Skip to content

RubiTrux News

RubiTrux News

Build of the week: 2026 Gladiator 392

Build of the week: 2026 Gladiator 392

Kasey Savary

  Jeep hasn’t, so we did. The all new, RubiTrux 2026 Gladiator 392. This is a long awaited Jeep that is the perfect mix of sporty and rugged! Read below about how we built this RubiTrux edition Gladiator 392. The Engine Wondering why this build sounds so good? That would be thanks to the 6.4L HEMI SRT V8. This engine packs a whopping 505 horsepower and 475ft/lbs of torque, so you can rip up and down any road with the light press of the gas pedal. This Gladiator will make you smile from ear to ear every time you start it up. Suspension If you’re planning to take this build off-road, the suspension has you covered. Complete with a TeraFlex 2.5” sport ST2 spring and spacer lift with Falcon SP2 3.3 fast adjust piggy back shocks pairing so nicely with the 20x10” black Rebel Fuel wheels that hold on to some 37 12.50 R20 Mickey Thompson Baja Boss all-terrain tires, giving you a smooth ride on or off-road. Another great addition to this build are the Rockslide Engineering automatic power step sliders, that not only work to help you get in and out of this rig with ease but also protects the body from bigger rocks and fallen trees on the trail.  Accessories There are a lot of upgrades on this Gladiator that really catch your eye when you first see it. One of those things is the Mopar Mojave Hood conversion kit, this kit acts as a natural cooler to the engine, bringing in the cooler outside air to the engine giving it more efficiency. Underneath the hood lays the AMW Hydroguide Duct work that effectively diverts water away from the engine while also filtering the air being fed to the engine. You may have noticed these hoods on the famous Wrangler 392s. We didn’t just stop at the hood, we have given this model the light show it deserves. This includes the Rigid Industries LED 20 inch E series PRO midnight edition front and center on the ARB bondi front bumper, Rigid Industries DSS pro side shooter LED driving light pair held on by KC HiLites A pillar light brackets on either side of the windshield. Rockslide Engineering step slider light kit and an oracle lighting Reverse light. You’ll never see a dark road again!  Final thoughts We heard your complaints and we delivered! This Gladiator is the perfect mix of a capable truck and a quick fun car, all wrapped up in a beautiful Bright White. Hurry up and get your hands on this amazing machine before it’s gone and be the main subject of every Jeep show and trail.  For more information on the 2026 Jeep Gladiator 392 for sale now, give us a call at 828-675-8789. Or click the link below! 2026 Jeep Gladiator 392 For Sale | JT Rubicon X HEMI Hard Top Bright White

