I just mounted ours and the gaps are there. The only option I've ever seen that looked half decent was to put a backer behind it but I didn't want to mess with it.
I picked up a cheap, plain black tag on amazon to use as a backer on Jen's JK. Just make sure you're running all the screws as the tag (obviously) won't reach all the way to the end of the holder and engage the tabs.
--Ian
Welcome! Good looking CJ, always nice to see one on the road anymore.
--Ian
For MJ's it's prob because they're unibody until you get to the 'rails' where the bed bolts. It's actually semi-common for FSJ guys to make j10/j20 crewcabs with a donor waggie and most look pretty sweet (although I think a shortbed would be more proportioned in most cases):
It's in the mid-size truck league
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Mid-sized truck league, yes...they've made that pretty clear in the press releases. The issue that I see is that it's not apples to apples when looking base price vs base price but many claim it's 'so much more expensive'. Jeep made a decision to KISS and aim for the meat of the market (undestandable given it's 80% of the midsize market) in offering only a crewcab, shortbox variant. Most competitors offer a 4cyl, 2wd, reg cab 'stripped' variant with an understandably cheap base price. An example is the Colorado...base price $21300 but the minute you up that to a CC/SB 4x4 and spec it to LT you're already at $34645 and is pretty close in spec to the $35040 Gladiator Sport. I think they'll always carry a 'Jeep premium' in that you're not going to see mfr incentives, etc like on other marks but that's just the nature of the beast.
--Ian
Mines on the mantel staying warm
I had planned to drill a hole in mine to use as a keychain and reconsidered...that would pretty much guarantee losing my keys, right? 
--Ian
Display MoreNo its not. Its a truck that can tow up to 3k with the V6 and 6spd.
for the 7k package you HAVE to get the V6/Auto (no word yet on the
diesel limits) but not with the Rubicon or Overland package. So
basically, if you want to tow more than my Mj can with it, youre
going to be forced to buy the most basic version at Rubicon prices.
How much more can I ask? Easy, if Jeep wants me to trade in my
Ram, itll need to be a 6spd Diesel that can tow AT LEAST 8000#
<and> not cost $100,000ish...
This thing may be more practical than the JKU its based off of, but
not by very much. I can buy a good used Power Wagon now with
10k# / 4x / V8 / Auto (with Winch and other goodies) for less than
$25k - thats the benchmark Jeep needs to aim for in my book...
EDIT: Corrected my misinformation re 7k, I'd based it on the 'maximum' capacities listed on Jeep's site.
I beg to differ....3500 is for a JLU, not a gladiator, as Jerry shows below a manual has a minimum of 4k and autos start at 6k. Both of these are at least as good as a MJ, manuals maxed at 4k and 5k if you had a 4.0/auto/lwb. Note if you look through the specs on the max tow package it's essentially a Rubi without lockers as it comes with the widetrack axles, gearing, etc. My understanding for de-rating the Rubi to 7k vs 7650 is due to the additional weight of other components (IIRC the Rubi packages adds ~400lbs). I'd have to agree with Aaron, it's a gussied up 1/4 ton truck and its specs are inline with that. Based on your specs I think you're into (at least) a 1/2 ton and, honestly, you're going to be hard pressed to find ANY manual diesels...hell, even Ram has done away with them in the new HD line.
--Ian
To be completely transparent, you haven't wheeled it since then either...;)
Funny. Actually that pic was from '05...there were a few years of wheeling after that. 
Should've gone with Ox -- made in USA and they have an emergency Trail Lock that lets you lock it when you lose the air line. But I don't think Dynatrac offers Ox lockers.
I'm not sure the manual lock makes up for the ease of grenading them. Went through 2 D44 and a D30 unit in my TJ...all similar failures shattering the spiders. Put ARB's and my Detroit/Elocker combo through more and not had the same issue.
I'll definitely be checking this out at the Philly autoshow but am leaning away from getting one as a replacement for my aging truck and commuter. While I like the idea of getting back into a DD Jeep the hit on towing for both Rubi and the diesel will likely be right at $7k and the pricing for that config is likely going to put it into 3/4ton diesel territory. I'm starting to lean more towards a CCSB Ram 2500 when the new ones are released.
--Ian
Display More"Vehicles like the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, Chinese-market Jeep Grand Commander PHEV and the upcoming 2020 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited PHEV are great examples of the new electrification programs put forth by FCA."
How will they get charging stations in the middle of Moab or the Rubicon?
https://moparinsiders.com/fca-…trified-dodge-challenger/
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PHEV...plugin hybrid not unlike the Volt I use as a commuter. I personally welcome it, the instant torque and smoothness of an EV is addicting. While I like a nice rumbling V8 or the Cummins in my CJ10 I find the idea of an EV truck or Jeep intriguing. The improvements in battery technology and BMS in the past few years has made the idea much more feasible.
--Ian
Have stickers gone out yet?
Yup, they should have all gone out last week (aside from those few that joined/renewed since Fri) and anyone in attendance at the party received theirs in person. If you don't receive it by EOW let me know as there's definitely an issue.
--Ian
1. Captain II
2. Stafford +1
3. Captain
4. Esoom
5. MrJoop +1
6. Whatevah +1
7. Astspe + 1
8. Slimer's
9. KitKat (Slimer's wife)
10. Brian & Kelly Frank (maybe kiddos but hoping to make alternate arrangements)
11. Shorebird
12. Imarammr
13. Kimber
14. Solomi +1.5
15. JKGray10
16. AEZ
17. JimPKeith +1 (Miranda aka wife)
18. Kuntryboy816 +1 ....might just sign her up for membership before the party
19. YJDave + Maggie
20. deadfeat - can help out, can get there early.
21. TheDarkSide + nutrijeeper
22. Spedly
23. Katie
24. Sandtostand
25. KnoxRents + 3 kids
26. Lisel
27. Antnyr
28. JIlrn
29. clendaniel
30. jc1121
I'd love to see a side view of that....hoping that the proportions look better w/ 37's.
--Ian
As seen in the other post, gone and done blowed up the rear!
Picked up another down in MD yesterday. Let the tare down and prepping commence!
Planning on doing anything special to spread the load on the tube this time? Sleeve it or...?
I'm intrigued, esp given the tow rating. Even the lower rating on the Rubi vs max-tow sport is sufficient for a single car trailer and based on the ratings from the grand w/ 3.6 vs 3.0 diesel the diesel 'could' be higher. I've been considering replacements for my truck and commuter since my commute is significantly shorter nowadays. I'll wait until I see one in person and what they look like w/ a little lift and some bigger meats...hopefully that helps the proportions some.
--Ian
The 4dr above looks better than the real version IMHO....the axle moved back slightly makes it look much more 'balanced' to me. I know 'why' they did it like they did (turning radius, fitting a fullsize spare under the rear, etc) but think you'll see a bunch of bobbed beds, etc as that rear overhang the way the bed seems hung off the back looks odd to me. I really wish the back doors were more squared off or something, the JL rear doors looks funny to me.
--Ian
I have the HF 3 piece step bit set but it only goes up to 3/4, the 2 piece set is bigger but again...$20 for one job. 1 1/16 hole saw would be fine too if anyone has one laying around
$20 -20% +free flashlight. Come on.... 
Unibit/step bit might be better for a real thin sheet. I'm got one of the bigger ones if you're going to be at Mel's anytime soon. HF has the two piece set for cheap too.
