Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 JL on 38’s with 2.5 Inches of Lift | Inside Line

On this episode of Inside Line, we’ll show you want you need to run a true-to-size 38-inch-tall tire with just 2.5 inches of lift on the 2018 and newer Jeep Wrangler Rubicon JL. We’ll cover bumpstops, wheel backspacing, and of course, show you how it really works on and off-the-trail.
Nitto Trail Grappler: www.nittotire.com/light-truck...
Method 701: www.methodracewheels.com/prod...
JKS 2.5 Lift Options: jksmfg.com/collections/wrangl...
00:00 Introduction
00:10 38x13.50R17 Nitto Trail Grappler
00:51 JKS 2.5 Lift & Bumpstops
02:39 Off-road testing
06:10 On-road
08:35 Fullsize spare
09:20 Control Arm Clearance
09:45 Wrap up
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[@richardchocha1513]

Excellent review 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@DrivingLine]

Thank you!

[@johnomahony7364]

Very informative as usual. You always seem to know the questions i have lol. The 392 looks awesome

[@DrivingLine]

Thanks!

[@ghernandez6457]

Thank you so much for talking about the spare tire. I ordered some Patagonia 38s which will probably measure around 37 - 37.5 mounted and I have an MP concepts tire relocation and support bracket that raises the mounting bracket about an inch like yours. Hopefully that's enough for it to clear.

[@rubicon4wheeler]

I'd love to see more tires in a narrower 38x12.5R17 or 38x11.5R17 size.

[@rsanoian]

Nitto Recon Grapplers have a 38x12.5x17 that weights 80lb per tire, about 10 pounds less than a lot of 37's. I am going with those or the 37" on my 392.

[@jeeperp3926]

Tires that size and larger really should have PSC hydro assist.

[@WoolyNips]

Did the Daniel on my stock 22 3.6 XR. Handled it with little to no problem. I am happy with my stock 35s honestly. I think the 38s are just too big, which it seems you came to the same conclusion. I would like to upgrade to the 37s, but I do not want to struggle with power and the loss in MPGs…

[@DrivingLine]

I think 37s are the perfect balance. With the 4.56 gears, I felt the RPMs were too high on the highway with 35s. The 37‘s just seem to be the sweet spot. Especially when driving the Jeep in 2WD.

[@RockLander818]

I'm trying to decide between this tire and size vs the Mickey Thompson Baja Boss M/T in the 40. Just got off of IG and I guess I was on your page.. LOL!!!! Tacoma can't really handle 40s but was a monster on 37s... I know these are the right choice but I just not ready yet to settle for 38s. Almost rather just find the next weak link. bahaha. Great video and thank you!

[@GoneAgain-Outdoors]

Ok I asked about the wheel size on the other video but I see you covered it here. I’m a little worried about 17x9’s right now. I have 5 inches of backspacing so I’m going to get into the control arms I believe. Man, it never ends with this stuff. 😂

[@DrivingLine]

Are you on 37s or 38s? A 37 on 5 inches will be fine unless you have a fluid resi setup like I have.

[@GoneAgain-Outdoors]

@@DrivingLine same tire. Nitto 38 13.50 trail grapplers.

[@GoneAgain-Outdoors]

Tires are going on this morning. I guess I’ll play around with it and see what it does. I’m trying to keep them tucked under the fender as much as I can but it looks like I may have to go to -12.

[@Alwaysgotafighterschance]

Love your channel all the way here from Australia. Question in general across the rubicon spec factory Dana 44 axles on the JL's what is the biggest tire you recommend going before having to go to 1 ton axles or upgrading cvs and axles shafts to chromeolys?

[@DrivingLine]

In my experience, they seem to handle 37s in stock form without issue. I think 38’s can work, but I would plan on upgrading the ball joints and swapping out the axleshafts.

[@jason8795]

Even those 38"s were tucked under the flares nicely. Are the method wheels 0 offset?

[@Ali_Mansour_Editor]

Yes. Zero offset and 4.75 inches of backspacing.

[@Blue-P51]

What do you think was the popping sounds were you were hearing? CV’s? Axle shaft? Does the 392 have better ball joints than the non 392’s?