Read more
Build of the week: AEV JK350 in Sunset Orange

Build of the week: AEV JK350 in Sunset Orange

Kasey Savary

Build Of The Week: AEV JK350 in Sunset Orange It doesn’t get more rare than this. A one owner Sunset Orange AEV JK350 is ready for all kinds of adventures with you. But what makes this Jeep so special? I’ll tell you everything you need to know in this article! A Rare Gem Sunset Orange is a rare when it comes to Jeeps, with only .6% of the 2015 Wranglers produced in this color. Meaning 1 in every 227 built were sold in the United states. Making this Wrangler very identifiable and sought after by the Jeep enthusiast, especially since very few were built by AEV in the Sunset Orange color. This is a very rare find. More Than Meets The Eye AEV is no stranger when it comes to building well known and reliable Jeeps, in fact, they’ve been doing it since 2004. The AEV package on this wrangler is no exception. Including an AEV 3.5’ suspension lift to give you a smooth ride on or off road with the tire clearance for the 35” BFGoodrich mud terrain tires, an AEV heat reduction hood designed to bring in more fresh air to the 3.6L engine overall enhancing the cooling efficiency of the JK model, an AEV snorkel for those high river crossings, 17” AEV Savergre wheels for some flare, AEV rear bumper water storage tanks, an AEV jack base, AEV lug wrench extension, and some key final touches of the AEV logo on the headrests, instrument cluster, windshield, and stamped on the front and rear steel bumper. This build has the style and aggressive features that not only look good, but also useful. Upgrades And More Upgrades Getting through rough terrain will be a breeze in this wrangler since it’s sporting some Dana 44 HD front and rear axles, fit with a 4.10 axle ratio that will give you the crawl you want on the trail and the ride you want on the road. Pairing those strong axles with a Rock Trac transfer case is the perfect and durable match designed for the automatic transmission. This build also has Tru-lok electronic locking differentials, when locked gives you the ability to send an equal amount of torque to both axles at the same time, getting you up and over any rock or tree that may get in your way. Tying all of this together is the 3.6L 24 valve VVT engine, a strong and reliable source of power with 270lb-ft of torque! This build has all you need to really go anywhere without hassle. Final Touches Last but certainly not least are the final touches on this build. This would include the IPF lights on the front bumper, reverse light, and headlamp upgrade. The offroad lights alone feature a high impact resin housing, a hardened glass lensed and black light guards. JW speaker headlights that provide dual burn high beam optics for those late night drives home. Finally a WARN Zeon winch to pull you out of any slick terrain. It’s always refreshing to see such a cool build in our lot, we are excited to see it go on all sorts of trails and camping spots. Could you see yourself driving this?  

Read more
Build of the week: 2003 HEMI TJ Brute

Build of the week: 2003 HEMI TJ Brute

Kasey Savary

Build of the week: 2003 HEMI TJ Brute Born in 2004, the brute is a true American classic. This rare gem is everything you want and need for great adventures or just an amazing addition to your Jeep collection. This Brute has the V8 sound and torquey power you crave while keeping the classic look that we know and love. In this article I’ll tell you everything you need to know about this powerhouse. The Heart Of The Build The 4.0L is a powerful engine when it comes to torque and mechanical reliability. But what if the 4.0L had speed, reliability and torque? Que the 6.4L V8. This 6.4L in particular was built by Arrington Performance, meaning the engine was upgraded to ensure power and high performance throughout it's lifespan. Paired with this monster is the MOPAR 545RFEHD 5 speed transmission, tuned by Arrington performance. A match made in heaven.   Strong Enough To Climb Mountains. The TJ brute has a specific wheel base, Metalcloak took that as a challenge and made a custom long arm kit for the Jeep. The Lock N Load long arm suspension kit provides more than just good looks, this suspension will keep the Brute planted, maintaining all 4 points of contact at all times on the trail. Working with the long arms are the Metalcloak 6 pack edition shocks and coils, making for a smooth and comfortable ride no matter where you are. The bumpstops on this rig are the KING racing air bump stops, used on many trophy trucks, these consist of a unique piston design and a nylon contact pad that ensures a quiet and performance packed ride. This Brute is hiding a powerful transfer case kit, that is, ofcourse, the TeraFlex Teralow 4:1 crawler transfer case kit. This will provide the trail performance you want without affecting your high range gears when you daily drive it, this is due to the 4:0:1 reduction through a 5 gear HD planetary system. A build isn’t complete until it has Currie G2 Dana 44 front and rear axles, fitted with some beautiful ARB differential covers and air lockers that give  this build a nice splash of color! This one of a kind HEMI brute was made and tuned for Off-road! All Charm. What makes this Brute really stand out is the Highline hood and fender kit that is sought after by Jeep enthusiasts and collectors worldwide. The term “highline” refers to the fenders that provide a higher clearance for better articulation off-road, a key feature in maintaining balance on those uneven surfaces. Another unique feature on this build is the pre-runner spare tire mount in the bed of the Brute, giving a very Baja esc look that you wouldn’t normally see on a Jeep. The interior has a more classy feeling with the Recaro leather seats. If you’re looking for the perfect mix of classic car and off-road machine, then look no further!  Conclusion. A Brute like this doesn’t come along very often. When it does, we want to tell everyone about it and teach them about the history of this amazing forgotten part of Jeep conversion history.   

