Top 5 Wrangler JL Mods: Building a Budget Rubicon 392!

Updated on Jan 27, 2024

In recent years, we’ve seen the emergence of several off-road-centric vehicle trims engineered to provide the best possible off-the-shelf performance. Previously, vehicles required thousands of dollars in upgrades to come close to the performance of such models as the Ford Raptor, Chevy Colorado ZR2, RAM TRX, and…the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon.

Arguably, one of the first off-road special editions to reach universal success is the Jeep Rubicon, which first debuted in 2003 on the TJ platform. This special-edition Wrangler sported Dana 44 front and rear axles with 4.10 gears, factory locking differentials, coil-sprung multi-link suspension, and a beefier transfer case. Two decades later, the recipe isn’t all too different.

Unfortunately, Rubicon packages aren’t cheap. Compared to the base Wrangler Sport’s $32,000 price tag, the various Rubicon tiers–Rubicon, Rubicon X, and Rubicon 392–come at respective price increases of $14,000, $24,000, and $58,000; you can buy two and a half Wrangler Sports for the price of one Rubicon 392!

But what if we told you there’s a way to significantly improve the performance of your entry-level Wrangler for a fraction of the price of a new Rubicon? In this guide, we’re detailing the products and accessories you’ll need to transform your Wrangler into a Jeep that rivals the performance of top-tier Rubicon!

What Is the Wrangler Rubicon 392 Package?

In late 2020, 17 years after the release of the first Wrangler Rubicon, Mopar announced the Wrangler Rubicon 392: a 6.4L HEMI V8-powered Rubicon pumping out 470 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque! Aside from the upgraded powertrain, which includes an 8-speed automatic transmission and MP3022 transfer case, the Rubicon 392 package includes:

Dana 44 front and rear axles
4.10 differential gears
LT315/70SR17C all-terrain tires
Rubicon bumper
Body-colored flares and hard top

Plus more! For a comprehensive rundown of the impressive SUV, check out our Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 Review! In short, the Rubicon 392 is the ultimate combination of power, off-road performance, and amenities, resulting in a rig that’s as rewarding to drive on the street as it is on the dirt!

Unfortunately, the Rubicon 392 does come with some downsides. For starters, the trim comes in at a whopping $90,590 price tag, and that’s before the $1,795 destination fee! That’s $40,000 more than a JLU Rubicon and $30,000 more than a JLU Rubicon X, essentially a 392 minus the HEMI.

Next, let’s talk about the cost of insurance. The Rubicon 392 isn’t just expensive to purchase and fuel up, but it’s also expensive to pilot on the road. On average, Rubicon 392 drivers report annual insurance fees between $2,000–$3,000; ouch.

Finally, there’s off-road performance. Aside from the added weight of the HEMI engine, the 392 is also considerably longer than a 2-door Wrangler Rubicon, seeing as the V8-powered variant is only available in a 4-door configuration. If you regularly use your Jeep to pilot tight trails, the added wheelbase may be a turn-off. You’ll also need to take a considerable amount of fuel with you on long trips, considering the 392’s combined claimed 15 MPG (likely closer to 10–12 in real-world use.)

So, what’s the alternative? Building a Rubicon 392 killer.

Plan of Attack: Upgrade Areas

For starters, we’ll need to pick a chassis. Considering the 392’s massive price tag, you’ll save a considerable amount of money on any of the lower trim configurations, even the Hybrid 4Xe Rubicon! However, for our platform, we’d recommend one of three packages, including the Wrangler Sport S, Wrangler Willys, and Wrangler Rubicon.

While none of these packages offer the luxury or power of the Rubicon 392, they each offer distinct benefits for this project. For the Sport S, it’s the model’s low $36,000 price tag. Compared to the base Sport, this package adds all of the desirable creature comforts, like power windows, locks, and A/C.

The Willys takes things a step further, landing somewhere between the Rubicon and Sport S regarding features, for approximately $6,000 less than the entry-level Wrangler. This trim level includes the benefit of a locking rear differential, 1.5-inch lift, and 33-inch tall tires. Unfortunately, the Willys is also stuck with the conventional Dana 30 front axle instead of the Rubicon’s Dana 44 and Rock-Trac transfer case.

