Rubi 392 - 20th Anniversary Build & Backstory

[ExpeditionBuilds]

A piece of Overlanding gear going on Rubi 392. Installing the Front Runner Drop Down Tailgate Table.

Quality looks great and love the clever design of the locking latch.


-Steven

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[ExpeditionBuilds]

Front Runner Drop Down Tailgate Table

My mods have been slow coming recently as I have been recovering from rotator cuff surgery and my Doc has my physical activities greatly curtailed...ie no wrench turning...nothing but P.T for me! I did however get another piece of overlanding gear installed, Front Runners' Drop Down Tailgate Table.

On my previous builds, I found having a cargo door table to be huge convenience, whether it was for meal prep or just a work area for things like cameras and drones. On my 2020 Recon build, I used Mopar's table which I modified to suit my needs. It worked great, but a little more surface area would be a really good thing.

After looking at my options, I knew I wanted a table with a slide out surface, which of course doubles the tables surface area.

On the 20A 392, I have the factory installed air compressor, so I was limited on which table I could fit on this build.

After researching what was out there for rear cargo door tables, I decided to give Front Runner's Drop Down table a go. My only concern was whether I would see any clearance issues while hooking up my air hoses to the compressor? I reached out to Front Runner on possible fit/clearance concerns (they were great to work with) as we checked dimensions and specs. We knew it would be close, but we both felt it would fit.

Install
I have to say, I really love that Jeep engineers solid mounting points into the cargo door, and makes adding accessories like this easy and straight forward.. For the install, you need to remove the plastic door trim and drill four pre-marked mounting holes in the plastic trim.

I thought this was cool, Jeep provides a quick disconnect for the air hose as well as the associated wiring harnesses, allowing for easy removal of the cargo door trim panel.

Here's a look at the results...

Here you can see how the table relates to the compressor controls, no issues hooking up the air hoses and operating the compressor.

and the slide out bamboo table...

I like the hinge design, not having any support cables on the sides. This much work area is going to be a nice addition and a step up from my previous set-up. I also love the look of the bamboo table.

Super happy with the quality, fit and finish. The locking latch is a clever design and snugs the table up nice and tight against an adjustable stopper, insuring a rattle free, quiet performance.

The table has a load rating of 88.2lbs and will fit the Jeep JL, JK and new Defender. Stay tuned, more to come.

https://www.youtube.com/c/ExpeditionBuilds


-Steven

 

[Punknhed]

Front Runner Drop Down Tailgate Table

My mods have been slow coming recently as I have been recovering from rotator cuff surgery and my Doc has my physical activities greatly curtailed...ie no wrench turning...nothing but P.T for me! I did however get another piece of overlanding gear installed, Front Runners' Drop Down Tailgate Table.

On my previous builds, I found having a cargo door table to be huge convenience, whether it was for meal prep or just a work area for things like cameras and drones. On my 2020 Recon build, I used Mopar's table which I modified to suit my needs. It worked great, but a little more surface area would be a really good thing.

After looking at my options, I knew I wanted a table with a slide out surface, which of course doubles the tables surface area.

On the 20A 392, I have the factory installed air compressor, so I was limited on which table I could fit on this build.

After researching what was out there for rear cargo door tables, I decided to give Front Runner's Drop Down table a go. My only concern was whether I would see any clearance issues while hooking up my air hoses to the compressor? I reached out to Front Runner on possible fit/clearance concerns (they were great to work with) as we checked dimensions and specs. We knew it would be close, but we both felt it would fit.

Install
I have to say, I really love that Jeep engineers solid mounting points into the cargo door, and makes adding accessories like this easy and straight forward.. For the install, you need to remove the plastic door trim and drill four pre-marked mounting holes in the plastic trim.

I thought this was cool, Jeep provides a quick disconnect for the air hose as well as the associated wiring harnesses.

Here's a look at the results...

Here you can see how the table relates to the compressor controls, no issues hooking up the air hoses and operating the compressor.

and the slide out bamboo table...

I like the hinge design, not having any support cables on the sides. This much work area is going to be a nice addition and a step up from my previous set-up. I also love the look of the bamboo table.

Super happy with the quality, fit and finish. The locking latch is a clever design and snugs the table up nice and tight against an adjustable stopper, insuring a rattle free, quiet performance.

The table has a load rating of 88.2lbs and will fit the Jeep JL, JK and new Defender. Stay tuned, more to come.

https://www.youtube.com/c/ExpeditionBuilds


-Steven

i have the same table and it does not rattle which is why i went with this one, some of the higher dollar ones people were saying they rattled.

 

[ExpeditionBuilds]

i have the same table and it does not rattle which is why i went with this one, some of the higher dollar ones people were saying they rattled.

