was the CEO of Maserati, also owned by Stellantis. Jim still had a role in the Jeep hierarchy, one I personally think he was well suited for. Jim spent the last year gearing up JPP, the Performance Parts division of Jeep. And if I do say so myself, I did a stellar job of bringing awareness and direction towards JPP. Earlier this week, however, it was announced that Jim Morrison will be retiring. Leaving his long tenure in the automotive industry to hopefully spend more time out on the trails. Jim is an avid Jeeper, and hopefully, we can get some of his time here in the near future to discuss what a RETIRED Jim Morrison will be doing, now that he’s no longer running a global brand.
Jeep Talk Show Gladiator Update
The 4th Annual Jeep Talk Show Off-Road event has come and gone. We had a good group and several new people attending this year. We had one brand new to-wheeling Jeeper! She was concerned about damaging her Jeep JLU or holding us up. I told her not to worry about that, come on out and she’d be with the easy-to-mid group. John (trail leader) spent lots of time assisting her. That included helping her get her jeep in 4-wheel drive. I remember putting the Gladiator in 4WD the first time, it was hard to get that shifter to move!
Luis with a Rubicon Gladiator (I believe he’s been out every year) was there. I like following him for the line selection and if he can make it I can!
Using GMRS people in the group would ask “Tony and you going to do it?” I said if Luis does it I’ll do it! Luis would extend his arm out the window to indicate he was ATTACKING that target.
Armed with the Motobilt skid system I didn’t hesitate. I made use of that skid system and the rock sliders a few times. I am very happy with the off-road performance of the Glad. Having that full skid system is great, and I’m very happy that I made this purchase.
The skid system gave me the confidence to try harder lines and I didn’t worry about creating damage that I would have to repair before returning home.
It was so much fun doing several more obstacles I had bypassed in the past. Making it up and over is a great feeling.
Circling back to that first-time wheeler at our event… She LOVED her first time off-road and was shocked at how well both she and her Jeep did.
Must-Have Stuff for Your Jeep!
I’ve talked about these before, but after the 4th Annual Jeep Talk Show Off-Road Event – Texas I have to talk about them again.
MOTOBILT SKID PLATE SYSTEM FOR JEEP JT GLADIATOR $1,649.00
This is a four-piece full skid plate system, STEEL, not aluminum. It is a very easy install but may be too heavy for a single person to lift hold and get the bolt started. Rubicon Gladiators may have all the nutserts or threaded holes necessary for the exhaust side skid. My Sport S didn’t so we welded in some bungs (supplied) to complete the installation.
Wheeling with the skids gave me the additional confidence to hit the harder (harder for me) obstacles at our event. I was NOT disappointed and I kind of giggled at the scrapes, and crashes that happened.
Also available to the JL/JLU and Diesel Gladiators!
Check it out at motobilt.com, Motobilt is a Jeep Talk Show Tony-approved product!