Metalcloak lift

[jeepdriva]

Love it!!! I was watching your build on the “what did you do” thread and loved it. Now I’m really excited about the GC

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[WhatExit?]

Metalcloak JT Gladiator 3.5" Game Changer Suspension...

Note: Very soon I am going to have the GC lift installed in the rear end along with ADS shocks. I am not planning to go with the Metalcloak Game Changer rear springs...yet as I want to see how the stock springs ride with the lift (so far the stock springs are doing just what they were designed to do for this truck).

 

[Greg75]

Love it!!! I was watching your build on the “what did you do” thread and loved it. Now I’m really excited about the GC

Thanks. Certain you’ll be thrilled with yours. Be sure to let me know when you post your “after” pics.

 

[davetha]

Oh no! MetalCloak sent JL rear control arms instead of JT ones! They're sending the correct ones, but won't be in until Monday.

Double check your control arm boxes guys!

 

[jeepdriva]

How would I know? Have boxes sitting here.

 

[Greg75]

Oh no! MetalCloak sent JL rear control arms instead of JT ones! They're sending the correct ones, but won't be in until Monday.

Double check your control arm boxes guys!

How would I know? Have boxes sitting here.

I'd call MetalCloak tomorrow by 9am Pacific to read the received part numbers to them for verification. Certain they will quickly address any problem.

davetha: now you have a great excuse for taking your time and doing a perfect install. It'll be worth it. Promise.

 

[WayofWilliam]

Does anyone know if you can fit 40s on the 3.5 lift while still allowing articulation?

 

[Greg75]

40s would fit fine on a JTR with the 3.5" Gamechanger. Whether you would have to upgrade axles, etc., to handle the 40s is another question, though.

 

[WhatExit?]

40s would fit fine on a JTR with the 3.5" Gamechanger. Whether you would have to upgrade axles, etc., to handle the 40s is another question, though.

Other issues when you go with tires that tall - could (not sure) need to go with longer brake lines and a draglink flip, etc. Upgraded axles aren't "needed" but could be if you break.

 

[WayofWilliam]

Other issues when you go with tires that tall - could (not sure) need to go with longer brake lines and a draglink flip, etc. Upgraded axles aren't "needed" but could be if you break.

I understand all of the associated things that come along with 40s. Main thing for me is am I going to have any articulation with a 3.5 inch lift vs a 4.5 inch lift. No matter what, 40s are going on, so now its just a matter of deciding on a lift. Had a metalcloak 3.5 with 37s on my JKUR, so wouldn't mind going with them again....

 

[sass JT]

I understand all of the associated things that come along with 40s. Main thing for me is am I going to have any articulation with a 3.5 inch lift vs a 4.5 inch lift. No matter what, 40s are going on, so now its just a matter of deciding on a lift. Had a metalcloak 3.5 with 37s on my JKUR, so wouldn't mind going with them again....

oh man the saying is true... once you have a big size tire, your next ride is a size up... in my case it was 35’s now 37’s... i guess my next Jeep will be 40’s... then the next would be 42’s! Lol

 

[WhatExit?]

oh man the saying is true... once you have a big size tire, your next ride is a size up... in my case it was 35’s now 37’s... i guess my next Jeep will be 40’s... then the next would be 42’s! Lol

The bigger the tire the...

And, the bigger the tire the bigger the wallet. Much bigger to start and later on too when things start breaking

 

[WhatExit?]

I run a 3.5" GC lift on my 17 JKU and have been extremely happy. I was planning to do the same with my JT but now I'm wondering if MC is the right direction to go. It seems MC simply took their existing product line and made it work while RK designed their lift around the best solution for this application. MC retains the five-link rear suspension by simply replacing the existing parts while RK went with a triangulated 4 link for example. There's not much info out there on why MC chose their design choices or on items like expected rake etc, so what made you go this route? Im sold on MC joints but it seems there are more thorough options when you compare the complete package.

So, since this is a thread about Metalcloak and their Game Changer suspension for the JT Gladiator and the RK triangulated 4 link rear has been brought up, I'll talk about this a little. Disclaimers: (1) I went with Metalcloak's Gamechanger 3.5" suspension system. (2) I am not a suspension expert, (3) this is my opinion and, (4) I'm not affiliated in any way with Metalcloak.

The Jeep suspension from the factory utilizes front and rear track bars. Each one is attached to the opposite side of the frame. The RK triangulated 4-link replaces the rear track bar. While there can be a benefit to that there are other issues involved (the suspension is, after all, a system). RK's triangulated 4-link rear replaces the rear track bar.