Good to hear this Chris! While I was researching what tables to run, I did see some complaints on rattles with some highly regarded brands. I hate rattles

-Steven

 

[ExpeditionBuilds]

Antennas

A quick update. When I bought my Jeep, the previous owner had a rather small antenna swapped in place of the OEM antenna that really didn't work that well. I replaced that with Quadratec's 16" Hi Performance AM/FM Stubby antenna. Works great, out of the way and made in the USA...I like that.

I also got started on my GMRS radio install. I'm using Midlands Micro Mobile Ghost 3db gain NMO antenna mountd on MicoMobiles Ditch Light Ext Bracket.

Here's the install

I'm waiting on some parts to come in from American Adventure Labs so I can finish the radio install. More to come, stay tuned.


-Steven

 

[ExpeditionBuilds]

Up next...

-Steven

 

[ExpeditionBuilds]

Suspension Upgrades, Stage 1 - Part 1 - The Parts

After spending some time getting familiar with the 392's stock ride, handling and suspension set-up, I came away with these impressions.

- Generally, I like the ride, handling and steering of the 392. I think much of the difference in driving feel over my previous Wranglers is due to the additional weight of 6.4L. Having that big V8 sitting over the front axle really settles things down up front.

- Factory Springs are pretty soft. I was seeing some real settling/sag up front after I installed the Artec winch plate and Warn 10S winch. I'm also running the RSE Step Sliders. After adding the winch, winch plate and step sliders, I was seeing about a half inch of settling up front. The relative softness of the factory springs also allowed a little too much body movement. Here's two examples. 1) Under hard acceleration, the Jeep would squat pretty significantly. 2) During hard braking, you would see a fair amount of nose dive. 3) Through long fast corners, there is a little body roll.

- The suspension seriously needs more up travel. After installing the new mods, I had roughly one inch between the axle and jounce bumper. Hitting any type of small bump at speed would have the front axle slamming into the frame.

So, my Stage 1 plan is to address the lack of up travel on the front axle, as well as change out the factory springs to get rid of the sag and hopefully improve overall ride and handling. The 20A 392 already came from the factory with 2.5" lift (2' Mopar lift +1/2" addition for 20th A).

My priorities are to stay near the stock lift height and maintain or improve upon the factory ride/handling. If the new springs net a slight lift to help clear the 37's, that would be welcome. This will be a true LCG lift.

Springs

After hearing some great first hand reviews (@carsner2004) I decided to try Clayton Offroads' 2.5" springs. In the past, I've run 3.5" Metalcloak Game Changer lifts on our Jeeps and loved them. So, why try the Clayton springs? I know from experience a MC spring will net you more lift than advertised. In my case, I wanted to stay very close to factory ride height. Also, with regards to Clayton, I really love that on their rear coils, the passenger side spring is longer than the driver side to offset the heavy full tank (passenger side).
Front

Rear

Addressing the lack of Up Travel

With the XTreme Recon package 35" tires, Jeep is using a very long jounce tub/bumper set up. As I mention earlier, I was only seeing about 1" of space between the axle and jounce bumper. Taking into account the jounce bumper can collapse only roughly an inch, I had 2" of up travel before the axle is into the frome. To remedy this, I'm adding a set of Fox 2.0 Hydraulic Bump Stops. I ran these on my 2020 and really loved them. They'll allow for more up travel, are height adjustable and allow for a controlled dampened arresting of the axle on full compression. Really what I'm doing is following what Jeep has done with the Mojave Gladiator.

Looking for that Plush Ride

Next part of Stage 1 is adding Metalcloaks' HD Control Arm Pro'lignment Kit. Looking to keep the control arms flat/level for improved control arm geometry for a smoother ride and superior braking performance and less front end dive.

I've never run these before, but again, hearing good things about them. Not too worried about giving up a little ground clearance. More about that later.

I'm going stop here for this post. I'll dive into the install next, stay tuned

-Steven

 

[ExpeditionBuilds]

Suspension Upgrades, Stage 1 - Part 2 - The Install

Alright, let's get the new suspension upgrades on the 392...

With the front springs out, time to measure and cut the jounce tubes for the Fox 2.0 Bump Stops...

My shop used an exhaust chain cutter on the jounce tubes, which resulted in a perfectly straight, even cut...learn something every day!

With the tubes cleaned up and painted, it's time to get the new bunp stops installed...

Pro'lignment Brackets

Installing the drop brackets should have pretty straight forward, simpy bolt them on right? Not so on my 2023, the upper middle bolt is a MC supplied 1/2". On my frame, that hole size is a 12mm, which is .472mm smaller than the 1/2" bolt MC supplied. After fighting with this we had to source another 12mm bolt/nut late in the day (not fun). I called MC to discuss this and was told that they don't usually see this problem...I found that to be not helpful at all.

Like all things MetalCloak, the drop brackets are incredibly beefy

Front springs are in, new track bar bar so we can center the axle...

