RPM Steering Gladiator (JT) Stage 1–3 Long Arm Suspension Kits

RPM Steering Gladiator (JT) Stage 1–3 Long Arm Suspension Kits

Purpose-Built Geometry That Leaves Stock in the Dust

When Jeep released the Gladiator JT, it delivered a capable truck platform, but like most factory suspensions, the stock geometry is a compromise. Limited link separation, modest anti-squat numbers, and short control arms all restrict what the platform can truly do once you add bigger tires, more weight, and real trail use. RPM Steering’s Stage 1 through Stage 3 Gladiator/JT long arm systems were engineered from the ground up to solve those limitations (not just lift the truck).

You’ll find all the details you need below to decide which stage is best for you, but you can also skip to the end of this post for a quick TL;DR summary.

The RPM Difference

Our proven bolt-in 3-link front / double-triangulated 4-link rear architecture brings true performance suspension geometry to the JT platform, delivering measurable gains in traction, stability, and ride quality both on and off road. RPM’s Stage 1–3 systems transform the JT into what it should have been from the start, with upgrades that include:

1. Optimized Anti-Squat for Real Traction - Factory JT rear suspension geometry typically produces inconsistent anti-squat behavior once lifted. This can lead to:

• Excess rear squat under throttle

• Wheel hop on climbs

• Reduced traction in technical terrain

RPM’s double-triangulated rear was specifically designed to correct this with up to 94% anti-squat achievable with recommended axle separation and more predictable rear suspension behavior, resulting in a Gladiator that plants the tires instead of unloading them when it matters most.

2. Improved Roll Center and Stability - Stock suspension roll center geometry is designed for comfort and cost, not just aggressive off-road performance. Our link geometry:

• Raises and optimizes roll center

• Reduces excessive body roll

• Improves high-speed stability

• Enhances side-hill confidence

We intentionally gave up a small amount of belly height (not flat belly) to achieve significantly better suspension dynamics where it counts.

3. True Long Arm Performance - Short factory control arms create steep operating angles once lifted, which leads to:

• Harsh ride quality

• Binding at droop

• Accelerated bushing wear

• Poor articulation

Our long arm architecture fixes this with extended link length, vastly improved operating angles, and massive articulation range/capability

4. Premium Materials Where It Matters - Every RPM JT kit is built with serious hardware, including:

• 7075-T6 aluminum links (extremely high strength-to-weight ratio)

• Rock Jock narrow Johnny Joints

• Custom uniball upper link

• Grade 8 / 10.9 hardware

• CNC-machined components

• Laser-cut and formed skid systems

This isn’t entry-level suspension hardware, it’s competition-grade engineering that’s been tested on the hardest trails in the country and proven at King of the Hammers, the world’s hardest one-day offroad race.

Stage-by-Stage Breakdown

All three stages share the same proven core geometry. The differences come down to how far you want to push performance and how complete of a system you want out of the box.

Stage 1: Foundation Geometry Upgrade – Best for Builders who want maximum geometry improvement while sourcing shocks separately and would like to upgrade their suspension in phases.

• What You Get: 

• Complete front 3-link conversion

• Double-triangulated rear 4-link system

• 7075 aluminum control arms

• Bolt-in front crossmember system

• Rear weld-in crossmember and mounts

• Heavy-duty skid system

• Front quick disconnect sway links

• Why Choose Stage 1: Stage 1 delivers the core performance advantage:

• Corrected suspension geometry

• Major articulation gains

• Improved anti-squat behavior

• Long arm ride quality

Stage 2: Coilover-Ready Performance Platform – Best for builders planning a coilover conversion but sourcing shocks separately. Stage 2 includes everything in Stage 1 plus the structural foundation for coilovers.

• What You Get: 

• Front 12" coilover towers with axle mounts

• Rear 14" coilover towers with support crossmember

• ORI spacing option available

• Why Choose Stage 2: Adding properly engineered coilover towers:

• Prepares the chassis for long-travel suspension

• Improves shock mounting geometry

• Enables higher performance builds

• Saves fabrication time later

Stage 3: Complete Turnkey Coilover System – Best for builders who want a fully engineered, ready-to-run high-performance suspension. Stage 3 is the no-compromise package that includes everything from Stages 1 & 2, plus everything needed to complete your coilover conversion.

• What You Get: 

• Front 12" ADS coilovers with reservoirs

• Rear 14" ADS coilovers with reservoirs

• Adjustable damping clicker knobs

• AGM sliders

• Hyperco springs

• Why Choose Stage 3: With matched ADS coilovers, Stage 3 delivers:

• Fully tuned suspension system

• Maximum travel capability

• Superior heat management

• External damping adjustability

• Professional-level ride control

TL;DR SUMMARY - So…Which Stage Is Right for Your Build?

• Choose Stage 1 if you:

• Want maximum geometry improvement

• Prefer to spec your own shocks

• Are building in phases

• Want the most budget flexibility

• Choose Stage 2 if you:

• Plan to run coilovers

• Want the hard fabrication done

• Will source shocks separately

• Are building toward long-travel performance

• Choose Stage 3 if you:

• Want a turnkey premium system

• Prefer matched coilover tuning

• Want maximum performance out of the box

• Are building a top-tier JT

PLEASE NOTE:  Because this is a true high-performance system, some supporting mods are required:

• Exhaust modification

• Cutting, drilling, and welding

• Fuel tank relocation

• Rear axle truss required

• Custom brake lines

• Rock Jock Anti-Rock rear sway bar

• Minimum 68.5" axle width