Lastly, we have the entry-level Rubicon, which, at $46,000 for a 2-door, comes in at half the price of the Rubicon 392! This model includes a factory 1.5-inch lift, Rubicon bumpers, Dana 44 front axle, rear locker, 33-inch tall all-terrain tires, and several other upgrades across the chassis. If you can splurge, go for it. If not, either the Sport S or Willys are still an excellent base to build on and leave plenty of room for upgrades!

With our platform selected, let's look at our upgrade areas; these include:

Suspension
Wheels and tires
Body armor
Underhood performance
Interior accessories

Suspension

First, and arguably the most vital area to upgrade on your Jeep project is the suspension. Wrangler Sport and Sport S models sit approximately 1.5 inches lower than a Rubicon or Willys and 2.5 inches lower than a Rubicon 392.

A quality lift kit will provide additional ride height and tire clearance, allowing for more articulation and room for 33–35-inch tall tires, like the Rubicon 392. For lifts, we’d recommend a comprehensive kit, including longer control arms and coil springs, performance dampers, and all necessary hardware and linkage. Kits like the Teraflex Alpine Control Arms Suspension Kit and MaxTrac 4.5" Basic Lift Kit provide considerable lift for far better ground and fender clearance.

Wheels and Tires

Underneath the Rubicon 392 sits a set of premium beadlock-capable alloy wheels wrapped in 33-inch tall tires, or 35s with the Xtreme Recon package. An oversized, aggressive wheel and tire setup significantly improves off-road performance. The larger tire allows your Jeep to roll effortlessly over large obstacles on the trail, while the aggressive tread pattern claws through loose terrain, rocks, and mud.

Fortunately, RealTruck carries all the top brands and styles, including tried and tested off-road wheels from Method Race Wheels and Black Rhino. Additionally, we’d recommend wrapping your new alloys in a 35-inch hybrid-terrain or mud-terrain tire, like the Nitto Recon Grappler or Toyo Open Country R/T.

Body Armor

Another benefit of the Wrangler Rubicon 392 is its included body armor, including model-specific stamped steel bumpers, sliders, and high-clearance fender flares. These additions significantly improve approach and departure angles, tire clearance, and overall durability.

No matter your preferred style, we offer bumpers for your Jeep build! From high-clearance, stubby bumpers like the Havoc Offroad Gen 2 Metal Masher to intricate, full-width plate steel offerings like the Go Rhino Trailline. Regarding sliders, we’d recommend a heavy-duty tubular offering like the Fab Fours Tube Rock Sliders, guarding your Jeep’s rockers against rocks, felled trees, and other obstacles.

And for sleek, high-clearance fender flares, you can’t beat the attractive styling and tire coverage of Bushwacker Hyperform Fender Flares.

Under Hood Performance

Now, it’s no secret that the Wrangler’s other available powertrains can’t match the performance of the 392 HEMI; however, that’s not to say the venerable 3.6L V6 or new 2.0L I4 turbo are slouchy! Both engines deliver similar power and performance, with the four-cylinder pumping out 270 HP and 295 lb-ft of torque. The V6 puts out 35 ft-lb of torque less than the I4, making a respectable 285 HP and 260 lb-ft of torque.

Both engines respond well to bolt-on modifications, like air intakes, exhaust systems, and programmers. Not to mention, the 3.6L is known to pump out over 400 crank horsepower with a bolt-on supercharger system.

Interior Accessories

While the Wrangler 392 comes with a slew of interior amenities and convenience features that rival a luxury SUV, are these features really necessary in an off-road rig? Aside from the entry-level Sport, all other Wrangler trims come with every feature and amenity a wheeler could ever want or need.

Regardless, you can still spruce up your Wrangler’s interior with mods like premium Seat Covers, Floor Mats & Floor Liners, and Cargo Liners!

With these modifications performed, we’ve assembled a Jeep that’ll handle nearly every obstacle and trail of a Rubicon 392, though it may not get to the trail quite as quickly.

As always, shop our extensive catalog for any other upgrades and accessories! And for any inquiries, contact our knowledgeable support staff.