Read more
BUILD OF THE WEEK - Overland Gladiator JT
Builds

BUILD OF THE WEEK - Overland Gladiator JT

Kasey Savary

A real head turner. This Gladiator JT has all you need to disappear into the mountains for a nice weekend get away. In this article we will give you the full rundown of this trail beast, and maybe give you some ideas on how to build your own. Getting Down To Business This Gladiator is hitting trails with confidence with the AEV 2.5” dualsport RT suspension, giving this build a smooth ride to and from work on top of a durable suspension for those weekends on the trail. Holding on to the suspension are the 17” KMC machine finished grenade crawl beadlocks that are designed to grip the tire in order to keep it from sliding around the tire during low PSI crawling. These wheels are locking on to some Nitto ridge grappler 40inch meaty tires, made with knobby walls and a mud-terrain pattern, this tire is designed to grip rocks when climbing and prevent slipping in mud or slick terrain while still having a well mannered on road feel. You can’t run 40s without regearing. Both of these axles are geared to 5:38 to reduce the strain on the suspension, keeping this Jeep running smooth on the trail and on the road. On both sides you’ll notice the Rockslide Engineering power steps, used on a lot of our Jeep builds. Providing easy access in and out of the vehicle and 10 gauge steel protection against rocks and debris you typically encounter on a tougher trail. RSE steps are the only true powered step that doubles as rock sliders. The steps deploy a full 12 inches from the body, automatically opening and closing with the doors of the Jeep. Must Have Accessories All gladiator builds aren’t complete without some add ons. This one is no exception. We’ll start with the smart cap EVO that is made of stainless steel instead of fiberglass, making it weatherproof, strong, and a perfect pick for someone who is just getting into overlanding! Another big thing you’ll see is the Addictive Desert Designs rock fighter front and rear bumpers that have a hammer black powder coat finish and a satin black powder coat panel finish, this stubby and durable front end provides a ton of protection and you can mount up to 5 cube lights or a 20inch light bar with the universal fitments on the front bumper. The owner used that to his advantage and added the Baja Designs LP4 pod lights with amber lenses that provide 6,885 forward projecting lumens and an additional 1,972 lumens of peripheral light so you can see more on the trails. To help with cold air intake we converted the hood to a Mojave hood. Road Armor front and rear fenders help give this Gladiator an aggressive look. The statement piece on this rig would be the limited edition Shreddy X Baja Designs XL pro LED light pod pair that are custom with a blue and purple paint splatter design and caps you can only get with these lights, resembling Blake Wilkey’s iconic Baja Bug trophy truck. Best Of Both Worlds This JT belongs to one of our employees and it is on our lot everyday showing off our bread an butter, well mannered on road builds that are ready for anything on the trails. We’ve seen this build drive around and conquer trails, there’s nothing this JT can’t do! View some of our other or upcoming gladiator builds on our website!