Per the marketing info about the RK Triangulated 4-Link:
"The Rock Krawler Pro-X Upgrade for the Wrangler JT Gladiator is a triangulated 4 Link rear assembly that allows removal of the rear track bar. Eliminates the cross talk of the front and rear track bars greatly smoothing the on highway ride. The Pro-X rear also maintains the rear axle perfectly centered through out the suspension cycle and removes the natural suspension bind of the rear OEM 5 link arrangement." Link to this text

So, the RK Triangulated 4-link allows for the removal of the rear track bar. But it still uses the rear upper and lower control arms. Note that the above link also notes: "Recommend having adjustable rear lower control arms." A good question is why is that required? (And if you're going to replace your rear lower control arms you're getting closer to a Long Arm kit which replaces all 4 rear control arms).

Long Arm kits do make removing the track bar possible as the longer arms and mounting locations also do the work of the track bar. There are long arm kits for other models of Jeeps and there will likely be long arm kits available for the Gladiator. But I don't know of any yet.

The design and components of a suspension system are also important. One of the many benefits of the Metalcloak Game Changer suspension is their patented Duroflex Joints. Without naming names, suffice to say other suspension manufacturers don't have the Duroflex Joint. And some of the joints out there don't hold up - they don't last. And then they need to be replaced.

"MetalCloak has taken the best features of the most widely used control arm joints and combined those features to create the Duroflex™ Joint, producing a Low-Maintenance, High-Misalignment, Self-Centering, Rebuildable Joint with an OEM quality ride." Link to Duroflex Joint info

I like the idea of a "triangulated 4 link rear end" - it sounds and looks cool and it's getting closer to what more expensive suspension systems provide. But I'm not able to say that removing the track bar has enough value to add it to my truck especially when it requires 2 adjustable lower control arms while using the stock/factory upper rear control arms.

Considering what I've learned about suspension system joints and their wear and maintenance, I'm concerned about that issue and, I'm not convinced that the potential benefits outweigh my concerns or can justify the cost.

I believe in Metalcloak's suspension systems, their engineering, and their reputation in the Jeep community. If/when MC comes out with a long arm kit for the Gladiator I will take a real close look at it.

PS: To anyone who is asking why Metalcloak doesn't come on here to answer your questions, call them at 916-631-8071 and they'll take the time to answer all of them one-on-one.

 

[Billet Wilson]

So, since this is a thread about Metalcloak and their Game Changer suspension for the JT Gladiator and the RK triangulated 4 link rear has been brought up, I'll talk about this a little. Disclaimers: (1) I went with Metalcloak's Gamechanger 3.5" suspension system. (2) I am not a suspension expert, (3) this is my opinion and, (4) I'm not affiliated in any way with Metalcloak.

The Jeep suspension from the factory utilizes front and rear track bars. Each one is attached to the opposite side of the frame. The RK triangulated 4-link replaces the rear track bar. While there can be a benefit to that there are other issues involved (the suspension is, after all, a system). RK's triangulated 4-link rear replaces the rear track bar.

Per the marketing info about the RK Triangulated 4-Link:
"The Rock Krawler Pro-X Upgrade for the Wrangler JT Gladiator is a triangulated 4 Link rear assembly that allows removal of the rear track bar. Eliminates the cross talk of the front and rear track bars greatly smoothing the on highway ride. The Pro-X rear also maintains the rear axle perfectly centered through out the suspension cycle and removes the natural suspension bind of the rear OEM 5 link arrangement." Link to this text

So, the RK Triangulated 4-link allows for the removal of the rear track bar. But it still uses the rear upper and lower control arms. Note that the above link also notes: "Recommend having adjustable rear lower control arms." A good question is why is that required? (And if you're going to replace your rear lower control arms you're getting closer to a Long Arm kit which replaces all 4 rear control arms).

Long Arm kits do make removing the track bar possible as the longer arms and mounting locations also do the work of the track bar. There are long arm kits for other models of Jeeps and there will likely be long arm kits available for the Gladiator. But I don't know of any yet.

The design and components of a suspension system are also important. One of the many benefits of the Metalcloak Game Changer suspension is their patented Duroflex Joints. Without naming names, suffice to say other suspension manufacturers don't have the Duroflex Joint. And some of the joints out there don't hold up - they don't last. And then they need to be replaced.

"MetalCloak has taken the best features of the most widely used control arm joints and combined those features to create the Duroflex™ Joint, producing a Low-Maintenance, High-Misalignment, Self-Centering, Rebuildable Joint with an OEM quality ride." Link to Duroflex Joint info

I like the idea of a "triangulated 4 link rear end" - it sounds and looks cool and it's getting closer to what more expensive suspension systems provide. But I'm not able to say that removing the track bar has enough value to add it to my truck especially when it requires 2 adjustable lower control arms while using the stock/factory upper rear control arms.