[@Ali_Mansour_Editor]

I believe it was the CV’s making the noise. I have since upgraded to RCV Performance axleshafts and haven’t heard it again. The 392 gets the same ball joints as all of the other Wranglers unfortunately. The only steering upgrades it has from the factory are the iron knuckles and iron steering gear box.

[@justinthomas1905]

How much spacing you recommend on 37s on a 3.5”? It barely touches at full lock …. 1.5” enough? Stock Freedom wheels

[@DrivingLine]

I believe that wheel has 6 inches of backspacing. So, a 1.5 spacer will put it at 4.5, which is fine for suspension clearance.

[@rubentherubicon]

Have you tested this 392 jeep wrangler rubicon with a 2 1/2 lift, equipped with 38" tires accompanied by non beadlock method wheels...with a manual transmission/stick shift? Or does it have an automatic transmission? VS a 3.6 stock suspension jeep wrangler rubicon equipped with a standard transmission/ stick shift? I would love to see that video!!!

[@qosmio2140]

All 392 are automatic

[@rubentherubicon]

@@qosmio2140 unless special order, which takes about 6 months

[@anthonycannone1573]

New to the Jeep game, so no judgement ! do you feel that upgraded axle shafts in a stock axle on a 2022 JLUR 392 would handle 40’s ?

[@DrivingLine]

I wouldn’t be comfortable going off-road like that.

[@aristotlefullthrottle9567]

Is the stress on the axles and popping bc of the weight of the 38 you had on or the larger rotating mass? Trying to think if the new BFG 39x13.5t17 which is measured at 38.5 and only weights 70 lbs would be better?

[@DrivingLine]

The 38 is only 3 pounds heavier than the 37. I think it’s just that massive footprint.

[@aristotlefullthrottle9567]

Yes the Nitto 37s are 87 lbs and 38’s are 90 lbs. Was thinking if the BFG 39’s which are 70 would be stressful to the axles and the popping would be there or not. That’s 17 lbs lighter at each corner

[@larshamilton40]

at what point do the brakes need to be upgraded? would 37's, 38's+, mandate and 'big brake' upgrade, or can the stock brakes handle the weight? i have a 21 glad rubi.. thx Ali

[@DrivingLine]

The brakes feel fine on my Gladiator with 38s. A big brake kit wouldn’t hurt, but I don’t think it’s absolutely necessary. I suppose a lot of it will depend on how heavy the Gladiator is. For 37s and 38s, I just don’t think it’s necessary.

[@JEEP-N-DIRT]

Rubi axles on JL's and JT's already have big brakes. FYI

[@KuyaJones]

thoughts on 37x13.5x17?

[@DrivingLine]

Would fit fine, but I would just make sure to stay with 4.75 inches of backspacing. The steering is probably going to feel a little heavier off-road compared to a 12.50 though.

[@LOVE-62]

Leaving it in the 2wd? Any side effect from doing that ? I have a Tazer on my 392, but I have never left it in 2wd other than for a quick “show off” burn out. Great video

[@DrivingLine]

Putting it in 2WD will preserve the life of the clutch pack inside of the transfer case. It might be a little more pressure on the rear axle since you’re not splitting the load. But, the rear axle isn’t as much of a known failure point as the clutch pack inside of the transfer case.

[@mblake0420]

Why does 392 use cv joints?

[@GevoA1]

All models, including the 392 (no other option) come equipped with the clutch type transfer case come with CV front axle shafts. This type of transfer case offers the ability of full type 4 wheel drive (or all wheel drive AWD) which allows for use on the streets (unlike the standard model). In the case of the 392, you ONLY have the option of AWD (no rear wheel drive). The CV shafts offer improved balance for reduced vibration, improved steering as a result and increased strength at angles. The downside of this type of transfer case is the strength. Hope this helps.

[@Daywalker78]

You said 38s are pushing the limits? Could it be more that 38" Trail Grapplers are pushing the limits? 37" TGs weigh 87lbs, 38"TGs weigh 91lbs, but 38" Ridge Grapplers only weigh 81lbs. 🤷🏿‍♂️

[@DrivingLine]

It’s less about the weight (as you see little difference between the 37 and 38 Trail). It’s more about the footprint and grip of the 38x13.50. I’ve had 37 Trails on for a long time and could immediately tell the difference with the 38. Part of it is also the 392 weights a lot, which makes the steering feel very heavy off-road.