Read more
Build breakdown 11.11.2025

Build breakdown 11.11.2025

Kasey Savary

A Piece of History : The AEV Brute Conversion Today we’re talking about the Gladiator before the Gladiator, this of course is the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Brute. After the Jeep Commanche went off the market in 1992. Jeep didn’t offer another truck option for almost 30 years, or at least until the new gladiator came out in 2018. In that time the Jeep community wanted another truck option so they turned to AEV. Thus the Wrangler brute was born. Consisting of a stretched TJ frame and a bobbed bed, this jeep was unique and capable. The Suspension This beautiful silver AEV Brute is built tough with a 2” Old Man Emu suspension with Fox shocks for a smooth and balanced ride, 17” AEV Pintler wheels for a subtle look to match the body. and 4:56 gears to haul those 35” BF Goodrich KO2 all-terrain tires. On the sides of the body you’ll see Smittybilt side steps with rocker guards to protect the body from anything the trail throws at it. This Brute also features a limited run front bumper; with a Warn VR EVO 8 winch, keeping you fully prepared to get out of any situation. On each side of the bumper is the Baja Designs squadron sport driving lights, pushing out 3,162 lumens at 30 watts you will have no trouble seeing where the road takes you next. The Heart of the Brute In the engine bay you’ll notice a 4.0L inline 6 engine. They come standard in most TJ Wranglers and the brute is no exception. This engine is known for it’s toque ( 220-235 lb-ft) and reliability, a true gem of the older generation Jeeps. This engine is paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission making this a very fun and easy vehicle to get around in. This engine in particular has only 61,000 miles, which is why it’s in pristine condition. Another great perk of the Brute is the extra cargo space it provides. Unlike the TJ that has very limited space especially when you have the back seats in. The brute has an entire truck bed to store your camping and hauling needs!  Final thoughts We buy these from all over the country and every single one has a different story. We've had Brutes come in that were farm trucks in Texas hauling hay and hand tools around the owners cow farm. We've seen Brutes that have lived their life in a climate controlled garage and roll out looking like how we remember them in 06. We love hearing about the life of the Jeeps passing through our doors so feel free to send in your Brute stories, we'd love to hear them.  

Read more
Built For The Trails: All New RubiTrux JK Crawler
Builds

Built For The Trails: All New RubiTrux JK Crawler

Kasey Savary

For over twenty years now, RubiTrux has been making turnkey ready Jeep conversions. With Jeep Wrangler JKs becoming a more affordable trail ready rig, we decided to build a no compromises JK with 42s, ready for the trails, and built to take a beating. Read below for a full breakdown and our methodology.   Upgraded Suspension One of our first hard choices was the suspension. With all the long arm options out there we had a hard time picking which kit would work best for us but we knew we wanted to preserve on road handling and have the adjustments necessary for off road crawling. We ended up choosing the TeraFlex Alpine RT Coilover kit with JK specific Falcon Coilovers. Long arms are used to reposition the mounting points and restore proper suspension geometry, all around reducing the stress on the suspension itself but also gave us a comfortable on road whether it was on the highway or in town. Combining the long arms with the Falcon coilovers helped too as they have an adjustable and tunable damping rate for adapting to any terrain.  Nothing is worse than breaking an axle shaft when trying to climb Hell’s Revenge in Moab, that’s why we went with Terra 60s with 5.38 Yukon gears to give us a bulletproof setup and that low end torque we need on the trails. Tires and Wheels For the tires we decided to go with the 42x13.5 Mickey Thompson Baja Boss’s. These tires are knobby, rugged, and made for climbing. The knobby outer edge gives you the grip you need when climbing a narrow gap or a rock wall and you won’t have to worry about smaller sharp rocks or rough edges puncturing them, making this the go to tire for any rocky or slick terrain.  We knew we wanted the reliability of beadlocks when off roading (even down to 5psi), with a trusted wheel brand. We decided to go with Methods machined 106 beadlock wheel. Their years of race experience gives us that piece of mind needed when rock crawling.  The Engine Our no compromises JK wouldn’t be complete without a 6.4L V8 392 HEMI. The torque and power from this 392 is hard to beat, creating 485 horsepower and 475lb-ft of torque you can smoke tires even with 42s. There’s no better sound than a 392 roaring through the mountains! You’re bound to stand out and get loads of attention with this build, especially at any Jeep show.  