On to the rear...

New bump stops going in

I'll be running my stock shocks for the time being. To make this work, I added TeraFlex's shock extension brackets...

Next up I'll get some measurements on what we gained from the new springs. I'll also get measurements on up travel as well as cover the road test as we get some seat time in.

Stay tuned, more to come.


-Steven

 

[Rubi6mt]

Suspension Upgrades, Stage 1 - Part 2 - The Install

Alright, let's get the new suspension upgrades on the 392...

With the front springs out, time to measure and cut the jounce tubes for the Fox 2.0 Bump Stops...

My shop used an exhaust chain cutter on the jounce tubes, which resulted in a perfectly straight, even cut...learn something every day!

With the tubes cleaned up and painted, it's time to get the new bunp stops installed...

Pro'lignment Brackets

Installing the drop brackets should have pretty straight forward, simpy bolt them on right? Not so on my 2023, the upper middle bolt is a MC supplied 1/2". On my frame, that hole size is a 12mm, which is .472mm smaller than the 1/2" bolt MC supplied. After fighting with this we had to source another 12mm bolt/nut late in the day (not fun). I called MC to discuss this and was told that they don't usually see this problem...I found that to be not helpful at all.

Like all things MetalCloak, the drop brackets are incredibly beefy

Front springs are in, new track bar bar so we can center the axle...

On to the rear...

New bump stops going in

I'll be running my stock shocks for the time being. To make this work, I added TeraFlex's shock extension brackets...

Next up I'll get some measurements on what we gained from the new springs. I'll also get measurements on up travel as well as cover the road test as we get some seat time in.

Stay tuned, more to come.


-Steven

Great write up and build process on the 392!

The drop brackets definitely do wonders for onroad ride. Curious to see your feedback offroad with them. On my previous JLUR I had the AEV drop brackets and only snagged them a few times on the rocks.

Also very curious whether those Clayton 2.5s give you more of a net gain then expected.

I'm looking at 2.5 Metalcloak springs for my setup as I think it should only net gain 1.5 inches on mine, which will be perfect got the BFG 39s

Love the idea of those FOX bumpstops. How much uptravel gain do you think you get from them?

 

[ExpeditionBuilds]

Great write up and build process on the 392!

The drop brackets definitely do wonders for onroad ride. Curious to see your feedback offroad with them. On my previous JLUR I had the AEV drop brackets and only snagged them a few times on the rocks.

Also very curious whether those Clayton 2.5s give you more of a net gain then expected.

I'm looking at 2.5 Metalcloak springs for my setup as I think it should only net gain 1.5 inches on mine, which will be perfect got the BFG 39s

Love the idea of those FOX bumpstops. How much uptravel gain do you think you get from them?

Thanks @Rubi6mt ! I'm planning on covering in the next post the lift height/measurements, ride characteristics and thoughts on the drop brackets.

With regards to the Fox 2.0 Bump Stops, here's a pic showing where I'm at with the new 2.5" Clayton springs.

As you can see, there is a solid 3" before we contact the strike pad, which I was really happy to see. A few things to keep in mind here.
- This is with my Warn 10S, winch plate, and RSE step sliders
- I currently have 1.25" Clayton bump stops installed (Claytons recommendation for 2.5")
- The Fox 2.0's have close the 2" of up-travel when fully compressed
- You can see from the above pic, I still have quite a bit of adjustability (up) on the 2.0's if needed

Lastly, considering I started with (on stock springs) ~ 1" of space between axle and jounce bumper, which would compress about an inch, I've gained a solid 3" of up-travel.

Here's my math on the above:
- Stock 1" of up-travel + 1" of jounce compression = Net total of: 2" of up-travel
- Clayton 2.5" springs/Fox 2.0 Bump stops nets 3" + 2" of compression = 5"
- Net gained total of 3" up-travel

* NOTE * I still need to flex the Jeep out and check clearances and get this set up dialed in. We were running out of time on the day of the install, especially after dealing with the drop bracket bolts. I'll be back at the shop in a couple of weeks to get on an RTI ramp and get a good look at things. It could be I don't need 1.25" of bump stop, or I adjust the Fox 2.0's up further...we'll see. More to come on that.


-Steven

 

[Rubi6mt]

Thanks @Rubi6mt ! I'm planning on covering in the next post the lift height/measurements, ride characteristics and thoughts on the drop brackets.

With regards to the Fox 2.0 Bump Stops, here's a pic showing where I'm at with the new 2.5" Clayton springs.

As you can see, there is a solid 3" before we contact the strike pad, which I was really happy to see. A few things to keep in mind here.
- This is with my Warn 10S, winch plate, and RSE step sliders
- I currently have 1.25" Clayton bump stops installed (Claytons recommendation for 2.5")
- The Fox 2.0's have close the 2" of up-travel when fully compressed
- You can see from the above pic, I still have quite a bit of adjustability (up) on the 2.0's if needed

Lastly, considering I started with (on stock springs) ~ 1" of space between axle and jounce bumper, which would compress about an inch, I've gained a solid 3" of up-travel.

