Clayton 3.5" Overland +, 37's and 5:13s

[MrClortho]

This is a short post with a quick impression. I installed the Clayton 3.5" Overland + lift kit with Fox 2.0s, 37" Nitto Recons and 5:13 gears last week. I came from stock with the 32" KM's, to 2.5" spacer level, and 35's, and now to this.

Lift - Rides slightly more firm than stock but much more plush and absorbs big hits really well, and it feels much more planted and sure footed. I picked up more than 3.5" for sure. I neglected to measure but am thinking more like 4.5"-5". I tow a travel trailer and had air bags with the stock springs to help, but the Clayton ones are a more heavy rate and I am only getting about an inch of squat, so I didn't even air them up last time. The truck does have some rake but once loaded, sits level. I can run 80mph with two fingers on the steering wheel, and I am still running the stock steering stabilizer. So far I am very impressed in every way, and I have owned half a dozen lifted Jeeps.

Tires - I had BFG KO2's in 35s and these are Nitto Recons. Overall I think I like the KO2s slightly more for drivability on the street, but the Recons feel more heavy duty and have been excellent. So far, I am happy with either tire.

Gears - 5.13s - do it, no question, don't even hesitate. It feels like the Jeep picked up 100 horsepower and gets up to speed with much less effort. It glides along in 8th gear on the highway and rarely downshifts. Stock 3.73s and 32s I would get about 17.5 mpg on the trip to see my folks (highway and hill country - 350 miles). 3.73's with 35s and a 2.5" level, I averaged about 14.5 mph on the same trip. On a 60 mile trip with the 5:13s, lift and 37's, I was about 16.5 mpg.

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[Goscottogo]

This is a short post with a quick impression. I installed the Clayton 3.5" Overland + lift kit with Fox 2.0s, 37" Nitto Recons and 5:13 gears last week. I came from stock with the 32" KM's, to 2.5" spacer level, and 35's, and now to this.

Lift - Rides slightly more firm than stock but much more plush and absorbs big hits really well, and it feels much more planted and sure footed. I picked up more than 3.5" for sure. I neglected to measure but am thinking more like 4.5"-5". I tow a travel trailer and had air bags with the stock springs to help, but the Clayton ones are a more heavy rate and I am only getting about an inch of squat, so I didn't even air them up last time. The truck does have some rake but once loaded, sits level. I can run 80mph with two fingers on the steering wheel, and I am still running the stock steering stabilizer. So far I am very impressed in every way, and I have owned half a dozen lifted Jeeps.

Tires - I had BFG KO2's in 35s and these are Nitto Recons. Overall I think I like the KO2s slightly more for drivability on the street, but the Recons feel more heavy duty and have been excellent. So far, I am happy with either tire.

Gears - 5.13s - do it, no question, don't even hesitate. It feels like the Jeep picked up 100 horsepower and gets up to speed with much less effort. It glides along in 8th gear on the highway and rarely downshifts. Stock 3.73s and 32s I would get about 17.5 mpg on the trip to see my folks (highway and hill country - 350 miles). 3.73's with 35s and a 2.5" level, I averaged about 14.5 mph on the same trip. On a 60 mile trip with the 5:13s, lift and 37's, I was about 16.5 mpg.

Thanks for write-up. I soon will be going a similar route. Just called Clayton this morning to get some final details. Probably will opt for longer travel Fox 2.5’s to replace the Mojave’s 2.5’s. Are those RSE steps? If so, how do you like them?

 

[MrClortho]

They are AMP XLs. My buddy has them and uses them like sliders...they hold up.

 

[BearDog]

The more I read posts like this about the Clayton, the more I want to change my mind about the Rock Krawler lift I have picked out.

 

[MrClortho]

In JK's, I have run the full Skyjacker 3.5" and it was crap. I also ran the Rancho 2" and like it well enough but it did not have all that great of flex.

In past other Jeeps I have run OME, Rusty's, and Rough Country and Rock Krawler long arm. The RK flexed like a madman but its road manners were not the best.

The Clayton quality and ride is not comparable to any of the the brands I have experience with. I chose Clayton over MC after seeing it in action and really digging into the specs of the kit. My buddy is using Falcons, and it rides slightly stiffer than mine with Fox 2.0's.

I got a chance to tow the "Pod" and I reiterate how much I like this setup. I easily got up to 70mph and it just flies down the interstate. The tongue weight should be about 400lbs and it squats maybe 1" with no weight distribution hitch. Those rear springs are serious. The Pod weighs about 3.5k lbs loaded.