Considering what I've learned about suspension system joints and their wear and maintenance, I'm concerned about that issue and, I'm not convinced that the potential benefits outweigh my concerns or can justify the cost.

I believe in Metalcloak's suspension systems, their engineering, and their reputation in the Jeep community. If/when MC comes out with a long arm kit for the Gladiator I will take a real close look at it.

PS: To anyone who is asking why Metalcloak doesn't come on here to answer your questions, call them at 916-631-8071 and they'll take the time to answer all of them one-on-one.

There's no question MC joints are some of the best, if not the best, all around joints out there. While they offer many benefits MC has not said how their lift impacts the truck overall. There's no mention of expected rake, impact on capacities, etc.

As for the RK Triangulated 4 Link rear end, I feel needing to run adjustable control arms a none issue. They're included in the kit and should be expected as you're completely changing how the rear end is setup. This holds true when installing the MC lift too. How else would you benefit from the Duroflex joints if factory arms weren't being replaced?

 

[RH 67]

So, since this is a thread about Metalcloak and their Game Changer suspension for the JT Gladiator and the RK triangulated 4 link rear has been brought up, I'll talk about this a little. Disclaimers: (1) I went with Metalcloak's Gamechanger 3.5" suspension system. (2) I am not a suspension expert, (3) this is my opinion and, (4) I'm not affiliated in any way with Metalcloak.

The Jeep suspension from the factory utilizes front and rear track bars. Each one is attached to the opposite side of the frame. The RK triangulated 4-link replaces the rear track bar. While there can be a benefit to that there are other issues involved (the suspension is, after all, a system). RK's triangulated 4-link rear replaces the rear track bar.

Per the marketing info about the RK Triangulated 4-Link:
"The Rock Krawler Pro-X Upgrade for the Wrangler JT Gladiator is a triangulated 4 Link rear assembly that allows removal of the rear track bar. Eliminates the cross talk of the front and rear track bars greatly smoothing the on highway ride. The Pro-X rear also maintains the rear axle perfectly centered through out the suspension cycle and removes the natural suspension bind of the rear OEM 5 link arrangement." Link to this text

So, the RK Triangulated 4-link allows for the removal of the rear track bar. But it still uses the rear upper and lower control arms. Note that the above link also notes: "Recommend having adjustable rear lower control arms." A good question is why is that required? (And if you're going to replace your rear lower control arms you're getting closer to a Long Arm kit which replaces all 4 rear control arms).

Long Arm kits do make removing the track bar possible as the longer arms and mounting locations also do the work of the track bar. There are long arm kits for other models of Jeeps and there will likely be long arm kits available for the Gladiator. But I don't know of any yet.

The design and components of a suspension system are also important. One of the many benefits of the Metalcloak Game Changer suspension is their patented Duroflex Joints. Without naming names, suffice to say other suspension manufacturers don't have the Duroflex Joint. And some of the joints out there don't hold up - they don't last. And then they need to be replaced.

"MetalCloak has taken the best features of the most widely used control arm joints and combined those features to create the Duroflex™ Joint, producing a Low-Maintenance, High-Misalignment, Self-Centering, Rebuildable Joint with an OEM quality ride." Link to Duroflex Joint info

I like the idea of a "triangulated 4 link rear end" - it sounds and looks cool and it's getting closer to what more expensive suspension systems provide. But I'm not able to say that removing the track bar has enough value to add it to my truck especially when it requires 2 adjustable lower control arms while using the stock/factory upper rear control arms.

Considering what I've learned about suspension system joints and their wear and maintenance, I'm concerned about that issue and, I'm not convinced that the potential benefits outweigh my concerns or can justify the cost.

I believe in Metalcloak's suspension systems, their engineering, and their reputation in the Jeep community. If/when MC comes out with a long arm kit for the Gladiator I will take a real close look at it.

PS: To anyone who is asking why Metalcloak doesn't come on here to answer your questions, call them at 916-631-8071 and they'll take the time to answer all of them one-on-one.

The stock factory rear control arms are not used. The new upper control arms are mounted to the cradle that is mounted to the axel. I was told long ago by several suspension people that the Gladiators weakness in the rear was the location of the mounting points of the control arms to the axle as sacrifices were made for towing capacity by Jeep RK has addressed this with the four link and quad rate springs, so towing, articulation, control and overall ride surpasses stock suspension.

I`m not saying anything bad about MC, just setting things straight that were wrong in the post, if i did not go with RK it would have been MC.

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