Opinions on lift kits for 2021 JT willys

[Sarge502]

AEV Dualsport 2.5"

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[2021Willys]

Not sure where you live but I’ve heard Clayton lifts rust like crazy. The Mopar lift with an adjustable front track bar would probably be a good option. Metacloak game changer has nothing but great reviews but you’re going to be spending big bucks.

 

[snazzberry2021]

Thanks for the great feedback, I think I’m going to run the inch and a half leveling kit in the front till next spring. I just want to take that rake off the front. It’s kind of a eye sore, i’m probably gonna be doing the 3 inch BDS Lift Kit next spring like I said I had it on my JK for 5 years and it gave me no problems at all, so I think I’m gonna give it another shot with the Gladiator

 

[JTGuy]

I am on my 3rd lift all done in my garage by me. This is the keeper. The biggest plus I did was install the JKS Geo brackets. Night and day difference in the ride. Next week Shift Auto will be installing my RK triangulated 4 link rear suspension . That will finish my mods. Now it rides great and will ride better with the 4 link.

 

[vicsvx]

I'm happy with my mopar lift. No complaints here with 35x12.502r17 and now 35x11.5r17

 

[snazzberry2021]

I'm happy with my mopar lift. No complaints here with 35x12.502r17 and now 35x11.5r17

Thanks for that info. You wouldn’t happen to have any pictures of it would you? I’d like to see what it looks like

 

[vicsvx]

Thanks for that info. You wouldn’t happen to have any pictures of it would you? I’d like to see what it looks like

 

[Clayton Off Road]

Not sure where you live but I’ve heard Clayton lifts rust like crazy. The Mopar lift with an adjustable front track bar would probably be a good option. Metacloak game changer has nothing but great reviews but you’re going to be spending big bucks.

Hey there, just wanted to chime in quickly here!

We of course understand everybody has their preferences for different brands, and Metal Cloak makes really great parts, but our parts have actually always been known for how well they stand up to various climates, as this is something we take very seriously, being that we are a company from New England. All of our coil springs, track bars, control arms, etc. all use a zinc-rich powder coating called Zealkor, and have proven to be excellent even in the harshest of winters.

That being said, there is really nothing anybody or any company can do to make parts not rust or corrode ever, and so over time things will start to not look as new as they once did, especially if the parts are constantly exposed to super harsh chemicals. There are some extra precautions you can take in these scenarios though, and there are various products on the market you can use to help prevent rust and corrosion issues even further if you do happen to live in a climate with harsh winters like we do!

 

[Brucewillys]

Could always go with a 2” AEV spacer lift. Has served me well.

21 Willy’s
35x12.5x17

I second this, but with 37's. All depends on your use, there is no point of over lifting. The higher you go the more things get messed up imo. Clearing out the stock fender liners and doing a fender chop gets you more than enough space for 35's. If you messing in rock gardens and sway bar disconnecting than you'll need a little more lift than stock.

 

[Brucewillys]

Hey there, just wanted to chime in quickly here!

We of course understand everybody has their preferences for different brands, and Metal Cloak makes really great parts, but our parts have actually always been known for how well they stand up to various climates, as this is something we take very seriously, being that we are a company from New England. All of our coil springs, track bars, control arms, etc. all use a zinc-rich powder coating called Zealkor, and have proven to be excellent even in the harshest of winters.

That being said, there is really nothing anybody or any company can do to make parts not rust or corrode ever, and so over time things will start to not look as new as they once did, especially if the parts are constantly exposed to super harsh chemicals. There are some extra precautions you can take in these scenarios though, and there are various products on the market you can use to help prevent rust and corrosion issues even further if you do happen to live in a climate with harsh winters like we do!

Totally agree! I just saw a one year old metalcloak lift on a 2024 that was downright repulsive to look at. Their zinc coating just does not last in a salt area, it requires painting over the zinc coating.

 

[Brucewillys]

Not sure where you live but I’ve heard Clayton lifts rust like crazy. The Mopar lift with an adjustable front track bar would probably be a good option. Metacloak game changer has nothing but great reviews but you’re going to be spending big bucks.

You should see what New England winters do to metalcloak's "great" finish. One year and it's toast.

 

[2021Willys]

You should see what New England winters do to metalcloak's "great" finish. One year and it's toast.

I’m up in central Canada and we get extreme winters so I’m aware of what the climate and salt can do to a vehicle. I’ve heard Metalcloak say a few times that the gold protectant zinc does wear off but that rusting shouldn’t be an issue. I have no personal experience however. One of the other members stated his Clayton control arms had quite a bit of surface rust after one winter in Wisconsin I believe. Again I have no personal experience. I’m sure both companies would fix any issues for customers immediately if there were any. I use fluid film or some other oil spray on my undercarriage components to try to prevent rust.

 

[Wheelin98TJ]

I've had a Clayton lift for 4 years/68k miles in Michigan.

I'll snap pics of the control arms and track bars later. Pretty sure they look fine.

 

[Zsis]

I have a 21 Willys Sport. I had big plans for some kind of lift. I got a heck of a deal on a 500 mile or so Rubicon suspension. So I put that on with a 1.5" spacer up front and a 3/4" spacer on the rear. Overall I got about 2.75" in the front and close to 2" in the rear. Was planning on a full spring lift at some point, but honestly I run trails at least once a month. Nothing real hardcore and I have been perfectly happy with my set up. Only other thing I added was the front lower extended LCAs from teh Mopar kit. Rides better than stock and I have yet to have any issues off road. I am still on some Rubicon rims and tires that I picked up mounted and ready to swap on for $400. Once these tires run out, I will get some 34" or 35" skinnys to install. I found my money is better spent on armor underneath so I can slide around on trails without damaging anything versus going higher. Some before and after pics. Last pic is with the Rubicon suspension installed. Thought I had more on my work pc, but I guess not.

 

[snazzberry2021]

I have a 21 Willys Sport. I had big plans for some kind of lift. I got a heck of a deal on a 500 mile or so Rubicon suspension. So I put that on with a 1.5" spacer up front and a 3/4" spacer on the rear. Overall I got about 2.75" in the front and close to 2" in the rear. Was planning on a full spring lift at some point, but honestly I run trails at least once a month. Nothing real hardcore and I have been perfectly happy with my set up. Only other thing I added was the front lower extended LCAs from teh Mopar kit. Rides better than stock and I have yet to have any issues off road. I am still on some Rubicon rims and tires that I picked up mounted and ready to swap on for $400. Once these tires run out, I will get some 34" or 35" skinnys to install. I found my money is better spent on armor underneath so I can slide around on trails without damaging anything versus going higher. Some before and after pics. Last pic is with the Rubicon suspension installed. Thought I had more on my work pc, but I guess not.

That willys look perfect the way it sits, I have the exact same 2021 Willys in the same color, are the first pictures with the stock suspension?? Or does it have a front leveling kit

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