 

[BearDog]

When I bought mine, it already had a crappy REI lift on it. Just the tongue weight of my 16' flatbed makes the ass end squat good. When I get my tractor on it, it looks like a damn lowrider. Lol

I will probably go with the Clayton. I use my truck as a truck. I think the RK, while a good lift, wouldn't be exactly what I want for my main mission....real truck shit.

 

[MrClortho]

This weekend will be a little test. I will be towing the pod loaded with at least 400lbs of gear in the bed (generator, fuel, firewood, tools, etc).

 

[Mikey_89]

Just the post I was looking for....I think. Recently went back to a 20 Rubicon from Florida and it has a lift installed. Fox 2.0 shocks, part # 985-24-177, but after a closer look, found it has Rubicon Express 3.5" shocks and a Rubicon Express adjustable track bar. I plan on making the changes over to Yet or Steer smart for the steering components, but I wanted to put Clayton Off-Road 3.5 dual rate in the front and triple rate in the rear. My question, which I am sure someone can answer, will the Clayton shocks be too much and I will need to switch out the shocks? Or will I be good to go with this combo? I don't rock crawl, mostly off-road, mild to moderate trails, nothing SUPER crazy...just only when needed. Also, may add a cap to keep my camping/fishing/recovery gear inside.

PS...So glad to be back in a JT!

 

[MrClortho]

It occurred to me I had not done an update after two trips towing the Rpod and loaded down. These were not wheeling trips, more just camping. In installed 235 mud tires on the trailer as well.

With the bed loaded with 10 gallons of fuel, a 90lb generator, about 150lbs of fire wood, chairs, canopy and propane and whatever gear fit, the Gladiator sat pretty much level with the trailer attached and that is with no weight distribution hitch or anti-sway. Empty, the kit has rake for sure, loaded up it sat level and performed great, well the suspension did. I could set the cruse control at 65mph towing with ease and even some rough small roads were not an issue at all.

So far I am nothing but impressed with this kit.

 

[Clayton Off Road]

It occurred to me I had not done an update after two trips towing the Rpod and loaded down. These were not wheeling trips, more just camping. In installed 235 mud tires on the trailer as well.

With the bed loaded with 10 gallons of fuel, a 90lb generator, about 150lbs of fire wood, chairs, canopy and propane and whatever gear fit, the Gladiator sat pretty much level with the trailer attached and that is with no weight distribution hitch or anti-sway. Empty, the kit has rake for sure, loaded up it sat level and performed great, well the suspension did. I could set the cruse control at 65mph towing with ease and even some rough small roads were not an issue at all.

So far I am nothing but impressed with this kit.

Set ups looking good!

 

[nickd]

does the 3.5" require drive shaft spacers and extended lines?

 

[Clayton Off Road]

does the 3.5" require drive shaft spacers and extended lines?

Brake lines come with the kit, a new driveshaft is recommended for those looking to wheel the Jeep often, as this is when the factory unit can wear out quicker than intended!

 

[MrClortho]

A quick update:

My wife had surgery and down for a couple months, so we have not gone wheeling much since the Clayton 3.5" went on. Last weekend, I took a trip out to the Texas hill country and got an hour or so to play around.

When the Jeep was stock, I flexed it on a particular rock and...well, could not get to the top of it, maybe half way. When on a 2.5" level and 35's, I went back to the same rock and almost made it to the top before the rear tire hit the fender, with the stock 3.73's I had to really dig deep in the throttle, and I had to stop. This time with the Clayton, 37's and 5.13s, I started on the rock and not only clear it but easily went over the top and the other side. At max flex, I still had plenty of brake line slack and clearance for the 37's and fender. What a difference...it was easy.

My second test was a rough dirt road that had a wash out, rocks, small climbs and big dips. When stock and with the 2.5", I would easily bottom out the suspension travel, at maybe 15-20mph. This time I took a 20 mph run at the wash out and it was smooth and easy, no jarring at all. I then stepped it up to 30mph...easy and smooth. I sent it at about 45-50mph and maybe came off the ground a little, but still smooth and easy. Not that I am going to do that often, but I did not bottom out nor was there ever a harsh jolt. It was as if the harder I pushed it, the better and smoother it felt. It was a remarkable difference.

 

[Minty JL]

I need 5.13s

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