Metalcloak lift

[Captn_Obvious]

I called several places for install quotes today for the MC 3.5 Dual Rate Kit with Shocks and Driveshaft. The lowest I found was 600 from a reputable shop minus alignment. My recent go to shop is 850 with alignment. The other shops that quoted me north of 1k didn’t even know about MC. I won’t be able to do the install as I have 2 jobs.

wow, those are good rates for a full lift and driveshaft + alignment, mine was 1000 for the lift, 125 for driveshaft (1 shop hr at customer supplied parts rate) and 250 to go thru all the arms and do a serious alignment. That's pretty in-line with going rates out here in GA. (had 'em throw on the rock rails while they were at it)

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[Captn_Obvious]

Hey guys, would like to know what you think here.. got to looking at my jeep on the driveway, (had the lift done last weekend professionally). It was just enough to catch my eye and make me get out my tape - looks like I'm poking out about 3/4 of an inch on the driver's side. This may be a negligible difference and I realize there's always going to be some sort of variance on a vehicle w/ solid axles.. but if it were you, would you get it back in and have them to adjust the centeredness a little closer than this?

Any other thoughts on this - axle centeredness out by what looks like 3/4 in on the driver side. I know that's a small amount but just having the lift completed, if it were you would you want it adjusted a little closer to center? Not expecting perfect dead-on.. or should I?

 

[jurfie]

Any other thoughts on this - axle centeredness out by what looks like 3/4 in on the driver side. I know that's a small amount but just having the lift completed, if it were you would you want it adjusted a little closer to center? Not expecting perfect dead-on.. or should I?

I'd expect dead on. Take it back and have them readjust.

 

[Captn_Obvious]

I'd expect dead on. Take it back and have them readjust.

@jurfie, thank you, I will indeed.

 

[DeezJT]

Ordered nitto ridge grapplers D rated 37’s. Should be here next week. Thinking of ordering rock sliders (Hardrock4x4), but thinking of waiting on Roam or White Knuckle Offroad and actually get the sliders I want instead of impulse purchase.

Lift, wheels/tires, PS bumper, and Zeon are planned for next weekend.

 

[LostWoods]

So question on the MC control arms... can they be adjusted short enough for a stock or small spacer lift and still get normal specs? I'm looking to do this right the first time so I'm going to build out 100% except for springs and shocks then 4-corner weigh and sort out those once I know final static weight.

 

[sass JT]

So question on the MC control arms... can they be adjusted short enough for a stock or small spacer lift and still get normal specs? I'm looking to do this right the first time so I'm going to build out 100% except for springs and shocks then 4-corner weigh and sort out those once I know final static weight.

That’s a great question. Honestly the best thing to do is to call them. Their customer service dept is top notch and would be able to answer your questions... although they are only open Monday through Friday.

 

[Christoferweld]

I put the 3.5" true dual rate on earlier this year, been happy with it mostly, except the rear was too squatty for my tastes.

All the lift companies seem to have the same philosophy when it comes to lifting our rigs - they all aim to level them out. I talked with MC about this and several other companies too seeking a taller rear spring to regain some rake, and everyone told me the same thing; the lift may be a 2-3-4" etc, but that's measured off the front, the rear springs are shorter to level the vehicle out (the Mopar lift does maintain rake, but it's rear springs are too short to match my front 3.5").

I had pretty much resolved myself to putting a spacer in the rear, when Synergy released thier rear JT springs in a true 2, 3, or 4" height. I ordered the 4" springs hoping they wouldn't give too much rake, and after installing, I think it's a perfect match. So if anyone is looking to regain some rear height with their MC lift, I can verify this worked out great. Btw, still using stock arms in rear and the inexpensive Rock Shocks all the way around - drives and handles great and with zero driveline vibration, and the combo flexes well too - pics are from Slick Rock Road, and Genoa Peak, both in Northern California.

 

[WhatExit?]

I put the 3.5" true dual rate on earlier this year, been happy with it mostly, except the rear was too squatty for my tastes.

All the lift companies seem to have the same philosophy when it comes to lifting our rigs - they all aim to level them out. I talked with MC about this and several other companies too seeking a taller rear spring to regain some rake, and everyone told me the same thing; the lift may be a 2-3-4" etc, but that's measured off the front, the rear springs are shorter to level the vehicle out (the Mopar lift does maintain rake, but it's rear springs are too short to match my front 3.5").

