MetalCloak 2.5" GC lift and wheel backspacing issue - any wisdom on this?

[Socket-Jockey]

So, I did perform a search on this suspension forum for this type of info, but didn't see what I was looking for.....

My new to me 2025 Gladiator Rubicon X is slotted to get this MetalCloak 2.5" GC with the RockSport Red shocks. After a lot of research, I felt this lift provided a fairly complete package for a 2.5" lift and appeared to provided strong quality components for the price over other lifts. I also opted to get a RockSport Steering stabilizer and a TeraFlex Factory Replacement CV Joint kit - High Angle Rzeppa, just as insurance.

While reading through the instructions I noted MetalCloak has stated that wheels with a 4.5" backspace will be needed to clear the front "outboard shock mounts".

Does anybody have this specific lift, and if so, is this true about needing wheels with either a 2" wheel spacer or replacement wheels with a "-10mm to -15mm" backspace?

I certainly do not want to run spacers, as they could be just another failure point.

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[Socket-Jockey]

update, I just received a phone call from Chris at MetalCloak. He stated this 2" BS (backspacing) note was more directed to the JL Jeeps. He stated with the Gladiators having a slightly wider axle, I might be able to squeak by with my factory rims..... guess I just need to wait and see.

 

[RoboticsRob]

I had similar questions, as we are in the process at the same point you are, and I spoke with some shock suppliers about this. The stated backspacing required, as I’ve been told, is for a worst case to ensure that regardless of what tire you put on, it’ll clear. So if you’re going to 38x13.5 for example, you’ll need lower backspacing than you can get away with if you’re going to 37x11.5. You could call some local Jeep shops and they may have experience fitting specific tire/wheel combos to this lift kit.

 

[In3briatedPanda]

update, I just received a phone call from Chris at MetalCloak. He stated this 2" BS (backspacing) note was more directed to the JL Jeeps. He stated with the Gladiators having a slightly wider axle, I might be able to squeak by with my factory rims..... guess I just need to wait and see.

if you stay away from 12.50, you may not rub. my 3.5" true dual rubs the lca with factory wheels.

I have a max tow with the wider axles running a 35x12.50r17. a skinnier or smaller tire may clear. Just my experience with that lift.

edit: you could squeak by. i did for months but it rubbed significantly at full lock in reverse.

 

[Sweetums]

I installed the same lift and decided to swap rims to get to a wider size and more tire options. I went with the Method 701 Trail series with beadgrip, 17x8.5/ 5 on 5, zero offset. That means new lug nuts, 14x1.5 spline type - I just used what the shop put on, but there are several options.

Here they are with the Metalcloak 2.5 Gamechanger lift and Mickey Thompson 35"s

For comparison, here they are on OE tires.

You can see the difference if you look at how much of the extra-wide mudflap is covered by the tire.

I can get some shots down the length of the truck later today if you want to see the poke from the front/back/top.

 

[Socket-Jockey]

Awesome, thanks for the replies. For now, until the money tree in the backyard starts blooming, I'm going to stick with the stock wheels and tires (285/70R17).

 

[Sweetums]

Awesome, thanks for the replies. For now, until the money tree in the backyard starts blooming, I'm going to stick with the stock wheels and tires (285/70R17).

Here's what that will look like with the stock tire size. These are my new wheels, but on the OE tires, so the fender clearance should be the same. You absolutely won't have any rubbing issues at while fully-stuffed (and lots of room for more tire down the road once that money tree fruits)

 

[Wheelin98TJ]

You could run without the front outboard mounts if you find you don't have enough room with the stock wheels.

 

[Socket-Jockey]

You could run without the front outboard mounts if you find you don't have enough room with the stock wheels.

yeah.... that's an option. When the lift comes in and I get to wrenching, I'll see how it goes. With the wider axles on the Rubicon, they may clear, or maybe not. Just have to see how it turns out. I'll definitely post up a new thread on how it goes, and a few pics related to this topic in this thread.

 

[Sweetums]

But this is a perfect "as long as it's apart" moment to justify those new wheels. "It says in the instructions I have to buy new wheels. Oh no." (Credit card goes brrrrrrrrrrt) "Nothing to be done about it, gotta follow the instructions."

 

[Socket-Jockey]

But this is a perfect "as long as it's apart" moment to justify those new wheels. "It says in the instructions I have to buy new wheels. Oh no." (Credit card goes brrrrrrrrrrt) "Nothing to be done about it, gotta follow the instructions."

yeah, I've been looking, a lot.

 

[G0merP]

I bought the 3.5” GC lift just purchased and will be installing it in a couple weeks. I also have method 703s with zero offset and 4.8” backspacing. I called MC and was assured I should be good. I turned lock to lock and test fit the brackets and I should have no issue with clearance.

 

[B.B.]

Here's what that will look like with the stock tire size. These are my new wheels, but on the OE tires, so the fender clearance should be the same. You absolutely won't have any rubbing issues at while fully-stuffed (and lots of room for more tire down the road once that money tree fruits)

I'm about to install the same lift on my mojave and run factory wheels and tires for a bit. I opted to get the 2" wheel spacers to have on hand Incase i have any rubbing issues. Do you happen to have any pics of the whole truck with the lift and factory size tires by chance?

 

[Socket-Jockey]

I'm about to install the same lift on my mojave and run factory wheels and tires for a bit. I opted to get the 2" wheel spacers to have on hand Incase i have any rubbing issues. Do you happen to have any pics of the whole truck with the lift and factory size tires by chance?

If I recall correctly, they stated that running narrower non-Rubicon axles and stock wheels would rub on the shocks. Now the question is; will it rub during flex, or daily driving..... I don't know.

I'm running aftermarket wheels with a -10 offset that pushes the wheels/tires out further, plus the Rubicon axles are a tad wider, helping clear the shocks. I do not have a pic of the factory sized tires as they were replaced before the lift was installed. But I can show the amazing flex this kit provides.

 

[Sweetums]

I'm about to install the same lift on my mojave and run factory wheels and tires for a bit. I opted to get the 2" wheel spacers to have on hand Incase i have any rubbing issues. Do you happen to have any pics of the whole truck with the lift and factory size tires by chance?

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