We’ve all seen the bumper stickers and spare tire covers: “It’s a Jeep thing, you wouldn’t understand.” For the average driver, that rings true. Trading plush creature comforts for raw trail capability and re-gearing axles for 40-inch tires seems extreme.

At Turn 14 Distribution, we definitely understand. We know that building a real off-road rig isn’t about slapping on a leveling kit and never getting mud on the tires. It’s about curating the best brands to create a platform capable of handling grueling trails, technical rock crawling, and long-haul overland travel without flinching. That’s exactly why we partnered with Bilstein and many more to build this adventure-ready 2024 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon, and why we’re giving our dealer network the chance to win it.

Since its initial debut, this build has been putting in the work. It officially hit the stage at SEMA alongside our custom Can-Am build, turning heads and showcasing what happens when top-tier brands collaborate on a single platform. From there, it hit the road for a nationwide tour, making stops at both Overland Expos, Off-Road Expo, and Daytona Jeep Beach. Most recently, we took the Gladiator out of the show lights and threw it directly into its natural element, tackling the rocks, mud, and technical terrain of Anthracite Outdoor Adventures Area (AOAA). Safe to say, it passed the stress test with flying colors.

BUILT FROM THE DUST UP

A build of this caliber relies on trusted engineering and skilled hands to ensure this Gladiator is ready for battle with the great outdoors. For the skill, we tapped long-time build partner Rockstar Performance Garage to handle the assembly. With a fleet of notable off-road machines at their facility and as regulars on The Great American Crawl tour, this Jeep was on the right lift.

The overhaul started with stability and control under the chassis, which was sorted by our title sponsor, Bilstein. The factory shocks were swapped for B8 8100 DSA Series adjustable shocks, providing a vastly more compliant ride both on and off the trails. Engineered specifically for vehicles running elevated suspension setups, these shocks pair perfectly with the Rock Krawler 3-inch Silverback “No Limits” Long Arm Suspension system. Combined, these components fortify the Gladiator’s chassis while providing maximum articulation, ideal geometry, and exceptional ground clearance.

To complement the enhanced articulation and chassis upgrades, AWE Tuning supplied their high-clearance performance exhaust system. Engineered to maximize rear departure angles over steep obstacles, it ensures the underside remains completely clear of trail interference while giving the 3.6L Pentastar a proper attitude adjustment.

MUCK, BEWARE! 

Dirt, dust, boulders, and deep mud are no match for this machine thanks to our tire and drivetrain partners. Ground contact comes courtesy of presenting partner Mickey Thompson, who wrapped a set of polished 17×9 Canyon Pro wheels in massive 40×13.5-inch Baja Pro XS tires. The four-ply nylon sidewall construction and Dual Decoupling Grooves provide serious durability, while the deep mud scoops and massive Sidebiters ensure this Jeep can claw through any technical terrain with ease.

To handle the strain of those massive tires, Yukon Gear & Axle upgraded the drivetrain with its heavy-duty Stage 4 package, including upgraded axle shafts, lockers, and rugged differential covers. This kit is topped off with regeared differentials featuring a 5.13 ratio, which effortlessly turns the 40s and restores crucial low-range crawl control. The Gladiator’s driveline was reinforced with a Heavy-Duty Off-Road clutch kit from Advanced Clutch Technology, providing a solid connection between the engine and manual transmission under heavy load. This upgrade also rectifies the pressure plate issues found on the JL/JT Jeeps, making this build ready for steep climbs and deep water crossings.

In the event that this Jeep encounters a trail that pushes past the limits of traction, Borne Off-Road has it covered with a complete suite of recovery gear. On top of traction boards and their signature blue D-rings, the spotlight shines on a heavy-duty 12,000-pound winch spooled with synthetic rope for a speedy escape.

HEAVY-DUTY PROTECTION FOR THE UNKNOWN

Keeping critical components safe is key if you don’t want your overlanding adventure to turn into a pricey off-road recovery. That’s where DV8 Off-Road and Artec Industries step in. DV8 Off-Road’s steel front and rear bumpers combine utility with rugged construction. The 3.5–5mm steel plating wards off obstacles with ease, providing an integrated winch cradle, recovery mounting points, and improved approach and departure angles for the most challenging passes. This exterior protection is paired with DV8’s aluminum fender flare kit that slims down the Jeep’s overall width while protecting vulnerable sheet metal.