Read more
Exploring the Strength: HEMI Engines in Jeep Gladiators
Builds

Exploring the Strength: HEMI Engines in Jeep Gladiators

Nate Hidalgo

The Rise of the HEMI-Powered Jeep Gladiators  As the off-road industry grows, so does the demand for more power. To solve this, V8 engine conversions have been produced for various off-road vehicles. These conversions vary from a 5.7 HEMI to a 6.2L Demon V8 making 840 horsepower. One line of vehicles that has seen this become a growing trend is the Jeep Gladiator. One of enthusiasts' biggest complaints about the Gladiator has been its lack of power. Well, we can happily say that nothing fixes this issue like a V8 conversion, especially a HEMI.     Performance Boosts with HEMI Engines  When opting for a HEMI conversion in your Jeep Gladiator, there are three engines to consider: the 6.4L HEMI, the supercharged 6.2L Hellcat, and the 6.2L Demon. Each offers unique benefits and performance characteristics, making them ideal for different types of driving experiences and off-road adventures. These powerful engines can be paired with either the 8HP75 transmission from the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT or the 8HP95 transmission from the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk, depending on your performance requirements. These engine conversions completely transform the feeling you get while driving your Jeep Gladiator.    Spec Sheet of Conversations   392 SRT 6.4L HEMI V8 Conversion - 505 HP, 475 FT/LB, 8HP75 8 Speed Automatic Transmission  Supercharged 6.2L SRT HEMI Hellcat V8 Conversion - 707 HP, 650 FT/LB, 8HP75 8 Speed Automatic Transmission  Demon 6.2L Engine Conversion - 840 HP, 770 FT/LB, 8HP95 8 Speed Automatic Transmission   Essential Modifications for HEMI Conversions  When performing a HEMI V8 engine swap in your Jeep Gladiator, such as installing the 6.4L HEMI, the supercharged 6.2L Hellcat, or the 6.2L Demon engine, several upgrades are often suggested to handle the increased power and maintain the vehicle's reliability. While not every conversion requires extensive modifications, enhancing components like the suspension, axles, and brakes is typically recommended. Upgraded springs, shocks, and control arms are crucial to manage the added weight and improve stability, especially for off-road performance. Stronger axles ensure that the drivetrain can withstand the higher torque outputs, and larger, high-performance brake systems are necessary to provide adequate stopping power. Additionally, steering components and chassis reinforcements are often upgraded to handle the stress from the powerful engines, ensuring that the Gladiator remains both safe and capable under its new performance parameters. These enhancements ensure that the vehicle can handle the significant boost in power and continue to perform reliably both on and off the road.     Practical Benefits of HEMI Gladiator  HEMI-powered Jeep Gladiators bring an exciting blend of performance, off-road capability, and driving fun to the table. On the daily drive, these powerful engines make a noticeable difference, especially when equipped with larger off-road tires that can otherwise make vehicles feel sluggish. The extra horsepower from engines like the 6.4L HEMI or the supercharged 6.2L Hellcat transforms everyday commutes into spirited drives, offering quick acceleration and an exhilarating driving experience. Off-road, the significant torque, and power allow Gladiators to tackle rough terrains, steep inclines, and challenging obstacles with ease, making them a top choice for serious off-road enthusiasts. Overall, the enhanced performance and sheer enjoyment of driving a HEMI-powered Gladiator provide a thrilling experience that makes every journey, whether on the road or off, more enjoyable and dynamic.   Crafting the Ultimate Jeep Gladiators  Here at RubiTrux, we have specialized in turnkey HEMI conversions for over 20 years, completing more than 600 successful transformations. Our dedication to quality and expertise in HEMI engine swaps set us apart. Each conversion is meticulously performed by our skilled technicians to seamlessly integrate the powerful HEMI engine, enhancing the Gladiator's performance while maintaining its reliability and drivability. Beyond conversions, we also offer turnkey Jeep Gladiators with HEMI engines already installed. These ready-to-drive models are crafted with the same attention to detail and premium components, providing you with an instantly powerful and thrilling vehicle straight off the lot. At RubiTrux, we combine our passion for Jeeps with our deep technical knowledge to deliver Gladiators that are not only capable but also exceptionally fun to drive.  Check out some of our HEMI Jeep Gladiators we've built: Jeep Gladiator JT Rubicon Bright White                    Jeep Gladiator JT Rubicon Firecracker Red          Jeep Gladiator JT Rubicon Granite Crystal                              

