Rock Krawler vs. Clayton

[TheJanitor6203]

Looking at lift options for my 2020 JLU Rubicon. I've narrowed it down to the following:

- 2.5" Rock Krawler X Factor "No Limits" Stage 1
- 2.5" Clayton Premium Lift

My JLU is a daily driver but I intend on rock crawling regularly so I want to maintain (or improve) its current highway ride but also be able to wheel it pretty hard (aka, I want the best of both worlds).

Questions:

Can anyone speak to the the highway/road feel of any of these?

I'm guessing each of these will be comparable on the trail but correct me if I'm wrong.

Is there any other lift not listed that I should be considering?

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[oceanblue2019]

I'd also add Synergy Stage 1 to your list, as it's a top notch solution as well.

But the 3 you list are all great, and agree with Lebowski over the RK X series over adventure.

 

[TheJanitor6203]

I'm changing the rules mid-game. I think I've now narrowed it down to the Rock Krawler X Factor or the Clayton Premium. I really appreciate the input! Keep it coming. Thanks.

 

[Fire Burns]

WHat happened to the Metalcloak option?

 

[TheJanitor6203]

WHat happened to the Metalcloak option?

I'm hearing that the MC is comparable to RK/Clayton and if that's the case, I'm not too crazy about the MC gold color so I'm tossing it out.

 

[Clayton Off Road]

Always here to help if you have any questions on our kits! I'd only like to add if you really want the best of both worlds in terms of on road and off road driving, than our Overland Plus kit might be the better option for you as it utilizes Giiro joints on each end of the control arms, which not only help to soak up road noise and vibration on road, but also provide all the flex you need for off road use and rock crawling. Not to mention, they're maintenance free! The Johnny Joints used on our Premium Kit are still a great option, but are definitely geared more towards somebody who wants all the misalignment possible for off road use, and doesn't mind the maintenance required with those joints!

 

[TheJanitor6203]

Always here to help if you have any questions on our kits! I'd only like to add if you really want the best of both worlds in terms of on road and off road driving, than our Overland Plus kit might be the better option for you as it utilizes Giiro joints on each end of the control arms, which not only help to soak up road noise and vibration on road, but also provide all the flex you need for off road use and rock crawling. Not to mention, they're maintenance free! The Johnny Joints used on our Premium Kit are still a great option, but are definitely geared more towards somebody who wants all the misalignment possible for off road use, and doesn't mind the maintenance required with those joints!

Good to know. The reason I was thinking the Performance and not the Overland Plus is because I don't think I want 3.5" of lift. Is the Overland Plus option available with just 2.5"? I'm thinking I'll only want to run 37s and the extra inch of lift may make the 37s looks too small. I may just be overthinking it. It'd probably help to see a 2.5" lift and 3.5" lift with 37s side by side.

Would I need a new drive shaft with either lift size?

 

[Clayton Off Road]

Good to know. The reason I was thinking the Performance and not the Overland Plus is because I don't think I want 3.5" of lift. Is the Overland Plus option available with just 2.5"? I'm thinking I'll only want to run 37s and the extra inch of lift may make the 37s looks too small. I may just be overthinking it. It'd probably help to see a 2.5" lift and 3.5" lift with 37s side by side.

Would I need a new drive shaft with either lift size?

Yes 2.5" is available in the Overland kit as well! I can leave you a link. We always at least recommend changing out the front driveshaft, but when it becomes really necessary is when you start to get over 3" of lift, and also if you're going to be taking it wheeling a lot. If you're doing the 2.5" kit, and only wheeling once in a while, you might be able to get away with holding off for a little bit before upgrading.

https://www.claytonoffroad.com/product/jeep-wrangler-25-overland-lift-kit-2018-jl

 

[AccuTunedJL]

No mention of shocks yet. For a daily drive with mild rock crawling trails, the Fox 2.0 R/R shocks can ride amazing. Custom valved for your Jeeps build weight will make them ride great.

