Metalcloak Game Changer 3.5" Lift questions

[Mike9865]

Hey everyone!

I got screaming deal on a JTRD a few weeks ago. Have a couple hundred miles on it and looking to make some upgrades. I love a good deal and Metalcloak is running a 10% off sale for Fathers Day, so I'd like to take advantage. I have read a bunch of threads suggesting that I call and speak to them, unfortunately I tried and I suspect they are closed on the weekend.

My plan is to upgrade to 37" tires and Method bead grip wheels. I live in the Houston area so I dont have a ton of off road trails nearby. I imagine we will make trips 4-6 times a year to have some weekend warrior fun. Below are the options (or questions) I'm choosing for the GC kit:

• Rocksport red shocks (these are the friendliest on my wallet, do I need something nicer?)
• Do I need the premium sway bar end links?
• Should I go with their drive shaft or an Adams?
• Do I need the rear track bar relocation kit? What is needed to allow a 37" spare to fit in the spare tire location?

Thank you in advance for the help! And if anyone has recommendations for off roading near Houston please let me know!

Sponsored

 

[B.A. Baracus]

Congratulations! I’ve got a JTRD also and am considering the same lift and have the same questions. Hopefully someone more knowledgeable than the both of us will be along to answer.

 

[Zachanadandy]

The rocksports are great at low speed stuff, typical trail rides, and rock crawling. They are also very plush on road. The only time is argue you need something nicer is if you like to wheel at speed. I found them very under dampened in the desert.
The standard end links will be fine.
Either driveshaft will work fine. Both are quality pieces.
As far as fitting a 37" spare I know the clayton rear track bar will clear. Personally I'm going with the rock crawler triangulated 4 link kit that eliminates the rear track bar all together but I didn't but a full kit for the gladiator. My metalcloak experience is from our JLUR.

 

[Camaroboi13]

Rock sport shocks will work fine and at least get you on the trails. There are better options out there but 2-3 times the price.

Premium end links is like an oxymoron. They’re bars with bushings. Can’t go wrong with “standard” end links.

I’m at 4.5” lift and did not need a drive shaft, although I’m 100% certain I’m playing with fire at my height. I also do not disconnect off road to prevent too much flex. Lots of guys like Adams, it’s probably just personal preference. nice to have all same brand equipment under there so if something goes wrong you only make one phone call.

skip the track bar relocation bracket, and make sure you get the curved Clayton rear track bar. It is all you need to run a 37” spare.

 

[Mike9865]

The rocksports are great at low speed stuff, typical trail rides, and rock crawling. They are also very plush on road. The only time is argue you need something nicer is if you like to wheel at speed. I found them very under dampened in the desert.
The standard end links will be fine.
Either driveshaft will work fine. Both are quality pieces.
As far as fitting a 37" spare I know the clayton rear track bar will clear. Personally I'm going with the rock crawler triangulated 4 link kit that eliminates the rear track bar all together but I didn't but a full kit for the gladiator. My metalcloak experience is from our JLUR.

Thanks for the reply!

I only plan on trails and crawling. Desert running isn't really an interest of mine. Looks like I'll skip the rear track bar but get the drive shaft.

 

[Mike9865]

Rock sport shocks will work fine and at least get you on the trails. There are better options out there but 2-3 times the price.

Premium end links is like an oxymoron. They’re bars with bushings. Can’t go wrong with “standard” end links.

I’m at 4.5” lift and did not need a drive shaft, although I’m 100% certain I’m playing with fire at my height. I also do not disconnect off road to prevent too much flex. Lots of guys like Adams, it’s probably just personal preference. nice to have all same brand equipment under there so if something goes wrong you only make one phone call.

skip the track bar relocation bracket, and make sure you get the curved Clayton rear track bar. It is all you need to run a 37” spare.

Perfect, this is exactly what I needed. I'll get the clayton track bar as well. Thanks for the response!

 

[Mike9865]

For the HD Steering system, I assume the Rocksport is just fine? Or should I go for the Fox steering stabilizer?

 

[Boostnu]

The 3.5” gamechanger comes with a rear track bar that is supposed to clear a 37” tire.
I picked up a clayton one for mine before metalcloak came out with theirs and it’s been great.
https://metalcloak.com/jt-gladiator-rear-durotrak-track-bar.html
The red rocksports ride good for a budget shock. I run a fox front stabilizer so can’t comment on the rocksport one.

 

[MojaveLawyer]

Congratulations on the JTRD.

I run Metalcloak 3.5 GC on my Mojave with Kings. To succinctly answer the questions,
1. The rocksports would definitely work, what about the recent adjustable rocksports MC just came out with? Just a second thought..
2. The MC kit came with their sway bar links. Pretty solid to me.
3. I ran a Tom Woods Drive Shaft. Drive shaft would be a great option to add.
4. Can't comment on the rear track bar relocation kit. An adjustable rear track bar was added.

You can't go wrong with Metalcloak. Pretty darn impressed.

X

 

[Mike9865]

The 3.5” gamechanger comes with a rear track bar that is supposed to clear a 37” tire.
I picked up a clayton one for mine before metalcloak came out with theirs and it’s been great.
https://metalcloak.com/jt-gladiator-rear-durotrak-track-bar.html
The red rocksports ride good for a budget shock. I run a fox front stabilizer so can’t comment on the rocksport one.

Thank you for letting me know! Looked it up and you're correct. Saves me a few $.

 

[TheSolarWizard]

Id run rockkrawler 100/100 times over metal cloak. Off and especially on road. I say that after both examining the quality difference between the part and riding in similar lift heigh kits on the exact same tires.

 

[Mike9865]

Id run rockkrawler 100/100 times over metal cloak. Off and especially on road

Why is that? What do you prefer about the rockkrawler?

 

[TheSolarWizard]

The anti-squat performance is more dialed.
best design for a maintenance free joint.
spring x shock tuning is superior

the only think metalcloak does better is marketing and coating things in zinc for no particular reason

 

[Mike9865]

The anti-squat performance is more dialed.
best design for a maintenance free joint.
spring x shock tuning is superior

the only think metalcloak does better is marketing and coating things in zinc for no particular reason

Good info! Do the metalcloak joints require maintenance?

 

[TheSolarWizard]

Good info! Do the metalcloak joints require maintenance?

depends on the joint. Rockkrawler adventure series is the maintenance free version. Tons of misalignment (flex)
another key differentiator is RK has a triple rate front and quad rate rear spring. AFAIK MC is dual rate.

Comparatively, That keeps the ride compliant over bumps in the road much more evenly and keeps the rear end from skipping around crossing railroad tracks for example or from severely changing depending on how much or how little you load the bed up.

I dont have any skin in the game thats just my experience having spent a lot of money on parts over time and thousands of miles of offroading. Might cost a little more but the value proposition lies squarely at the hands of rockkrawler.

Sponsored