Read more
Celebrating Last Year’s Jeep Gladiator Winner
Builds

Celebrating Last Year’s Jeep Gladiator Winner

Nate Hidalgo

Partnership and Preparation: Building the Dream Jeep  Last year, we partnered up with Appalachian State University to build and give away a Jeep Gladiator Rubicon. The giveaway was a huge success, and we are thrilled that a lucky winner got to take home such an awesome Jeep. The collaboration with App State was a perfect blend of community spirit and ruggedness, resulting in a vehicle that truly stands out. The announcement at Kidd Brewer Stadium during halftime, paired with roaring applause and the Jeep being driven onto the field, was an unforgettable moment for our team and everyone present. The energy and excitement made it a highlight event of the year for both our company and the university.  The Big Reveal: A Moment to Remember   During the halftime of the highly anticipated game against Appalachian State's rival, Georgia Southern, the Jeep Gladiator Rubicon was driven onto the field at Kidd Brewer Stadium. The crowd's cheers grew louder as the excitement built. Representatives from both our team and Appalachian State University watched proudly as the winner, who had purchased just one ticket, was announced. This reveal during the rivalry game highlighted the impressive vehicle and the successful partnership that made the giveaway possible, making it a memorable moment for everyone involved.   Engineering Excellence: The Jeep Gladiator Rubicon Build  The prize, a 2023 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon, was a true testament to the dedication and expertise our team put into the build. This wasn't just any Jeep; it was a customized vehicle designed to stand out and perform exceptionally. The vehicle featured:  AEV 2.5" DualSport RT Suspension Lift                                                                 AEV Bilstein Steering Stabilizer                                                    Maximus-3 XLP Hoop General Grabber A/TX 37x12.50r17  Fuel Off-Road D627 Vandal Gloss Blk Mil  Custom Embroidered Alea Verona Leather Interior Go Rhino Dominator DSS Rock Sliders KC Flex Era 4 - Combo Beam  Custom Appalachian State-Inspired Livery A Heartfelt Reaction: Winner’s Joy   Wendy Wilt knew she was the winner before the big game, but the surprise of seeing the Jeep Gladiator Rubicon was a moment she would never forget. As she was leaving work, Wendy was greeted with an incredible sight – the Jeep waiting for her outside. She could hardly believe her eyes. The look of disbelief and joy on her face captured the essence of the giveaway’s impact.    Her excitement was shared with her colleagues, friends, and family, who gathered around to celebrate the moment with her. Representatives from both our team and Appalachian State University were present, sharing in the joy and reinforcing the strong bonds of community and partnership. Wendy's reaction highlighted the personal impact of the giveaway and the joy it brought not just to her, but to everyone involved.   Looking Forward: Future Opportunities Building on the success of last year's giveaway, we are thrilled to announce that we are partnering with Appalachian State University once again for another exciting giveaway. This year’s prize is a 2024 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, a vehicle that promises to be as impressive and sought after as last year’s Gladiator.  The rules for this year’s giveaway remain the same: there are 4,000 tickets available, each costing $100, and there is no limit to how many tickets each person may purchase. This structure ensures that everyone has a fair chance to win while also supporting a great cause. The funds raised will continue to support community initiatives and projects, fostering a spirit of giving and community support.  We are eagerly looking forward to the same level of enthusiasm and participation from the community that made last year’s event such a remarkable success. This year's giveaway not only provides another chance to win an extraordinary vehicle but also strengthens the bonds between our company, Appalachian State University, and the community. Stay tuned for more details and get ready to participate in what promises to be another unforgettable event!   