 

[TheJanitor6203]

Yes 2.5" is available in the Overland kit as well! I can leave you a link. We always at least recommend changing out the front driveshaft, but when it becomes really necessary is when you start to get over 3" of lift, and also if you're going to be taking it wheeling a lot. If you're doing the 2.5" kit, and only wheeling once in a while, you might be able to get away with holding off for a little bit before upgrading.

https://www.claytonoffroad.com/product/jeep-wrangler-25-overland-lift-kit-2018-jl

Thanks. I somehow scanned right over the 2.5" option your website.

 

[Roky]

Looking at lift options for my 2020 JLU Rubicon. I've narrowed it down to the following:

- 2.5" Rock Krawler X Factor "No Limits" Stage 1
- 2.5" Clayton Premium Lift

My JLU is a daily driver but I intend on rock crawling regularly so I want to maintain (or improve) its current highway ride but also be able to wheel it pretty hard (aka, I want the best of both worlds).

Questions:

Can anyone speak to the the highway/road feel of any of these?

I'm guessing each of these will be comparable on the trail but correct me if I'm wrong.

Is there any other lift not listed that I should be considering?

I vote Rock Krawler ..... got nothing against Clayton, they’re a great company, I just like what RK’s got going on........

 

[tcon]

I am in the same "JEEP". Rubicon that is stock. I want to travel off-road but not interested in super rock-crawling. I want to be able to get back in-and-out of forest roads and such. I have a Mopar 2 inch lift kit for my JLU Rubicon sitting in my garage awaiting better "Virginia" weather for the install.

Hey all... do I really need "track bars" if I keep the stock wheels and tires?

Thanks for the replies and help in advance!
See you all on and off the road soon.

 

[Headbarcode]

I am in the same "JEEP". Rubicon that is stock. I want to travel off-road but not interested in super rock-crawling. I want to be able to get back in-and-out of forest roads and such. I have a Mopar 2 inch lift kit for my JLU Rubicon sitting in my garage awaiting better "Virginia" weather for the install.

Hey all... do I really need "track bars" if I keep the stock wheels and tires?

Thanks for the replies and help in advance!
See you all on and off the road soon.

In the very least, you'll be greatly served by adding an adjustable front track bar, adjustable lower control arms, and a rear axle-side track bar relocation bracket. That will allow the centering of both axles side to side, while improving handling by raising your rear roll center to better match the lift height. The adjustable LCA's will allow fine tuning of caster, unlike the fixed ones that come with the lift. Not to mention, arms and linkages from a quality company are stronger to resist flexing under load and also provides much higher quality and longer lasting bushings.

The unavoidable byproduct of higher lift and larger tires is an increase to the amount of leverage that road forces will have on the vehicle. The more you replace of the weak factory steering and suspension linkages, the better it will perform both on and off road. I'm on 38x13.50's sitting on over 4" of lift, and my Rubi drives way better than the day i got it.

 

[rustyshakelford]

I'm hearing that the MC is comparable to RK/Clayton and if that's the case, I'm not too crazy about the MC gold color so I'm tossing it out.

no surprise I’m an MC fan but if they are out of the running, and it’s between the two listed I don’t think you can go wrong with either. One of the biggest things a large number of folks overlook is maintenance. With MC their arms are virtually maintenance free. Seems like Clayton is offering that which I would consider a benefit. I need to study up on them. From my brief look at their website, I might be giving them a call and getting the low down. Their stuff looks beefy!

I obviously like RK too but not many folks have time or desire to grease their joints every quarter.

brett

 

[limeade]

I've got an RK 2.5 lift with Fox 2.0 shocks and the ride and road manners are excellent, although some of this is also due to my all Synergy steering. The RK CA joints have been trouble free and I do not mind greasing them every oil change or so. This gives me an opportunity to check out the underside for any damage, which everyone should be doing on a periodic basis.

The Johnny Joints in the Clayton arms are excellent for on and off road too. Had the Currie JJ arms on my TJ for 25K miles and never had one issue.

When I lift my stock 2019, it will be hard for me to not get an RK lift. The MC and Clayton lifts will definitely be given a hard look though.

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