Can I improve the steering/driving experience any more?

[ShadowsPapa]

Even the metalcloak one on my JT you could flip back over by simply installing the tapered insert from the bottom.

Sounds like maybe that's what Dan is running, or one like it, with an insert you can put in from the bottom if you flip back.

I see the MetalCloak disconnect in that picture, too.

Sponsored

 

[Zachanadandy]

Sounds like maybe that's what Dan is running, or one like it, with an insert you can put in from the bottom if you flip back.

I see the MetalCloak disconnect in that picture, too.

Metalcloak 3.5" springs too. I'm a fan for sure. Great products, amazing customer service, and they are local to me. Wife's Jeep runs their springs and full set of skids too.

 

[gearhead22]

Metalcloak 3.5" springs too. I'm a fan for sure. Great products, amazing customer service, and they are local to me. Wife's Jeep runs their springs and full set of skids too.

I’ve ordered from them a couple times and they also give me a call after to say thanks for the order and give me an update on shipping time. Only company that’s ever done that for me.

 

[ericw.]

Metalcloak 3.5" springs too. I'm a fan for sure. Great products, amazing customer service, and they are local to me. Wife's Jeep runs their springs and full set of skids too.

Nice, I'm just north of you a couple hours in Roseville. Will be dropping my JTRD off to MetalCloak/CloakWorks on the 15th for the full treatment but I'm doing artec skids to save weight.

 

[SoCal Gunner]

Metalcloak 3.5" springs too. I'm a fan for sure. Great products, amazing customer service, and they are local to me. Wife's Jeep runs their springs and full set of skids too.

I'm smiling as I write this, recalling one of your early posts in which you stated that you intended to keep the Mojave stock.

 

[Zachanadandy]

I'm smiling as I write this, recalling one of your early posts in which you stated that you intended to keep the Mojave stock.

The skids are on the JLUR, but stock isn't in my nature. Front bumper and winch, 3.5" springs, 37s, sway bar disconnects, flipped drag link and raised track bar, geometry correction brackets, and the RK triangulated 4 link in the rear. Stockish? Axles, control arms aside from the rear uppers, shocks, tie rod, and track bar are still stock.

 

[Stan H]

The skids are on the JLUR, but stock isn't in my nature. Front bumper and winch, 3.5" springs, 37s, sway bar disconnects, flipped drag link and raised track bar, geometry correction brackets, and the RK triangulated 4 link in the rear. Stockish? Axles, control arms aside from the rear uppers, shocks, tie rod, and track bar are still stock.

You didn't have to get new lowers with the RK triangulation?

 

[Zachanadandy]

You didn't have to get new lowers with the RK triangulation?

Nope

 

[gearhead22]

I ended up trying out the RK 4 link. I was hoping it would alleviate some of my complaints with how my gladiator drives but unfortunately it didn’t not.

I really wish I could find the words to describe it. It almost feels as if the sway bar is disconnected at certain times. Going down the highway and what not is stable (minus wind… hang on). But if the road is uneven, has humps and heaves to if you can feel the jeep go over each and everyone and it transfers through the jeep and into you so your head is rocking side to side and you can feel the whole jeep moving around underneath you, even though it’s tracking straight down the road. It’s like the suspension and jeep are 2 different components and not connected or in sync.

Idk it doesn’t feel right. I wish I had something to compare it to. I’ve had a lifted TJ, lifted JKU and a couple 2000’s dodge solid axle trucks and none drove like this thing does.

 

[Zachanadandy]

I ended up trying out the RK 4 link. I was hoping it would alleviate some of my complaints with how my gladiator drives but unfortunately it didn’t not.

I really wish I could find the words to describe it. It almost feels as if the sway bar is disconnected at certain times. Going down the highway and what not is stable (minus wind… hang on). But if the road is uneven, has humps and heaves to if you can feel the jeep go over each and everyone and it transfers through the jeep and into you so your head is rocking side to side and you can feel the whole jeep moving around underneath you, even though it’s tracking straight down the road.

Idk it doesn’t feel right. I wish I had something to compare it to.

I'd let you drive mine but the 3k miles probably aren't worth the drive. The 4 link definitely eliminated the head toss on mine and made the rear feel planted. I find 6⁰of caster and 1/8th" toe out combined with 25psi cold mine handkerchief great, no wander, tracks straight, and soaks up the bumps. Even in heavy winds it's barely affected. I do have the crossover steering and an rso thru shaft steering stabilizer too.

 

[gearhead22]

I'd let you drive mine but the 3k miles probably aren't worth the drive. The 4 link definitely eliminated the head toss on mine and made the rear feel planted. I find 6⁰of caster and 1/8th" toe out combined with 25psi cold mine handkerchief great, no wander, tracks straight, and soaks up the bumps. Even in heavy winds it's barely affected. I do have the crossover steering and an rso thru shaft steering stabilizer too.

I have the same caster, same toe. I’m running about 32pai cold on C rated 37’s. It drove better with the 2.5” spacer lift than it does now with the 3.5”. I don’t get it

 

[Zachanadandy]

I have the same caster, same toe. I’m running about 32pai cold on C rated 37’s. It drove better with the 2.5” spacer lift than it does now with the 3.5”. I don’t get it

Id try dropping 5 psi and see if that helps. Stock ball joints? Mileage?

 

[gearhead22]

Id try dropping 5 psi and see if that helps. Stock ball joints? Mileage?

Dynatrac ball joints installed 1k ago. 51k miles in total on the jeep

 

[Stan H]

I have the same caster, same toe. I’m running about 32pai cold on C rated 37’s. It drove better with the 2.5” spacer lift than it does now with the 3.5”. I don’t get it

Because the factory springs ate basically spiral shaped sponges.
The 3.5 has real springs made for extreme off roading and outfitting with overlanding equipment like racks or decked systems etc..

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Because the factory springs ate basically spiral shaped sponges.
The 3.5 has real springs made for extreme off roading and outfitting with overlanding equipment like racks or decked systems etc..

LOL - springs are springs - it's the rate that matters. Spring rate. They put springs in the factory that are matched for the weight of the truck as built. They aren't "cheaper" or lesser springs.

It drove better with the 2.5” spacer lift than it does now with the 3.5”. I don’t get it

Spacers keep the same factory spring rate.
Spring based lifts lift it in one of two ways - extra height, or, extra spring rate (meaning it takes more weight to compress the spring, so holds the vehicle up higher)
If you want the same "ride", you keep the same rate and use longer springs (like Synergy does for some of their springs)
If you will be adding a lot of weight, then you need springs with a higher rate.

Now - when you say it "drove better" - do you mean the RIDE, or how it steers and handles?

Sponsored