What are red flags in a used 392?

[RubiSc0tt]

Long time poster, first time in this forum. Howdy!

Some of you may know me or have seen me lurking in other forums over the years. For those of you who don't: Daily driving and wheeling Wranglers since 2003. Jeeps/ stats are listed in my sig and I have a build thread you can check out for reference of my use case of my 2019 JLUR, which I love.

Now that that's out of the way: I've always wanted a V8 Jeep. When the 392 came out I said a bunch of times "Fuck. I'm going to end up buying this stupid thing, aren't I? Dammit.." jokingly, until I saw pricing. And for a while, that pricing held. However, with a bunch of these coming in on trades/ off leases/ etc, I've been window shopping and I've seen some decent deals. And because I was relatively smart with my JLUR, I've been crunching numbers and can see a point where a 392 could make financial sense.

However, the thing that stops me is I've had my 19 JLUR since mile 19. I've used it, but also taken excellent care of it, never abused or neglected. It's repaid me by being incredibly reliable, which many cannot say for their Jeeps, especially with the shitshow of used Jeeps coming in from "tourists" because they're done with the "hashtag Jeep Life" or whatever.

Everyone has asked "what should I look for in a 392?" and I've read a lot of those threads.

Now, I'm asking you: what should I AVOID in a used 392? It's not so much options (although I can't be convinced to get an SOT, don't try), but red flags of misuse/ abuse scenarios beyond the regular Jeep stuff (caked with mud, scrapes and gouges on the underside, misworn or matched tires, etc). EX: I don't want one that was used to tow a giant trailer (over tow rating) because "IT'S GOT A HEMI" or one that was loaded down with Broverlanding stuff because the previous owner had a Powerwagon and just moved all the stuff over.

Hope this makes sense. Thanks for reading and I welcome any input as right now, I'm just researching....

Sponsored

 

[2nd 392]

Unfortunately the biggest one doesn’t have a flag.(I’m aware of) Was it kept in the clutch eating 4 auto off road ?

 

[dos531]

Just try to find one that was never modified. I bought mine CPO with 11k miles, bone stock and could tell it was never off-roaded. CPO also gets you a 100k mile powertrain warranty.

 

[Warped]

Long time poster, first time in this forum. Howdy!

Some of you may know me or have seen me lurking in other forums over the years. For those of you who don't: Daily driving and wheeling Wranglers since 2003. Jeeps/ stats are listed in my sig and I have a build thread you can check out for reference of my use case of my 2019 JLUR, which I love.

Now that that's out of the way: I've always wanted a V8 Jeep. When the 392 came out I said a bunch of times "Fuck. I'm going to end up buying this stupid thing, aren't I? Dammit.." jokingly, until I saw pricing. And for a while, that pricing held. However, with a bunch of these coming in on trades/ off leases/ etc, I've been window shopping and I've seen some decent deals. And because I was relatively smart with my JLUR, I've been crunching numbers and can see a point where a 392 could make financial sense.

However, the thing that stops me is I've had my 19 JLUR since mile 19. I've used it, but also taken excellent care of it, never abused or neglected. It's repaid me by being incredibly reliable, which many cannot say for their Jeeps, especially with the shitshow of used Jeeps coming in from "tourists" because they're done with the "hashtag Jeep Life" or whatever.

Everyone has asked "what should I look for in a 392?" and I've read a lot of those threads.

Now, I'm asking you: what should I AVOID in a used 392? It's not so much options (although I can't be convinced to get an SOT, don't try), but red flags of misuse/ abuse scenarios beyond the regular Jeep stuff (caked with mud, scrapes and gouges on the underside, misworn or matched tires, etc). EX: I don't want one that was used to tow a giant trailer (over tow rating) because "IT'S GOT A HEMI" or one that was loaded down with Broverlanding stuff because the previous owner had a Powerwagon and just moved all the stuff over.

Hope this makes sense. Thanks for reading and I welcome any input as right now, I'm just researching....

Think about your budget. Premium fuel is recommended (required?) 12-15 MPG at best. Still interested? There are still leftover 2024 models for sale if you can swing it. Ball joints on mine were bad from the factory and mine is not abused.

I second @2nd 392 comment above about idiots that (mostly YouTubers) kept it in 4A when going offroad. Check for maintenance records and all the usual things.

Broverlanding? Never heard that before, but I totally get it. Thumbs up for that one! And don't sell your 2019. That Punkin' is an awesome paint. I love my Punkin' and my regret is not ordering it with a 392. That would have saved me from buying the Hydro Blue 392)

 

[Old Dogger]

We all know that the 392 Hemi, is an awesome engine. Some do have the Hemi Tick, plus the MSD (cylinder deactivation system) has also been an issue for some.
My only concern would be how hard has the 392 been driven, in a used Rubicon 392. The Hemi likes new engine oil (0W40). So early oil changes are a must, per my Dealer Technician who owns one. So has it been serviced, or was it ignored. So just make sure that you have an extended MOPAR Warranty insurance plan on it.

 

[bthomp]

Unfortunately the biggest one doesn’t have a flag.(I’m aware of) Was it kept in the clutch eating 4 auto off road ?

Yep. Check the TC fluid. It’s likely low.

