392 XR Stingray build

[firedude]

Been busy logging miles. This is the start of our season. Loving the weather. I have done some updates. I installed the Metalcloak Pro'Lignment ( Control arm relocation ) brackets. I was actually going to install these on my last jeep before the trade in. I have been going back and forth on long arm and coil overs before I even purchased the jeep. They are still on the table. I just could not find the arms that I liked enough to push me over the edge. had been waiting for Metalcloak to get theirs out. They are out now but this setup rides so nice I am in no hurry to change it.
The install is very easy with no surprises. Everything fits very well and tight. No slop. Very well built. I have seen some of these from other companies in the past that were not very sturdy. Not these.
I now have 500 miles on them with a few offroad days. I must say these make so much difference it is hard to put into words. The on road is night and day. Potholes, bridge expansion joints, railroad and everything else is just not a factor. Off road is also very much improved. Washboard roads and faster stuff is very much improved. I actually notice it everywhere. My wife, who does not notice anything (except when I raise it more) even committed how nice it rode and actually suggested we now take it out of town. That's a big indorsement. I know some point to loss of 2 1/2 inches of front clearance lost but I really do not think most will ever see it as a problem. I will report if I see it. Even if you are a frame grinder I would seriously consider them. Even if you had to replace them once in a blue moon. I don't think you would though. The end result and ride improvement really are worth it.
Two thumbs up here.

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[firedude]

I forgot to mention I only did fronts. Rears do not fit the 392. Mounts are already lower on the 392 and holes would not line up per MC. I did not intend to do rears. I got all I wanted with just the fronts.

 

[firedude]

My lovely assistant helping me re-check alignment.

 

[firedude]

The driver spring had a severe bow to the front. I was holding off on messing with it till I was done with suspension. I used a MC correction pad. Straightened it right out. My last jeep took correction pads on both sides. This jeep only on driver.

 

[ROK HEMI]

I have a similar vehicle I’m planning to do metal cloak 2-1/2 lift based on seeing how much lift you have. I wanted to ask if you had been happy with it, and if you would’ve added any under armor protection, for the engine oil pan

 

[firedude]

I have a similar vehicle I’m planning to do metal cloak 2-1/2 lift based on seeing how much lift you have. I wanted to ask if you had been happy with it, and if you would’ve added any under armor protection, for the engine oil pan

I have been meaning to do a update. I will try and do a better one soon. New granddaughter and recent surgery have changed my priorities lately.

I have put 4000 miles on it, on and off road. Still my daily driver. The lift is everything I wanted. Very good street manners and very capable off road. I don't think you can do much better.

I do not beat this jeep hard on the rocks. It does spend a lot of time off road just not bouncing it off rocks. When it does get flexed out about the only thing it hits under there is dirt or small (moveable)rocks. If your plans include serious rock bouncing then you should probably look at armor. MC has some nice stuff there.

Let me know if I can answer any other questions.

 

[3TV]

Hi Bret,
I am building a similar Jeep myself. I plan on using a Metal Cloak 2.5" lift and Accu Tuned Fox shocks, and I have a few questions for you.

Which tune did you use from Accu Tune, and why? I spoke with them, and they recommended their Adventure Tune for what I want to do with my Jeep. I am wondering what other people are using though.

Do you need to use the Evo front shock relocation brackets? Will the 2.5 Fox shocks hit the frame if they are not used? And if I relocate the lower shock mount outboard from the stock location, does it require wheels with a more negative offset? I actually like the stock wheels on my 392 XR and would like to continue to use them. But if they don't have a negative enough offset, I can certainly change.

 

[firedude]

Hi Bret,
I am building a similar Jeep myself. I plan on using a Metal Cloak 2.5" lift and Accu Tuned Fox shocks, and I have a few questions for you.

Which tune did you use from Accu Tune, and why? I spoke with them, and they recommended their Adventure Tune for what I want to do with my Jeep. I am wondering what other people are using though.

Do you need to use the Evo front shock relocation brackets? Will the 2.5 Fox shocks hit the frame if they are not used? And if I relocate the lower shock mount outboard from the stock location, does it require wheels with a more negative offset? I actually like the stock wheels on my 392 XR and would like to continue to use them. But if they don't have a negative enough offset, I can certainly change.

