Lift Kits – Open Joints or Else

[MarineHawk]

I am about to order the Rock Krawler JT 3.0 Inch Pro-X "No Limits" System - Stage 1 lift. I still am about to order, but the guy at my trusted local shop I used a lot on my JK seven years ago said that he would not recommend it because it has “open joints” on the control arms, etc. … He said that they would wear out more quickly and allow debris in the joints, causing noise/wear, etc. …

I’m new to the open/not-open joint concept.

What are the downsides/upsides of open joints?

From the little I have been able to read, open joints may provide better articulation, but may wear more quickly.

My JTR would be a primary DD vehicle, but is expected to do well on the rocks and in the mud. I have a specific design-limit trip organized for late April.

Any advice would be much appreciated.

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[Harold0819]

I have had RockKrawler on my JK for over 8 years. I've rebuilt my joints once but my JK has almost 200K on it. Need to keep in mind that Rock Krawler is located in upstate NY. They know the Northeast weather. This is no different then your shock absorbers. Regular articulation and greasing of the joints will keep them fine. RockKrawler will tell you if your jeep doesn't see much offroad time, as most don't, to occasionally spray them with WD-40 for fluid film to keep the seals from drying out.
I think the biggest issue was with the Krawler joints they require 000 grease and it can be hard to find unless you order it from RockKrawler or Northridge 4x4. So my feeling is most people either didn't bother to grease them or they greased them with standard #2 which will lead to premature failure.
I just bought 2 tubes of Rock Krawler's 000 grease from Northridge 4x4 as mine is over due for a greasing. I rebuilt my joints about 1.5 years ago. Greased them good when I rebuilt them and my 3oz tube ran out a couple months ago. You don't use a lot so the small tube lasts a while. But I usually give mine a squirt or 2 every oil change.

That was the long answer on the old-style Krawler joints. The new updated style, which should be on your JT lift , are designed to use regular #1 or #2 grease. This should make it really easy for people to maintain them. They do say Do NOT use red and tacky.

I have the same kit coming for my JTR. Should be here this week.

Here is a video Rock Krawler just put out of Jeremy explaining the joint differences and changes.

 

[Harold0819]

Something I should add is yes...the open joint requires more maintenance but the higher the performance of a part, generally, the higher the maintenance. Factory joints can last nearly forever but that is why the manufacturer uses them as well as cost.
So in essence there is a trade off. Higher performance but more maintenance. There are a lot of manufacturers out there with a lot of options. So there are other options if you choose.

 

[MarineHawk]

Something I should add is yes...the open joint requires more maintenance but the higher the performance of a part, generally, the higher the maintenance. Factory joints can last nearly forever but that is why the manufacturer uses them as well as cost.
So in essence there is a trade off. Higher performance but more maintenance. There are a lot of manufacturers out there with a lot of options. So there are other options if you choose.

Many thanks for the helpful responses above.

 

[Rock Krawler Suspension]

Damn Harold, leave me something to talk about.

For real though, @Harold0819 nailed it, thanks for posting that video!

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