Metalcloak HD Ball Joints

[b-roc]

My ball joints are just starting to develop a little play so I am starting to dig back into ball joint options. I had been leaning towards Dynatrac with their track record and ability to be rebuilt in place.

I had also briefly looked into the American Iron Ball Joint Delete, and while it would be compelling for a trail rig, it didn't make sense to me for a mix of daily driver with occasional trail use.

So when I started to dig into this again yesterday, I was pleasantly surprised to see that Metalcloak has entered the arena. They are also rebuildable in place, are captive for the upper joint, are adjustable, and are listed as being manufactured with good materials.
https://metalcloak.com/jl-wrangler-ball-joint-set-upgrade-kit.html

The obvious downside is cost and not having dynatrac's track record.

So ... what are people's thoughts on the design? and even better, anyone running these yet?

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[Mjolnir]

They are so new that very very few have them.

However if you check the Metalcloak owners page there are a few people with them that have given a few reviews. Remember - these are very short term as most of these people have only had them for a few weeks so far. But you can keep up to date with it there.

Edit: @b-roc I mean the metalcloak owners group on facebook, did not place that last part LOL

 

[darkhorse13]

FWIW, I just installed the Synergy Mfg ball joints (~40K on my JTR with 37's). I like all their stuff and their design seemed to be simple, strong and effective. I can say that it really did tighten up the front end over potholes and road chatter.

I asked my local off-road shop about different options and their response seems fair and accurate in the screen shot below. (Please note that I believe he was referring to the JK version of Synergy BJ's as the JL/JT's are not adjustable.)

Sorry this didn't answer your question about MC and if you want me to delete this so the topic does not go off the rails comparing Brand X vs Brand Y I can do that.

 

[b-roc]

They are so new that very very few have them.

However if you check the Metalcloak owners page there are a few people with them that have given a few reviews. Remember - these are very short term as most of these people have only had them for a few weeks so far. But you can keep up to date with it there.

Edit: @b-roc I mean the metalcloak owners group on facebook, did not place that last part LOL

Thanks for the edit (and pointing me in the right direction)! I was starting to doubt my google powers when all that I could find was the facebook page. I will see if I can join the group and then post a rough summary of the reviews to save others from doing the same.

I am guessing that I will find some low mileage, early adopters giving reviews. I also am guessing that any longer-term reviews will be from Metalcloak testers, which carry the high risk of bias. So if what I find is all sunshine and roses, then I will take it with a grain of salt, but anything in the negative will catch my attention.

FWIW, I just installed the Synergy Mfg ball joints (~40K on my JTR with 37's). I like all their stuff and their design seemed to be simple, strong and effective. I can say that it really did tighten up the front end over potholes and road chatter.

I asked my local off-road shop about different options and their response seems fair and accurate in the screen shot below. (Please note that I believe he was referring to the JK version of Synergy BJ's as the JL/JT's are not adjustable.)

Sorry this didn't answer your question about MC and if you want me to delete this so the topic does not go off the rails comparing Brand X vs Brand Y I can do that.

@darkhorse13 - I always appreciate your input. The summary of your experience with synergy and your shop's summary of options that they have tried is good to hear and goes to the "what are people's thoughts on the design?" part of my question

My rough view is that in much the same way that your shop described Dynatrac as a refinement/improvement of the ball joint deletes, I am viewing the metalcloak option as a refinement/?improvement? (e.g. trying to address the memory steer, adding adjustable pre-load, captive upper joint) of the Dynatrac offering (this is what I am trying to check on).

As far as Synergy vs Dynatrac - The primary reason that I was/am leaning away from Synergy is the rebuild in place option from Dynatrac (and now metalcloak). My current plan is to hold onto the gladiator for quite some time and am trying to minimize wear to the press fit between the ball joint and the inner C of the axle ... with that said, I am at a little of 40k miles as well ... so maybe I am being overly conservative (or appeasing my jeep by throwing more sacrificial money at it!)

Side note that doesn't apply to me but that could be a significant negative to other readers (from Metalcloak's site): "Aftermarket Axles: May not fit with RCV aftermarket axles. Call a MetalCloak Suspension Expert at 916-631-8071 to check your set up. "

 

[jeep1]

A quick check shows that the Dynatrac balljoints are almost 2x the price of the Synergy.. They might be rebuildable but got to ask yourself if you are going to rebuild them more than once and if rebuilding them is just as much work as replacing them.......

Certainly nothing wrong with Dynatrac and they are really well liked but I've never seen any complaints about Synergy either.

Teraflex would be another choice. Same price as the Synergy and they are grease-able if that's important to you.

 

[Orange01z28]

When my ball joints need replacement i'll buy Metalcloak based on the experience i've had with all their other products and the company itself

 

[gotswap]

When my ball joints need replacement i'll buy Metalcloak based on the experience i've had with all their other products and the company itself

Ditto, they are top notch when it comes to suspension. I wont run anything else

 

[bakobobby]

+1 for synergy. 20k on mine with 37” tires not a single issue. They also are easy to grease which helps if you run rcv axles.

 

[bleda2002]

My ball joints are just starting to develop a little play so I am starting to dig back into ball joint options. I had been leaning towards Dynatrac with their track record and ability to be rebuilt in place.

I had also briefly looked into the American Iron Ball Joint Delete, and while it would be compelling for a trail rig, it didn't make sense to me for a mix of daily driver with occasional trail use.

So when I started to dig into this again yesterday, I was pleasantly surprised to see that Metalcloak has entered the arena. They are also rebuildable in place, are captive for the upper joint, are adjustable, and are listed as being manufactured with good materials.
https://metalcloak.com/jl-wrangler-ball-joint-set-upgrade-kit.html

The obvious downside is cost and not having dynatrac's track record.

So ... what are people's thoughts on the design? and even better, anyone running these yet?

I bought a set but havent installed yet. I was also between dynatrac and metal cloak but went metal cloak because i prefered the almost king pin like top that is also load bearing as well as that they are adjustable and rebuildable. Seemed like an evolution of the gold standard dynatracs to me.

 

[b-roc]

I bought a set but havent installed yet. I was also between dynatrac and metal cloak but went metal cloak because i prefered the almost king pin like top that is also load bearing as well as that they are adjustable and rebuildable. Seemed like an evolution of the gold standard dynatracs to me.

How does the build quality look?

 

[Mjolnir]

@b-roc


Here are two screenshots of some posts on the FB page regarding these. I'm waiting for more reviews myself. I love MC stuff, so being hopeful for these.

 

[b-roc]

@b-roc


Here are two screenshots of some posts on the FB page regarding these. I'm waiting for more reviews myself. I love MC stuff, so being hopeful for these.

Thanks!

I hadn't even thought about being able to tear them down to inspect for wear/defects and then put them back together (not something that I would do, but nice for R&D)

 

[Dayo]

When my ball joints need replacement i'll buy Metalcloak based on the experience i've had with all their other products and the company itself

Same here. Customer service has been top notch. I have their 2.5" true dual installed. Waiting on sway bar link brackets. So a limited experience with their products. That being said, their customer service and the quality of their products I've received so far, I'll continue to shop with them first.

 

[bleda2002]

How does the build quality look?

Like jewelry honestly. Build quality and presentation is impeccable.

 

[b-roc]

Like jewelry honestly. Build quality and presentation is impeccable.

Mmm ... jeep jewelry ?

Excellent

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