Rubi 392 - 20th Anniversary Build & Backstory

[Ten4Jeep]

New Jeep, new build thread. A little back story.

This past spring I had the opportunity to spend a little seat time in a friends 392. Mind you, I'd read all the press about the launch of the 392 Wrangler, knew full well what the engineers had baked into it, knew it was Jeeps' Halo Wrangler (thank you Ford).

However, it wasn't until I actually drove one that convinced me this would be my next Jeep. So, after watching the used market for a few months, I was able to buy this low mileage 20th Anniversary Edition. I picked her up at a Mercedes dealership in OKC. Driving her home from Oklahoma City to Chicagoland was a nice way to get familiar with the new beast..
Here she is...

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5HJ5REOo6XbFuakJem6TTw


-Steven

congrats!!! That’s a really nice looking rig!!! I was originally looking to buy a 4xe until we test drove one. That hybrid was a quirky-jerky mess and definitely not a “driver’s” vehicle. The Jeep salesman said that it would only be jerky and hunting around for gears for the first few hundred miles while the computer was learning. So, we rented a 4xe that had about 13K miles on it for a vacation to make sure. That one was quirky as well, LOL! Soooooo glad we bought the 392 XR. Only negative is the fuel economy, but even that isn’t too terrible if you drive it normally. I actually got ~18 mpg on a tank I was very gentle with. I also love that it rides so smooth and quietly with the exhaust button turned off. Such an amazing and versatile beast!!! It’s a “Jeckle n Hyde” jeep

Hope you enjoy yours as much as we love ours

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[ExpeditionBuilds]

congrats!!! That’s a really nice looking rig!!! I was originally looking to buy a 4xe until we test drove one. That hybrid was a quirky-jerky mess and definitely not a “driver’s” vehicle. The Jeep salesman said that it would only be jerky and hunting around for gears for the first few hundred miles while the computer was learning. So, we rented a 4xe that had about 13K miles on it for a vacation to make sure. That one was quirky as well, LOL! Soooooo glad we bought the 392 XR. Only negative is the fuel economy, but even that isn’t too terrible if you drive it normally. I actually got ~18 mpg on a tank I was very gentle with. I also love that it rides so smooth and quietly with the exhaust button turned off. Such an amazing and versatile beast!!! It’s a “Jeckle n Hyde” jeep

Hope you enjoy yours as much as we love ours

Thanks Ten4Jeep! Interesting your 4xe experience. I'm hoping Jeep gives us a really excellent hybrid drivetrain on the next gen Wrangler.

As for the 392, I couldn't be happier. It does have a bit of Jekyll n Hyde personality. Looking pretty much like most Wranglers definitely gives it a sleeper quality as well.

Something this big and heavy shouldn't be as quick as it is, and handle as well as it does...it sort of defies physics. The more time I spend in it, the more I find the engineers who worked on the 392 took their task very seriously. For example, have you used the Offroad + button much?

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5HJ5REOo6XbFuakJem6TTw


-Steven

 

[Ten4Jeep]

Something this big and heavy shouldn't be as quick as it is, and handle as well as it does...it sort of defies physics. The more time I spend in it, the more I find the engineers who worked on the 392 took their task very seriously. For example, have you used the Offroad + button much?

-Steven

Agreed! I use OR+ except when on highway to keep the MDS from turning on. I find that MDS never engages above 70 mph anyway. OR+ =

 

[ExpeditionBuilds]

Expedition One Roof Rack

The transformation continues on the 392. I got my Expedition One Mule Rack switched over to the 392. This was actually a very easy process, loosen the six clamps, lift it off and mount it on the new Jeep.

I've been impressed with the quality/durability of this rack. I had this rack on my 2020 for nearly four years and it still looks great. This rack has been a key element to allow us to carry all our gear when we hit the trails. It also gets called into duty from time to time carrying lumber for a home improvement project. Being fabricated from aluminum keeps the high center of gravity weight down when not in use. It also runs completely quiet at interstate speed.

Here it is on the 392...