I had pretty much resolved myself to putting a spacer in the rear, when Synergy released thier rear JT springs in a true 2, 3, or 4" height. I ordered the 4" springs hoping they wouldn't give too much rake, and after installing, I think it's a perfect match. So if anyone is looking to regain some rear height with their MC lift, I can verify this worked out great. Btw, still using stock arms in rear and the inexpensive Rock Shocks all the way around - drives and handles great and with zero driveline vibration, and the combo flexes well too - pics are from Slick Rock Road, and Genoa Peak, both in Northern California.

Until recently, I too had Metalcloak suspension lift up front (with stock rear suspension plus spacers). Last week I was able to have the Metalcloak Game Changer rear suspension components installed along with longer brake lines so my 3.5" suspension lift is complete. Well, except for shocks - that expense will happen but it's a big spend so it'll take some more time.

 

[Christoferweld]

The True Dual Rate 3.5" lift did come with longer brake lines and rear springs, and according to MC those are the same components used in the Game Changer as well, the difference being the GC kit has full control arms for front and rear axles, whereas the TDR only came with adjustable front uppers to adjust caster.

MC said their rear springs only net 1- 1.5" lift total, for the asthetic leveling effect (according to MC, their lifts do maintain around .5" of rake for carrying a load); but for me, I use the JT as a truck frequently and the .5" isn't nearly enough, it doesn't take much weight at all with either payload or trailer hitched up to have that scalded dog squat going on and damn near riding on the bump stops...

 

[LostWoods]

I put the 3.5" true dual rate on earlier this year, been happy with it mostly, except the rear was too squatty for my tastes.

All the lift companies seem to have the same philosophy when it comes to lifting our rigs - they all aim to level them out. I talked with MC about this and several other companies too seeking a taller rear spring to regain some rake, and everyone told me the same thing; the lift may be a 2-3-4" etc, but that's measured off the front, the rear springs are shorter to level the vehicle out (the Mopar lift does maintain rake, but it's rear springs are too short to match my front 3.5").

I had pretty much resolved myself to putting a spacer in the rear, when Synergy released thier rear JT springs in a true 2, 3, or 4" height. I ordered the 4" springs hoping they wouldn't give too much rake, and after installing, I think it's a perfect match. So if anyone is looking to regain some rear height with their MC lift, I can verify this worked out great. Btw, still using stock arms in rear and the inexpensive Rock Shocks all the way around - drives and handles great and with zero driveline vibration, and the combo flexes well too - pics are from Slick Rock Road, and Genoa Peak, both in Northern California.

This is exactly why I had my prior question because I dislike lift "kits"... I much prefer components that allow me to tweak and tune and given various weight distributions. In the Tacoma world, the big companies (Icon, OME, and Deaver) all offer 2-3 options when it comes to rate on their leaf spring parts that get rolled into kits. Icon actually gives you all the leafs to have all three and even on front coilover springs, many companies have a 600#, 650#, and 700# option to account for armor.

My truck with full armor, cap, and an additional 150# static weight in the bed at all times is going to be very different than someone who uses the same kit to mall crawl. I'm looking hard at Synergy's springs because I really only want a 2.5" in the front and whatever I need in the rear to get a truck that sits level at GVWR. If that means mix and match brands then that's what I'll be doing and once I get spring rates down, it's time for an appointment at Accutune to get some Fox 2.5s valved properly.

 

[DeezJT]

@Christoferweld how tall of a spacer would you recommend for the rear?

 

[Christoferweld]

@Christoferweld how tall of a spacer would you recommend for the rear?

I was going to fab my own and weld them in to avoid having too many loose parts when working the suspension offroad. I had planned on making them 2", I figured that height coupled with the MC 1-1.5" rear springs would sit me about right. However I'm not a big fan of spacers, so when I saw the JT specific Synergy springs I jumped on the 4" ones - I think they were $250ish a pair. Way happier going that route.

 

[techteacher]

How do the Rocksport shocks ride? Soft/firm? I thought both the stock fox and mopar 2" fox shocks were both pretty soft - hoping for a little firmer ride with the rocksports.

 

[Christoferweld]

How do the Rocksport shocks ride? Soft/firm? I thought both the stock fox and mopar 2" fox shocks were both pretty soft - hoping for a little firmer ride with the rocksports.

I think they ride fine - more on the firm side vs stock from what I can tell...

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