Opinions on control arms...Metalcloak - Clayton - Rusty's

[mcoutu06]

I am installing a 3.5in lift this weekend and plan to use the control arm brackets that come with the lift for now. I am currently shopping around for front lower control arms and possibly a control arm kit, but I am trying to choose what brand to go with. I have seen a lot of posts with these three brands mentioned; I am leaning towards Rusty's but I wanted to see what everyone's experiences have been with this brand as well as the other brands mentioned. Thanks in advance!

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[Rusty PW]

Don't forget about Core, and Rock Jock.

https://www.core4x4.com/shop/?_make=Jeep&_model=Gladiator JT

https://www.rockjock4x4.com/products/shop-by-vehicle/jeep-jt-gladiator

 

[THE SANDALORIAN]

I ran MetalCloak on my JKU and also on my current TJ. I love their arms and their bushings are really quiet and provide for a great ride. I have a Clayton lift coming in tomorrow so I can try out something different on the Gladiator. You can't go wrong with either IMHO.

 

[bleda2002]

If you are going dual durometer style metal cloak is hard to beat as the joints are chea, easy to replace and have bushings that last years and years quietly.

For Johnny joints they're all pretty much the same so pick based on customer service.

 

[Escape.idiocracy]

Don't forget about Core, and Rock Jock.

https://www.core4x4.com/shop/?_make=Jeep&_model=Gladiator JT

https://www.rockjock4x4.com/products/shop-by-vehicle/jeep-jt-gladiator

Artech as well…

but mostly in favor of core4x4 veteran owned small business

 

[Rusty PW]

Artech as well…

but mostly in favor of core4x4 veteran owned small business

I've been looking at the Core's myself.

 

[mcoutu06]

Artech as well…

but mostly in favor of core4x4 veteran owned small business

Thanks for the heads up, that's good stuff. As a veteran I always love supporting veteran owned small businesses.

 

[JTenn]

Don't forget about Core, and Rock Jock.

https://www.core4x4.com/shop/?_make=Jeep&_model=Gladiator JT

https://www.rockjock4x4.com/products/shop-by-vehicle/jeep-jt-gladiator

+1 for Core. Great products.

 

[safarjohn]

I currently have the Clayton Overland Plus lift and they are supper beefy and absolutely quite! I’ve done a lot of off-roading and rock crawling with no complaints at all!

Their customer service is next to none and you can actually call the shop and talk to the experts, send pics and their more than willing to help you!

 

[Advntrbound]

Wait a few days and they will all be having a sale.

 

[hjdca]

I have the 3.5" Clayton Overland Plus kit with the adjustable square control arms and their dual durometer joints. I have put over 30K miles on them, and lots of off road miles. No squeaks, and they articulate very well. I have banged the rear control arms on many rocks/boulders, and even destroyed my rear driveshaft. The control arms do not dent or bend. A little black satin spray paint on the scratches when you get home, and they look brand new again. Also, after setting the jam nuts and tightening them with a huge cresent wrench as much as I could, I marked them with a paint pen. Even with all the 4wheeling, none have come loose. I'm super impressed with these beefy square control arms.
Note: I also think the square arms look better on the Gladiator, and the front bottom control arm has a built in bolt hole for the brake line extension bracket. Many brands do not have this brake line accommodation.

 

[chorky]

My .02. JJ’s are great for intense stuff. But I do not recommend them for a vehicle that is any more than a fun or dedicated trail rig. I have rock jock JJ’s on my 06 TJ. And they have worked flawlessly for the past 10 years with infrequent maintenance. However, they, significantly increased NVH. When I originally got them installed it was no big deal. Now that Im older, hard of hearing, and have other issues I really dont like them at all. Not because of performance but strictly due to NVH. Maybe Im old (not even 40 yet) but I would much prefer a different style. For myself I am looking to replace the TJ suspension for a more mild option, and for the JT will consider a mild MOPAR or mtalcloak, clayton, or frankenlift option (I know nothing of rusty). Simply for the better daily ride since hard core is no longer my MO. Hope that helps.

 

[Metalcloak]

Thank you to the OP for including us in the mix. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions about our products.

As a note, Metalcloak, too, is Veteran owned... @Matsonian spent 12 years in the US Navy.

 

[chorky]

As a note, Metalcloak, too, is Veteran owned... @Matsonian spent 12 years in the US Navy.

did not know this!! Thanks for sharing that! I will be re-thinking options now

 

[Burghardphotography]

Another vote for Clayton’s arms, I love mine. Beefy and super quiet so far 8k miles into it

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