Jeep Answers Ford Bronco’s Sasquatch Package With a 35-Inch Tire Package on the Wrangler Rubicon and 392

Proving that competition is good for the consumer, Jeep is responding to Ford’s 35-inch-tire Sasquatch package on the Bronco by announcing the Xtreme Recon package on the Wrangler. The Xtreme Recon package, which adds 35-inch tires to the Wrangler for the first time, will be available as an option on the four-door-only 392 and gas four-door Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon models. Thanks to this new offering, which also includes changes to gearing and suspension, the Wrangler sees improvements in fording depth, crawl ratio, and clearances.

When you select the Xtreme Recon package, your 392 or Rubicon will be equipped from the factory with LT315/70R17C BFGoodrich KO2 All-Terrain Tires on 17×8-inch beadlock-capable wheels. On Rubicon models, a suspension lift is included with a longer front track bar to recenter the axle at ride height, bringing 35-inch Rubicon models to the same suspension height as a Wrangler 392. Wrangler 392 models lose the Fox dampers and get specially tuned, non-branded monotube shocks with silver bodies and bronze labels. Rubicon models get longer versions of their existing red unbranded monotube shocks.

While 392s with the Xtreme Recon package retain the unique frame mounting points and rear geometry of the 392 chassis, the 35-inch-equipped Rubicon receives modified suspension geometry that utilizes the Rubicon’s existing frame attachment points and adds an optimized stabilizer bar for better ride and handling.

These changes give the Xtreme Recon package suspension a 1.8-inch advantage over the Wrangler Sport, 1.4 inches over the Sahara, and 1 inch over the standard Rubicon. This is all before you include the additional height from the tire size increase.

Both the 392 and the Rubicon fitted with the Xtreme Recon package will benefit from 4.56:1 final drive gearing, while manual-equipped Rubicon models will get a 4.88:1 final drive ratio. When combined with the 5.13:1 first gear of the manual transmission, the 4:1 transfer case on the Rubicon, and the 4.88 final drive gears, the Wrangler will be available with an incredibly impressive and industry-first factory 100:1 crawl ratio.

These changes improve ground clearance from 10.8 to 12.9 inches, while approach, departure, and breakover angles improve from 43.9/37/22.6 degrees to 47.4/40.4/26.7 degrees. Water fording also improves to 33.6 inches. This puts the Xtreme Recon package ahead of the Bronco’s Sasquatch package, which has 11.5 inches of ground clearance, 43.2/37.0/26.3 degrees for angles, and water fording of 33.5 inches.

So, what about the Gladiator? As for now, the Xtreme Recon package is exclusive to the 392 and four-door Rubicon, but one can safely assume that there is enough demand for Jeep to expand the package to other models in the future.

The Xtreme Recon package is available for ordering now and will begin production in August at the Toledo Assembly Plant in Ohio. Manual-equipped Xtreme Recon Wranglers will be available for ordering later this year. We are excited to see competition between Ford and Jeep heating up, we just think Jeep missed a golden opportunity to kick the horse a bit by naming this the “Big Spurs” package.