When building a suspension system for the Jeep Gladiator, being first was never the goal.
Building the best was.
For nearly 50 years, Rusty's has earned its reputation by designing products for Jeep owners who demand more from their vehicles. More capability. More durability. More confidence when the pavement ends and the adventure begins.
The JT Gladiator is one of the most versatile vehicles ever built, capable of towing heavy loads, carrying gear deep into the backcountry, conquering technical terrain, and still delivering exceptional comfort on the highway. Creating a suspension system worthy of that platform required far more than simply increasing ride height. It demanded a complete rethinking of what a premium Gladiator suspension system should be.
Rather than adapting components from previous platforms or rushing an incomplete design to market, Rusty's engineers started with a clean slate. Through extensive computer modeling, countless hours of development, and rigorous real-world testing, every component was engineered specifically for the JT Gladiator.
The result is our most advanced Gladiator suspension system to date.
Designed to provide exceptional ride quality, increased suspension travel, superior articulation, and uncompromising durability, the Rusty's 4-Inch Advanced Suspension System transforms the Gladiator into a vehicle equally capable of tackling demanding trails, towing equipment across the country, or exploring remote destinations far beyond where most roads end.
At the heart of the system are JT-specific coil springs engineered exclusively for the Gladiator platform. These are not borrowed designs adapted from previous applications. Each spring was developed around the Gladiator's unique chassis dimensions, weight distribution, and suspension geometry to ensure proper ride height, balanced handling, and exceptional ride quality.
To maximize performance, Rusty's utilizes a carefully engineered spring package featuring linear-rate front coils and progressive three-stage rear coils. Rear springs are side-specific and available for both gasoline and diesel-powered Gladiators, ensuring optimal performance regardless of drivetrain configuration. The result is a suspension system that remains composed on the highway while delivering impressive articulation and control when the terrain becomes challenging.
The 4-Inch Advanced System was engineered with serious off-road capability in mind. With proper wheel and tire combinations, the system provides clearance for aggressive 37-inch tires while maintaining full suspension travel without fender interference. For customers building the ultimate Gladiator, 40-inch tires can also be accommodated with appropriate bump stop configuration.
Rusty's commitment to engineering excellence extends well beyond the springs.
The system includes front lower bow-correction isolators, replacement upper coil isolators, and a proprietary front coil retention system designed to ensure positive spring location even under extreme suspension articulation. Every detail was considered to improve performance, reliability, and long-term durability.
To control the increased suspension travel, the kit includes all eight of Rusty's premium high-clearance adjustable control arms. Constructed from massive 2-inch diameter, 1/4-inch wall DOM tubing, these arms provide the strength required for the harshest off-road environments while maintaining precise axle control and suspension geometry.
Customers can choose between Rusty's legendary rebuildable Forged Flex Joints for maximum articulation or Rusty's proprietary Forged Rubber Flex Bushings, which deliver outstanding flexibility while remaining maintenance-free and exceptionally refined on the road. Both options are engineered to provide superior performance without compromise.
Attention to detail is what separates exceptional suspension systems from ordinary ones.
Recognizing the increased loads generated by larger tires and lifted suspension systems, Rusty's developed a heavy-duty front track bar frame brace designed to reinforce one of the Gladiator's most critical mounting locations. This brace helps reduce frame flex while providing additional strength and confidence under demanding conditions.
The system also includes front and rear adjustable track bars, eliminating the need for high-stress relocation brackets and ensuring proper axle alignment throughout suspension travel. Extended sway bar links, brake line extensions, and available front disconnects further enhance off-road capability while maintaining excellent road manners.
Available shock absorber options are specifically tuned to complement the spring rates and suspension geometry, creating a complete system engineered to perform as a cohesive package rather than a collection of aftermarket parts.
Most importantly, every major component in this system is proudly manufactured in the United States and backed by nearly five decades of engineering experience, innovation, and customer trust.
Whether you're towing a trailer into the mountains, crossing remote desert terrain, exploring forgotten forest roads, or building a Gladiator capable of conquering the most demanding trails in North America, Rusty's 4-Inch Advanced Suspension System delivers the capability, durability, and refinement required to get you there—and bring you home.
Because after nearly 50 years, we still believe the same thing:
Build it right. Test it thoroughly. Stand behind it completely.
Engineered for Adventure. Built for a Lifetime of Trails.