Read more
Another Amazing Partnership
Vehicle Giveaways

Another Amazing Partnership

Nate Hidalgo

We are thrilled to announce our latest partnership with Appalachian State University, bringing you the giveaway of a lifetime! RubiTrux and App State have once again joined forces to offer a one-of-a-kind, custom-built 2024 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. This exceptional vehicle, meticulously crafted by RubiTrux, showcases the finest products we use in our shop daily, embodying the perfect blend of rugged off-road capabilities, school pride, and stunning aesthetics. Click To Win This custom-built Jeep Wrangler Rubicon is not only unique but a testament to our dedication to quality and durability. It features an advanced suspension system, aggressive off-road wheels and tires, and a unique App State-inspired livery that sets it apart from any other Jeep on the road. The custom leather interior, with App State’s logo beautifully embroidered on the front headrest, adds a touch of luxury and exclusivity that will make any Mountaineer fan proud.  Build List:   AEV 2.5" DualSport RT JL Suspension Lift: This lift kit provides improved ground clearance and a smoother ride, perfect for off-road adventures.  AEV Bilstein Steering Stabilizer: Enhances handling and reduces road vibrations for a more comfortable driving experience.  Maximus-3 XLP Hoop: Adds an extra layer of protection and style to the front of the Jeep.  General Grabber X3 - 37X13.50R20: These aggressive off-road tires offer superior traction and durability.  Fuel Vandal 20x9 - Black and Milled: Stylish and sturdy, these wheels are built to withstand tough conditions.  TeraFlex Alpha HD Tire Mounting Kit: Ensures your spare tire is securely mounted and easily accessible.  Custom Embroidered Alea Verona Leather Interior: Luxurious leather seats with App State’s logo for a premium look and feel.  Go Rhino JL Running Boards with Black Bedliner Finish: Durable running boards for easy entry and exit, with a rugged bedliner finish.  Custom App State Wrap: A unique design that proudly displays your school spirit.  KC Flex Era 4 - Combo Beam: High-performance lighting illuminating the darkest trails.     Giveaway Details  All proceeds from this giveaway will support App State Athletics, helping to fund programs and initiatives that benefit student-athletes and the university community. Here’s the details:  Ticket Price: $100 per entry.  Unlimited Entries: There is no cap on the number of tickets you can purchase.  Total Spots: 4,000 raffle spots are available.  Deadline: The raffle ends on November 14, 2024.  Announcement: The winner will be announced on November 23, 2024.  Entering the giveaway is simple. Click below and purchase your tickets, and you’re in! Keep an eye on your email and our social media channels for updates and announcements.  Click To Win Don’t miss out on this opportunity to win a custom RubiTrux built Jeep Wrangler Rubicon while supporting App State Athletics. Get your tickets now and drive home this extraordinary vehicle!    Click To Win