Here's my math on the above:
- Stock 1" of up-travel + 1" of jounce compression = Net total of: 2" of up-travel
- Clayton 2.5" springs/Fox 2.0 Bump stops nets 3" + 2" of compression = 5"
- Net gained total of 3" up-travel

* NOTE * I still need to flex the Jeep out and check clearances and get this set up dialed in. We were running out of time on the day of the install, especially after dealing with the drop bracket bolts. I'll be back at the shop in a couple of weeks to get on an RTI ramp and get a good look at things. It could be I don't need 1.25" of bump stop, or I adjust the Fox 2.0's up further...we'll see. More to come on that.


-Steven

Great reasoning and planning.

The factory uptravel on these 392s is pretty laughable.

Will definitely be curious to see how the various components clear the oil pan etc of the engine.

Would be great to net that much uptravel.

I'll be splitting my factory fenders to help maximize tire stuffing.

I'm going to have to take a close look at those Fox bump stops and see if I'm going to increase my budget yet again lol.

Can't wait to see your subsequent posts!

 

[ExpeditionBuilds]

Great reasoning and planning.

The factory uptravel on these 392s is pretty laughable.

Will definitely be curious to see how the various components clear the oil pan etc of the engine.

Would be great to net that much uptravel.

I'll be splitting my factory fenders to help maximize tire stuffing.

I'm going to have to take a close look at those Fox bump stops and see if I'm going to increase my budget yet again lol.

Can't wait to see your subsequent posts!

My desire to do an LCG build really necessitated the Fox 2.0's. The alternative is simply go taller/longer springs.

The 2.0's are really helpful in allowing you to carry speed over rough terrain...they are great at absorbing the energy that comes from being surprised by a big bump or G-Out. On my previous JL, I had a few times when I was surprised by a big hit on the trail and you pucker up and say "oh no" to yourself...only to have suspension soak up the hit with no harshness. That's what the 2.0's are really great at.

You're building for a bigger tire. Splitting the fenders will surely yield extra clearance. Looking forward to seeing how you build yours.


-Steven

 

[Rubi6mt]

My desire to do an LCG build really necessitated the Fox 2.0's. The alternative is simply go taller/longer springs.

The 2.0's are really helpful in allowing you to carry speed over rough terrain...they are great at absorbing the energy that comes from being surprised by a big bump or G-Out. On my previous JL, I had a few times when I was surprised by a big hit on the trail and you pucker up and say "oh no" to yourself...only to have suspension soak up the hit with no harshness. That's what the 2.0's are really great at.

You're building for a bigger tire. Splitting the fenders will surely yield extra clearance. Looking forward to seeing how you build yours.


-Steven

Too funny, I had a very similar situation where I was on a trail and failed to see the huge dip, I also said "oh no" (actually a bit more colorful language) and unfortunately had the factory bump stops and boy did it crash into it lol.

We've talked about it before and definitely share the vision of building as low a "LCG" Jeep as I can. hence split fenders along with only a 2.5 inch lift and a bit of trimming (particularly the rear pinch welds).

The 39 BFG KM3s I think are closer to a 38 once under the Jeep and are light for their size.

Will definitely post and share...just need to recoup after just installing these lol

 

[ExpeditionBuilds]

Too funny, I had a very similar situation where I was on a trail and failed to see the huge dip, I also said "oh no" (actually a bit more colorful language) and unfortunately had the factory bump stops and boy did it crash into it lol.

We've talked about it before and definitely share the vision of building as low a "LCG" Jeep as I can. hence split fenders along with only a 2.5 inch lift and a bit of trimming (particularly the rear pinch welds).

The 39 BFG KM3s I think are closer to a 38 once under the Jeep and are light for their size.

Will definitely post and share...just need to recoup after just installing these lol

[/QUOTE]
Wow, what did you do here?

-Steven

 

[Rubi6mt]

Too funny, I had a very similar situation where I was on a trail and failed to see the huge dip, I also said "oh no" (actually a bit more colorful language) and unfortunately had the factory bump stops and boy did it crash into it lol.

We've talked about it before and definitely share the vision of building as low a "LCG" Jeep as I can. hence split fenders along with only a 2.5 inch lift and a bit of trimming (particularly the rear pinch welds).

The 39 BFG KM3s I think are closer to a 38 once under the Jeep and are light for their size.

Will definitely post and share...just need to recoup after just installing these lol

Wow, what did you do here?

-Steven
[/QUOTE]
Installed this skid system including exhaust skid:
https://nextventuremotorsports.com/...m-belly-skids-392-hemi?variant=45862366642412

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