Built for the Long Haul: Michelle Patton’s Jeep Gladiator Mojave

Built for the Long Haul: Michelle Patton’s Jeep Gladiator Mojave

When it comes to midsize trucks, there are plenty of choices, but only a select few are truly built for off-road adventures straight from the dealership. Even among the top contenders, brand loyalty often plays a huge role in making that final decision. For Michelle Patton, the Jeep Gladiator Mojave wasn’t just a choice—it was the perfect fit.

 

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A Jeep Girl at Heart

“My husband Josh was deep into his third Wrangler build when I finally said, ‘Hey, it’s MY turn,’” Michelle recalls. A real estate appraiser and broker from Central California, she had always been drawn to trucks and was no stranger to the Jeep lifestyle. Choosing the Gladiator was an easy decision, especially the Mojave edition, which came with upgraded suspension and a unique, hard-to-find Gator green color. “That shade was only available for half a year, and I absolutely fell in love with it,” she adds.

Building It Up

Michelle wasted no time modifying her Gladiator to match her vision. She wanted a truck that could tackle trails while still handling well on the pavement—since this was her daily driver. To improve ride quality and off-road performance, she and Josh installed Rock Krawler 3-inch lift springs and Fox 2.5 reservoir shocks at all four corners. Steering components also got an upgrade with Steer Smarts Yeti XD track bars, tie rods, a drag link, and a steering stabilizer. A Rock Jock Antirock sway bar was added for improved off-road articulation.

With the suspension dialed in, stock wheels and tires were no longer an option. Instead, Michelle opted for a set of 17-inch KMC Grenade Crawl beadlock wheels wrapped in Milestar Patagonia M/T-02 tires. Stepping up to 38-inch tires meant regearing was necessary, so the factory 4.10 gears were swapped for Yukon 5.13s, making a noticeable difference in performance. A DV8 spare tire mount in the bed ensures a full-size spare is always within reach.

Form Meets Function

Michelle loved the look of her Gladiator but was eager to put her own spin on it. She started with an Evo Manufacturing Quarter Pounder steel front bumper, adding both style and functionality. A Warn winch was mounted up front, complete with remote Fox reservoirs for extra suspension support.

Since off-roading often means tackling trails in the dark, Michelle prioritized lighting. A KC HiLiTES Pro 6 light bar with eight powerful LEDs was mounted on the roof using a prototype bracket. To maximize visibility, she also added Pro 6 Gravity LED lights on the A-pillars. For a personal touch, she designed a racing stripe graphic for the truck’s bed, which was carried over to the light bar with custom wraps from Pro Line Wraps in Chatsworth, California.

More Miles, More Memories

“This has been a three-year project, and it’s still ongoing,” Michelle admits. “When you own a Jeep, the build is never really finished.” She has already racked up 100,000 miles, taking the Gladiator on countless adventures, including the Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Trail Hero in Sand Hollow, and the legendary Jeepers Jamboree on the Rubicon.

While building a Gladiator isn’t cheap, Michelle sees every upgrade as an investment in experiences rather than just a financial cost. More than that, she’s proud of the hands-on approach she and Josh took throughout the process. “I’m not a mechanic, so every time we worked on this thing, it was a learning experience for me,” she says. “It wasn’t just about saving money—it was about the pride of building something ourselves. Honestly, the feeling of doing it all firsthand was worth more than anything a shop could have charged.”

UPGRADES

2020 Jeep Gladiator Mojave 

OWNER: 

• Michelle Patton
• Sonora, CA

Engine & Drivetrain: 

• Factory 3.6L V-6  Morgan’s Metal Worx
• AFE Mach Force-XP Hi-Tuck cat-back exhaust

Chassis & Suspension: 

• Rock Krawler 3-inch lift springs
• Front Fox 2.5 shocks w/ remote reservoirs, rear w/ piggyback reservoirs and DSC adjusters
• Steer Smarts Yeti HD stabilizer, front and rear track bars, drag link and tie rod
• RockJock Antirock sway bar
• 5.13 Yukon gear and axle
• Yukon diff covers front and rear
• RPM Steering & Suspension double triangulated 4-link rear

Wheels, Tires & Brakes: 

• 17-inch KMC Grenade Crawl wheels
• 38×13.50R17 Milestar Patagonia M/T-02 tires

Body & Paint: 

• LED upgrade package
• Front EVO Manufacturing Quarter Pounder bumper
• Warn Factor 55 Flatlink E VR 10-S winch
• KC HiLiTES Pro 6 lightbar roof-mounted, Pro 6 Gravity LED lights on A-pillars
• Graphics on lightbar by Pro Line Wraps, Chatsworth, CA
• Builtright Industries molle panels in truck bed
• DV8 spare tire carrier
• GenRight half doors color matched by Anderson Auto Body, Sonora, CA
• Power Tank 10-lb CO2 tank and Monster Valves

Interior & Sound: 

• Mojave edition OEM seats w/ black leather and orange stitching
• Stinger Heigh10 stereo
• Two 8-inch subwoofers, 1,000-watt amp
• Stinger pod RBG lights under the dash and front seats
• Stinger dual side camera system
• Rugged Radio GMRS hard mount
• sPod 6-circuit switch panel
• Ultimate 9 EVC throttle controller

Editor’s Note: A version of this article appeared in TREAD Mar/Apr 2024.