 

[Jeffy56]

I second @2nd 392 comment above about idiots that (mostly YouTubers) kept it in 4A when going offroad.

I would like to know how this works. Full time 4wd? Why would that be a problem? Using 4wd, even if you don't really need it, while offroad, exercises the system. Importantly, with a large engine with a higher torque and horsepower output using 4wd distributes the power to the whole driveline. More even tire wear. Obviously, not for pavement.

 

[Jared1956]

Unmodified, one owner, low miles (under 10k) and original tires. (Check the date codes)

If some jackass got it and was doing burnouts and stupid stuff the tires, at least two of them will be new. That’s a no-go.

I’d be looking for a 50+ year old owner who garaged kept it. Anything less and I’d pass.

 

[2nd 392]

I would like to know how this works. Full time 4wd? Why would that be a problem? Using 4wd, even if you don't really need it, while offroad, exercises the system. Importantly, with a large engine with a higher torque and horsepower output using 4wd distributes the power to the whole driveline. More even tire wear. Obviously, not for pavement.

4 auto works with clutches that enable the front axle when it senses rear traction loss. All clutches wear, excessive wear when used off road. The manual specifies something like 4 auto is only for use on paved or hard surfaced roads. I’m too lazy to look up the exact wording but that’s close.

 

[Jeffy56]

4 auto works with clutches that enable the front axle when it senses rear traction loss. All clutches wear, excessive wear when used off road. The manual specifies something like 4 auto is only for use on paved or hard surfaced roads. I’m too lazy to look up the exact wording but that’s close.

Thanks. So is there a better selection for off road?

 

[Stetson]

Thanks. So is there a better selection for off road?

4 high. Lock it in 4 high and have a good time on whatever trail you are on

 

[Stetson]

Unmodified, one owner, low miles (under 10k) and original tires. (Check the date codes)

If some jackass got it and was doing burnouts and stupid stuff the tires, at least two of them will be new. That’s a no-go.

I’d be looking for a 50+ year old owner who garaged kept it. Anything less and I’d pass.

Each of these things is a bit of a risk I suppose. Mine is garage kept, washed often, and driven hard as hell. Looks perfect, but the miles on it hard, fast and fun.

I think a fair number of people drive them that way. I do…shamelessly

 

[Jeffy56]

I think I'm fortunate to have the standard 2H, 4H, N, and 4L with the FAD. After some "exercise" shifting between them is fairly easy. The only thing I am irritated at is losing traction control in Low Range. I like low n slow on some of these back trails. 3.6 BTW.

 

[2nd 392]

Thanks. So is there a better selection for off road?

4H or L, oops, already answered

 

[RubiSc0tt]

Unfortunately the biggest one doesn’t have a flag.(I’m aware of) Was it kept in the clutch eating 4 auto off road ?

Extremely good info. Did not know this system works on clutches but it makes sense.
Is this an issue if you use Force 2WD on Tazer? I’ve heard a lot of drivers use that for the street to ease up mileage and stress on the tcase, but I haven’t seen any official documentation or the science behind it. Honestly I would probably just drive 4H in the snow and 4L on the trail like I do now with my 19

Think about your budget. Premium fuel is recommended (required?) 12-15 MPG at best. Still interested? There are still leftover 2024 models for sale if you can swing it. Ball joints on mine were bad from the factory and mine is not abused.

I second @2nd 392 comment above about idiots that (mostly YouTubers) kept it in 4A when going offroad. Check for maintenance records and all the usual things.

Broverlanding? Never heard that before, but I totally get it. Thumbs up for that one! And don't sell your 2019. That Punkin' is an awesome paint. I love my Punkin' and my regret is not ordering it with a 392. That would have saved me from buying the Hydro Blue 392)

Good info. I’m not super duper concerned about mileage as I work from home 3 days a week and probably and commute 60mi round trip the other two days to my office. Premium would be an increase though. I’m currently getting about 13-14 with the V6/ 37’s/ off-road armor and winch/ clutch and flywheel.

I love the Punk’n. I ordered this Jeep because of that. Right now I’m window shopping. My kids were sad when I talked about maybe getting a 392 because it likely would not be orange. I told them I would wrap it Orange and they were both ok with that as a substitute. best believe I have a search set on Autotrader for Punk’n 392’s, just in case though… would love a new one, and probably my best look at getting an orange one, but I don’t think I could swing that.

and yeah, “Broverlanders” are the people with Rotopax and Roof too tents and Awnings and shit all over their daily drivers and then they drive to a campground 2-3x summer and use the rig that way. Pulled that from my buddy who was into Toyotas.

So just make sure that you have an extended MOPAR Warranty insurance plan on it.

I don’t buy Mopar warranties. I live in upstate NY, it’s a complete wasteland in terms of enthusiast/ DIY friendly dealers. I’ve had an absolute hell of a time trying to get certain warranty work covered even. I have a couple good indie shops

what else would I have to worry about daily driving on 37’s 60mi commute 2 days a week, doing 500+ mi Road trips with the family to the ocean, or climbing boulders on the way to Dunks like the one in my profile?
Driveshafts? Axles?

Are there any parts that don’t fit or transfer over from the regular V6/ Manual transmission JLUR minus suspension and skidplates?

keep it coming!

Sponsored