Clayton 2.5 vs. Rock Krawler 3.0 vs. Metal Cloak 3.5

[jwhh]

Hey guys, it is finally time to get the suspension lift. I am trying to figure out the total actual lift height for the Clayton 2.5 Overland +, the Rock Krawler 3.0 Adventure Pro, and the Metal Cloak 3.5 game changer suspension. I've heard that the Clayton runs more like a 3 inch and the game changer is softer so am interested in the actual lift heights. Pictures welcome.

I have a bumper and winch in the front, but am not planning on a huge rack in the back or any serious overlanding. The gladiator is my daily driver/weekend warrior so would appreciate any general comments as well (although I have been scouring the forum already and have appreciated everything I've read to date).

Thanks in advance.

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[bleda2002]

Front or back measurement? Sport or rubi?

The Clayton 2.5 I have settled to be about 2.8" in the back, more in the front but there is still some of the factory rake.

 

[jwhh]

Front or back measurement? Sport or rubi?

The Clayton 2.5 I have settled to be about 2.8" in the back, more in the front but there is still some of the factory rake.

Looking at both front and back for the Rubi. Thanks for the clarification.

 

[Limestone]

Looking at both front and back for the Rubi. Thanks for the clarification.

2021 JTR, RSE side steps with skids, Factory steel front bumper with Warn 10S winch and mounting plate, UWS tool box with approximately 200 lbs of tools, 2.5” Clayton Overland +, 315/70R 17 tires.
20.25” to the lowest point on the hitch.
17.5” to the lowest point on the front skid.
Compared to a stock JTR, I gained approximately 3.5” in the front and 3” in the rear.

 

[RS3]

Hey guys, it is finally time to get the suspension lift. I am trying to figure out the total actual lift height for the Clayton 2.5 Overland +, the Rock Krawler 3.0 Adventure Pro, and the Metal Cloak 3.5 game changer suspension. I've heard that the Clayton runs more like a 3 inch and the game changer is softer so am interested in the actual lift heights. Pictures welcome.

I have a bumper and winch in the front, but am not planning on a huge rack in the back or any serious overlanding. The gladiator is my daily driver/weekend warrior so would appreciate any general comments as well (although I have been scouring the forum already and have appreciated everything I've read to date).

Thanks in advance.

I have been looking at the 2.5 overland+ lift. I had not heard about the MetalCloak riding softer/better?

 

[Old School Life]

2021 JTR, RSE side steps with skids, Factory steel front bumper with Warn 10S winch and mounting plate, UWS tool box with approximately 200 lbs of tools, 2.5” Clayton Overland +, 315/70R 17 tires.
20.25” to the lowest point on the hitch.
17.5” to the lowest point on the front skid.
Compared to a stock JTR, I gained approximately 3.5” in the front and 3” in the rear.

I have a sport S and I am waiting for Clayton's 3.5 Overland to arrive. On back order until Feb 28. I was back and forth over the 2.5 or the 3.5. I plan on running General Grabber 35x12.50R17. These tires are a true 35" tire. From what I have found during my research, yes, Clayton under advertises it's lift's true amount of lift. As for the other kits you mention, I do not know whether or not the measurements are true. I have been given advice that my tire size is too small looking for the 3.5 kit, but I am old school and didn't want to risk the "stuffed" look or just being a bit taller than a stock rubicon. My Sport will be a D/D, trail rig and pulling a small pontoon boat so I don't see a larger tire in the future. I have heard nothing but excellent comments regarding Clayton. Good luck and keep us posted. Hope this helps a little.

 

[bastage]

Clayton is by far the tallest of them. Check out this old thread https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/...l-w-hicentered-gladiator-sport-rubicon.33600/ I posted pictures rear to rear with the Clayton 2.5 (on 35's) & the Metal Cloak 3.5 (on 37's). It wasnt even close how much taller the Clayton is (look at the tail lights for reference not the bumper clearance). The RK springs are rated like the MC. The only other ones I am aware of that are much taller then the spec'd number is Evo as they like Clayton measure from the rear instead of the front.

 

[darkhorse13]

As others have said, the 2.5" Clayton lift is really a 3" lift. Clayton springs have the highest (I believe) spring rate of all the lift manufacturers you listed above. They do not ride harsh but they are on the firm side. When pairing these springs with a set of Falcon SP2 3.3 shocks you will feel a noticeable increase in rigidity on road even with the shocks set to the softest setting.

If you want a more ride complaint OEM feeling, I'd recommend a softer rate spring. Clayton is top notch quality and customer service though.

 

[Wheelin98TJ]

Clayton 2.5" with 35s

 

[AXISJT]

I had a 3.5 in Metal cloak for the JTD that I got from a member long story short it was stolen in shipping. anyhow iv decided to go Clayton 3.5 instead specifically for the high issue of metalcloak as i will also be running a rack and tent and it seems at that point you are back to stock hight, and with running 38s that just wouldn't work as well as clayton imo

 

[Old School Life]

Clayton 2.5" with 35s

Awesome looking JT. Love the color. The gap between the fender and wheel is nice. What size rims are those?

 

[Wheelin98TJ]

Awesome looking JT. Love the color. The gap between the fender and wheel is nice. What size rims are those?

Thanks Tim!

The color is Snazzberry.

Wheels are factory 20x8 wheels and I'm using 1.5" wheel spacers with them.

 

[Old School Life]

Thanks Tim!

The color is Snazzberry.

Wheels are factory 20x8 wheels and I'm using 1.5" wheel spacers with them.

I am going to run the Quadratec CJ retro rims (17x8.5) on General Grabber A3 mud terrains. They are measured at a true 35" tire so I'm hoping it will give me the look I'm after regarding the space between the tire and fender flare.

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