Read more
The Jeep Wrangler 392: What You Need to Know
392

The Jeep Wrangler 392: What You Need to Know

Nate Hidalgo

A V8 Dream Come True For decades now, Jeep enthusiasts have wanted to see a V8 as a factory option for their beloved Wrangler. In November of 2020, they got just that. Jeep announced the 392 HEMI V8 would be fitted into the four-door Wrangler Rubicon paired with an 8-speed 8Hp75 Automatic Transmission. We are now in year three of production, and a lot has changed. Here is the rundown: The Heart of the 392 The Jeep Wrangler 392 puts out a massive 470 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft. of torque with its HEMI V8, achieving 0-60 in just 4.5 seconds making it the fastest wrangler ever produced. This is a significant upgrade from the previous year's engine options. The 3.6L Pentastar V6, 2.0L eTorque I4, and the 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 came nowhere close to these numbers, with the highest of the three only making a measly 285 horsepower (the Pentastar V6). Not to mention, this was before modifying these Jeeps with things such as bigger tires, beefier suspension, and heavy armor. The 392 comes standard as a Rubicon, with the Xtreme Recon Package being added as an option in 2022. This package includes 35-inch BFGoodrich KO2 A/T tires, 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels, a Mopar 1.5-inch lift kit with Fox Shocks tuned specifically for the 392, and much more. So, what does this mean? It means this Jeep is ready for anything! What sets the 392 Apart The 392 is special as many 'Jeepers' have wanted a Jeep with a monster V8 for ages. This alone sets it apart from others. But what else is special about it? Well to start, it includes the Hydro-Guide hood, designed specifically for the 392. This hood has a functional hood scoop allowing for air to be directed into the engine bay for increased cooling while also directing water out. It does this with its tri-level ducting system which filters the air and water in different directions. The 392 also has a distinctive color scheme in comparison to other Wrangler models. It features bronze accents which can be found all over the Jeep, from the 392 badges on the hood to the stitching on the interior. It does a great job of setting it apart from the other trim levels Jeep offers while keeping it subtle and clean. On the interior, 20th Anniversary models received red Nappa leather seats along with 'Rubicon 392' embroidered on them to distinguish them from other 392 Wranglers. In 2024, Jeep introduced a 12.3-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which refreshed the interior while also keeping the rugged feeling of Jeeps. Paddle shifters also came with the 392 Wrangler, allowing for fun times behind the wheel. Along with all of the new features, the 392 still has the removable doors, and the option for a three-piece hardtop or the Sky One-Touch Power Top. The Power Top allows for the roof to retract in one touch, maximizing comfort while also keeping the structure and look of the hardtop. This also means no getting caught in the rain without a top! Built for Any Terrain The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 was designed with one thing in mind: performance. Sure, this nearly 5500 lb. SUV has a 0-60 time of 4.4 seconds, but that's not the performance Jeep had in mind. This thing was made to shine off-road! To do this, it comes with front and rear Dana 44 axles with 4.56 gears and E-Lockers that lock at the press of a button on the dash. It also gets a full-time automatic 4:1 low-range transfer case with 4H and 4L, allowing for high-speed fun or low-speed crawling. The 392 also gets the electronic sway bar disconnect, letting it articulate much further than when connected by pressing the switch on the dash letting you get on and off the trail in seconds.  Due to the extra weight from the V8, it gets a 1.5-inch body lift that allows for an approach angle of 47.4 degrees and a 39.8-degree departure angle. The 392 Wrangler's tuned Fox Shocks keep obstacles feeling smooth at higher speeds as well. Paired against its competitors, the Wrangler is the only one to come with a solid front axle, giving it an edge in articulation and strength. New for the 2024 models, the 392 got a full-float rear axle, increasing the Wrangler's strength while on the trail. The Rubicon 392 takes care of the lack of power from previous trims while maintaining its great off-road capabilities. On Road Performance  So we already know that the Jeep Wrangler 392 performs astonishingly off-road, but how does it do on the road? It does just as good! The big V8 under the hood allows for it to get up to cruising speed from the light with no issue, unlike previous models with their tiny V6. It cruises at highway speeds flawlessly likely due to its eight-speed transmission making it great for those long drives or daily commutes. The 392 also comes equipped with an Active Dual-Mode Exhaust System so that the exhaust noise can be made quieter or louder just by pressing a button. The difference this feature makes is insane and is necessary for those long trips with family and friends. The 392 is slightly wider than other Wrangler models, resulting in improved stability and handling. Its Fox Shocks also soak up the bumps in the road allowing for a silky-smooth ride while cruising through town. Stopping is just as important as going, which is why to make up for the increase in tire size and power, the 392 also receives upgraded brakes for extra stopping power.  Final Thoughts: Ready for Anything  The Wrangler 392 is exceptional; it does everything it's supposed to and more. The V8 took care of the lack of power that other trims were missing without sacrificing any of its capabilities. It has the upper hand over any of its competitors in just about every category while maintaining a similar price range. Whether used for daily driving, cruising around town on the weekends or serious rock crawling, the Wrangler 392 just does it. The feeling you get from driving one is truly unique. Many criticize it for its fuel economy or price tag, but once you're in the driver's seat, none of that matters. The roar of the V8, the capability to conquer any terrain, and the iconic Jeep styling come together to create an experience like no other.  The Wrangler 392 is more than just a vehicle; it's a statement. It represents the pinnacle of off-road performance and versatility, proving that Jeep continues to lead the way in delivering vehicles that inspire and excite. It's a dream come true for many enthusiasts who have long wanted a Wrangler with a V8 from the factory. For those who seek power, capability, and a unique driving experience, the Wrangler 392 is ready for anything.

Read more