Hello,
Adventure tune here. I had a long conversation with Accutune about my daily driving and also where I offroad. The guy I was talking to was actually familiar with the area and had been there. Being how my jeep is a daily driver I wanted a nice on the road drive but still keep all the capabilities on the trails I might encounter. I am about 75 percent on road. I go offroad once a week or so. These guys do a lot of shocks for metalcloak lifts. I trusted their advice on the Adventure tune. I am very happy with the shocks. I actually had them setup for my other jeep and swapped them to my 392. The ride is just as good if not better. I might of got lucky on this. I know if it was not quite right I could send them in for a re-valve though.

I really think a lot of people are not honest with themselves on actual use of their jeep. They set them up for hardcore rock crawling even though they might only do that a few times a year if any. I have been guilty of this in the past on other vehicles.

You will need the front relo brackets. The shock could hit the frame up front at full articulation. The EVO brackets move the shock out without moving it up like the metalcloaks do. My goal was 5" up travel with 6" down. I am right there.

When I had my stock XR wheels on after the lift I went with 1.25 wheel spacers. I used these https://www.extremeterrain.com/mamm...VbSqtBh2VQQh0EAQYASABEgJr7_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds They are billet and hub centric. Worked great. My XR wheels had a reses next to the lug nut hole on the inside that the spacer stud fit in so I did not need to cut the stud down to fit. I did not try without the spacers when I installed the lift. My current wheels have 4.75 back spacing. They do not rub. It is very close though. My stock XR wheels had 5" back spacing.

Let me know if you have any other question,
Bret.

 

[3TV]

Thanks Bret. I think I'll go with the Adventure tune as well. My Jeep use includes a lot of desert, but also some in the mountains, and some rock crawling. I used to do desert racing in the bike and UTV classes, so I tend to move along at a fairly good clip at times. I've never had a passenger accuse me of driving too slow, LOL. But I have other machines if I want to go fast. I agree with you that I want the Jeep to be plush and comfortable.

I'll go ahead and order the Evo shock relocation brackets.

I had been having a hard time finding 17x9 wheels with 0 offset, but Discount Tire on this forum just sent me a list of at least 20 different wheels. That was pretty good of them to do that.

 

[firedude]

Thanks Bret. I think I'll go with the Adventure tune as well. My Jeep use includes a lot of desert, but also some in the mountains, and some rock crawling. I used to do desert racing in the bike and UTV classes, so I tend to move along at a fairly good clip at times. I've never had a passenger accuse me of driving too slow, LOL. But I have other machines if I want to go fast. I agree with you that I want the Jeep to be plush and comfortable.

I'll go ahead and order the Evo shock relocation brackets.

I had been having a hard time finding 17x9 wheels with 0 offset, but Discount Tire on this forum just sent me a list of at least 20 different wheels. That was pretty good of them to do that.

I think you will be happy. Sounds like we have some off the same background and driving habits. I still have a rzr and a KTM I can use if I really want to get busy offroad. This jeep is plush and fun to drive though . I am getting old I guess.

 

[Discount Tire]

I had been having a hard time finding 17x9 wheels with 0 offset, but Discount Tire on this forum just sent me a list of at least 20 different wheels. That was pretty good of them to do that.

It was our pleasure, thanks again for reaching out!

 

[Jreycnc]

How are you liking the antirocks? Think it was a worthwhile upgrade?

 

[firedude]

How are you liking the antirocks? Think it was a worthwhile upgrade?

I am very happy with them. I have had a similar set up ( Carli) on my truck for over 10 years with great success. They have a slight bit more of initial turn in sway but very little. It does not effect how I drive or speed at which I take turns what so ever. The pros are less reaction on uneven surfaces and bumps. Smoother ride on road. Being able to go on and off road without dealing with the sway disconnect. Really the only con I see is if you have electric disco you need a tazer to get rid of dash light. I think everyone should have a tazer anyways.
I did not notice any less articulation with the antirocks. Install is straight forward with no surprises. Good stuff.

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