Fully-Loaded Jeep Gladiator Overland Build on 37″s aka “Beartooth”

Many people know that Jeeps are capable off-road vehicles, but few realize their true potential when pushed to their limits. Blake Burman, the owner of this 2021 Jeep Gladiator Mojave nicknamed “Beartooth,” has proven this point by conquering numerous trails and completing multiple overland expeditions, consistently pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.

Blake was kind enough to share the story behind his Jeep Gladiator JT overland build and detail the parts and upgrades he’s installed over the years. Read on to learn more about this impressive build!

Interview With The Owner

How did you get into overlanding?

– A faulty O2 sensor in my RZR would have to be the answer to that haha. In the summer of 21, I purchased my JT and about 6 weeks later I used it to tow my RZR to Lake City, Colorado. On the first day there my O2 sensor went out. But due to Covid, I couldn’t get a replacement. So why not see what the JT can do?

I immediately fell in love with it. I went everywhere the RZR’s went. I was more comfortable and not nearly as tired at the end of the day. But what really sold me was when I could jump from one trail to the other legally and didn’t have to load anything on and off a trailer.

Why did you choose a JT Gladiator for your project?

– I chose a gladiator because I used to own a JKU that I loved. The only thing I thought that could’ve made it better was if it had a truck bed. So when the Gladiator came out, I knew it was a matter of time before I purchased one. It was my dream vehicle.

What was the most difficult part of the build?

– I’d say the most difficult part was the planning and budgeting. I didn’t know a whole lot about overlanding and still had a lot to learn as far as jeeps go. I tried to live by the mantra: “I’m too broke to buy cheap.” I knew that I needed reliable parts, but reliable parts and gear, but those things are expensive and I’m not a millionaire lol so I started with what was most important and went from there.

What do you like the most about your build?

– I’d have to say the capability and adaptability. I plan on this being a jack of all trades build when it’s said and done. I don’t want to be just a one trick pony. The world has all different kinds of terrains and I want this to be capable of handling them all. It’s actually the reason why I chose the Mojave trim over the Rubicon.

Jeep Gladiator Mojave is a midsize truck with a package of features that fine-tune its performance for desert driving, such as 2.5-inch internal bypass shocks, cab rock rails, and a 1-inch front suspension lift.

World Of Chrysler Jeep

The Build

When it comes to any off-road build, the suspension and wheels matter the most, which is why Blake decided to address these aspects first. Even though the Mojave package already has some nice upgrades in the suspension department, he decided to go further by installing the Clayton Offroad 3.5″ lift with HD springs to handle the weight of added overland gear, enhance the ground clearance, and clear larger wheels.

Among other upgrades in this department are Air Lift Performance HD airbags, SteerSmart complete steering setup, and Apex Designs sway bar disconnects.

The improved space in the wheel wells allowed the installation of massive 37″ Mickey Thompson Baja Boss tires mounted on iconic Method Race Wheels 701. This setup delivers the perfect rim-to-rubber balance to ensure ultimate performance and, of course, the looks that we all love and appreciate.

Another important off-road upgrade is the Eaton Performance front e-locker, responsible for providing momentum to both front wheels in the most extreme 4×4 situations.

After taking care of the basics, Blake proceeded with gear designed to make his off-road expeditions last longer, and the Gladiator’s spacious bed became the premier installation point for it.

At the base is the tried and tested Decked drawer system, which allows you to load the bed without compromising drawer functionality. On top are the Rebel Offroad bed and roof rack with numerous accessories and, of course, the 23 Zero USA 56 Breezeway tent, which becomes a convenient sleeping space in a matter of minutes.

List of Modifications

Suspension

• Clayton Offroad 3.5″ lift with HD springs
• Fox 2.5 dual reservoir shocks and steering stabilizer
• Air Lift Performance HD airbags
• Steersmarts complete steering setup
• Apexdesigns sway bar disconnects

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Wheels

• Mickey Thompson Tires Baja Boss A/T 37×13.5r17
• Method Race Wheels 701’s
• Apexdesigns tire valves

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Exterior

• Rebel Offroad bed & roof rack with accessories
• 23 Zero USA 56 breezeway tent
• Storage boxes
• 270-degree awning
• Shower tent
• Trash bag
• Snail Armor tailgate flat panel
• Decked USA rear bed drawer

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Interior

• Coverking USA headliner
• Desert Does It reclining seat brackets
• Tool Roll storage bags
• Iceco Icecool VL60 fridge

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Performance

• Eaton Performance front e-locker
• Yukon Gear and Axle 5.13 ring and pinion
• Superchips Official Traildash 3 with performance PCM swapped in
• Genesis Offroad dual battery kit
• Warn Industries 12,000lb winch

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Lights

• KC Hilites gravity pro6 light bar
• 23 Zero USA lights

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Other

• Arb 4×4 USA dual air compressor & tread max recovery boards
• Ironman 4×4 America 13-gallon water storage tank
• Ignik Outdoors propane tank
• Rotopax Official spare fuel tank
• Joolca Co hottap portable shower
• Coleman USA cooking stove & oven
• Jetboil
• Gsi Outdoors cook & silverware
• American Adventure Lab rear seat air compressor mount

Conclusion

Off-road Capability Score: 70/70

Built upon the already capable Mojave platform, this Gladiator achieves a perfect 70-point score. The Clayton Offroad 3.5″ lift with HD springs paired with 37″ Mickey Thompson Baja Boss tires (+30 points), Body-on-Frame construction (+5 points), part-time 4WD with low range (+10 points), and the combination of Eaton front e-locker with factory rear locker (+20 points) deliver maximum capability. The comprehensive protection package (+5 points) rounds out this build’s perfect score.

Complexity Level

Advanced With significant upgrades including the Clayton suspension system, Air Lift HD airbags, SteerSmart steering, Method Race Wheels 701, and comprehensive overlanding setup with the Decked drawer system and 23 Zero USA tent, this build demonstrates advanced-level modification across all major systems.