This White/Black/Bronze scheme is really coming together nicely. Stay tuned, more to come.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5HJ5REOo6XbFuakJem6TTw


-Steven

 

[ExpeditionBuilds]

American Adventure Labs - MAAS Cargo Shelf

This is a great way to increase your cargo capacity on your Jeep. Excellent design, well made and rattle free. We also love the ability to add color via powdercoat. We took AAL suggestion and lined the shelf with tool box tray liner.

I have lighting installed on the underside of the shelf. I should have that wired in soon.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5HJ5REOo6XbFuakJem6TTw


-Steven

 

[ExpeditionBuilds]

Just a pic...

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5HJ5REOo6XbFuakJem6TTw



-Steven

 

[ExpeditionBuilds]

Quadratec Spare Tire Bump Stop Kit

After switching the stock tire/wheel combo to the 37" Nitto's/Beadlocks, I needed to address the spare tire bump stops being too short. The 392 20A came equipped with the air compressor built into tire carrier,cargo door, which looks like it extends further out.

This is a pic of the OEM spare tire bump relative to the offset of my beadlocks...

I ordered a set of Quadratec Spare Tire Bump Stops to replace the OEM bumpers.

The Quadratec Bump Stops measure 4.5", which it turns out was just what I needed. These went on easily and when the spare was mounted gave me a little compression to keep the spare tight on the mount.

Slowly getting it all dialed in.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5HJ5REOo6XbFuakJem6TTw


-Steven

 

[ExpeditionBuilds]

Rock Slide Engineering Rear Hitch Slider

This is a really nice addition.
• Provides a nice step for roof rack access from the rear of the vehicle.
• Provides some rear bumper protection acting as a slider while in the rocks.
• Well made and with a clever fastening system, it goes on/off the Jeep in a minute.

*** Receive 10% off any Rock Slide purchase by using this code: expeditionbuilds10 ***

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5HJ5REOo6XbFuakJem6TTw


-Steven

 

[ExpeditionBuilds]

Rock Slide Engineering Gen 3 Step Sliders

I got another mod done on the 392. I've had the RSE Step Sliders on my JK as well as on both of my JL builds. We love these for two simple reasons.
• The Step Sliders provide frame mounted protection on the trail in the form of a 'boat style' slider, especially when you add the optional Step Slider Skid Plate 3.0.
• They provide easy, safe ingress/egress for me and those who ride with me and the wide flat top side is really helpful when accessing the roof rack.

We learned at Easter Jeep Safari this past Spring that the Step Sliders are now offered as Jeep Performance Parts. No surprise Jeep liked them enough to add them to the JPP catalog. Here's a look...

The optional lighting kit works well

*** receive 10% off any Rock Slide purchase using this code: expeditionbuilds10 ***

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5HJ5REOo6XbFuakJem6TTw


-Steven

 

[ExpeditionBuilds]

Just some pics...

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5HJ5REOo6XbFuakJem6TTw


-Steven

 

[ExpeditionBuilds]

Still working on lighting on the 392. Today's project, rock lights.

Working with Diode Dynamics Rock Lights 4 light kit. Have to say, as with all Diode Dynamics products, super well made. More to come soon.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5HJ5REOo6XbFuakJem6TTw


-Steven

 

[ExpeditionBuilds]

I was downstate today for business. I was able to get a few captures done on the way home.

Last light of a beautiful Fall day...

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5HJ5REOo6XbFuakJem6TTw


-Steven

 

[ExpeditionBuilds]

WeatherTech Mud Flaps (F)

Another small mod, trying to get ready for the winter months ahead,. Plus, the 392 being all wheel drive likes to throw stones. The no-drill mounting is nice and the shape is good.

-Steven

 

[ExpeditionBuilds]

Found a little time today to work on the 392. After spending some time with placement and layout, I got some simple brackets fabbed and the Rock Lights mounted on them. Hoping to get these installed and wired up soon.

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


-Steven

 

[ExpeditionBuilds]

Got my Diode Dynamics rock lights wired up. I'll get more pics soon.

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


-Steven

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