Underneath, Artec Industries protects the Gladiator’s vital organs with a full aluminum belly pan skid plate system. Balancing protection with smart weight management, this plate is designed to slide smoothly over sharp trail hazards while keeping all of the Jeep’s fluids where they belong.

To bring all this mass and rolling inertia to a dead stop on steep trail descents, AlconUSA installed massive big-brake upgrade kits at both the front and rear, providing immense stopping power and total confidence under the pedal.

CREATURE COMFORTS

Out on the trail, capability extends beyond gearing and suspension. Toting all of your gear and supplies while making a home away from home off the grid is equally vital for any overlander.

RealTruck provided essential overland utility by equipping the bed with power side steps for effortless entry and a heavy-duty bed rack system designed to handle full gear loads. This rack is the perfect perch for a Rugged Ridge rooftop tent, turning the Gladiator into a complete backcountry campsite in minutes.

Out back, a heavy-duty Gen-Y Hitch adjustable receiver hitch extends towing capability for bringing along additional toys or support trailers. PRP Seats spruced up the cabin with a set of unique tartan seat covers, while a Rugged Radios GMRS mobile comms setup keeps the driver connected with the rest of the convoy, no matter how deep off the grid the trail leads.

COLD CASE 

True overlanders know that these adventures are less about speed and rely heavily on what your rig can carry. Translation: at this point, there’s a bit of extra weight, but that’s all part of the adventure. While the 3.6L Pentastar V6 is plenty capable, we still wanted to make sure that it was foolproof for the next owner. As the Official Cooling Partner, Mishimoto ensured this Jeep stays cool while clawing up steep inclines under load. The Mishimoto Performance Aluminum Radiator delivers a massive bump in fluid capacity and fin density for consistent thermal management, while its all-aluminum construction and unique strutted tubes prevent cracking under severe chassis flex.

Mishimoto also installed their Performance Transmission Cooler to drastically increase fluid capacity and surface area, protecting transmission life during low-speed crawl sessions. Under the hood, a Mishimoto Performance Air Intake system lets the V6 breathe freely while drawing in cooler, denser air.

Complementing the hardware, LIQUI MOLY executed a complete baseline fluid overhaul throughout the vehicle. The engine, drivetrain, and hydraulic systems are filled with premium Liqui Moly Molygen engine oil, MoS2 anti-friction treatment, high-grade synthetic gear oils, and SL6 DOT 4 brake fluid for smooth operation.

LIGHT ‘EM UP 

Illuminating pitch-black trails is a massive lighting package from Baja Designs. Up top, an S8 50-inch light bar is mounted to the roofline, supported by an S8 20-inch bar in the front bumper. For additional lumens, we added a pair of LP4 Pro LED auxiliary pods on the cowl along with the new DOT-approved LP6 headlight kit. The entire lighting array is controlled effortlessly inside the cab via the touchscreen BantamX switcher.

Powering all of these trail electronics are dual Odyssey Battery AGM high-output batteries managed by a CTEK charging system, while a ZAutomotive Tazer JL/JT programmer enables simple adjustments to account for the gearing and tire size changes without triggering dashboard warnings.

EARN YOUR PASS TO THE TRAILHEAD

We didn’t throw the entire off-road playbook at this Gladiator Rubicon just to let it sit behind velvet ropes. It was built to hand one lucky Turn 14 dealer an all-access pass to the trail.

But before we hand over the keys, this trail monster has one final stop on its tour: see it live at the Great Smoky Mountain Jeep Invasion!

Starting August 1, 2026, the Turn 14 Distribution x Bilstein Jeep Gladiator Rubicon is officially up for grabs. Every qualifying purchase from participating sponsor brands earns your shop entries toward the build. Stock up on featured hardware—from the 40-inch Mickey Thompsons to the high-performance Bilstein suspension—and put your shop in the running to park this fully equipped, trail-slaying beast in your bay.

Far beyond a simple giveaway, this build represents Turn 14’s drive to reward our dealers, champion top-tier brand partners, and set the standard for modern off-road performance.

The clock is ticking—you have until October 31, 2026, to stack your entries. Keep those orders rolling and secure your shop’s shot at the ultimate prize before time runs out.

We’re ready to hand over the pink slip. Will your shop be the one to take it home?