Evo Pro Long Arm vs Metalcloak 3.5 Game Changer for JLUR

[Frezski]

I know your pain man, I have plans for my build in a similar direction. I tend to over build but half the enjoyment I get is from wrenching on it. For now, I am wheeling mine stock or slightly modified for the next year or two. Mainly because I want to do 1 tons, suspension, and all that stuff at once. However, I have been impressed with how well this thing flexes the way it is. By doing this, my approach is more get behind the wheel and run trails and re-evaluate my needs when I am ready to pull the trigger. My mind could change by then. @Revolution_322 brings very solid points.

I agree with @Moto_21. I have some new shocks I want to try out as a test bed. I pick them up from Accutune on Monday. Those guys know their stuff, they've been great to work with thus far and I am eager to work with them in the future for my shock tuning needs. As far as EVO long arms and coilovers goes, I would have it professionally installed. I have read a few threads where there has been confusion on install, holes not properly sized for the hardware, as well as my own problem running their rocker-bomber sliders... Lots of missing hardware out of the box. If I was to go EVO, I would pay them to install it.. Let them sort out their kit.

At the end of the day, it's your Jeep! You know your own personal needs better than anybody else. Finally, how much are you willing spend to get there? Just do the best research you can. Lots of knowledge on here.

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[ChattVol]

Well I’m definitely going to want to hit the Rubicon and Fordyce Creek Trails. Moab and Sand Hollow are also on my list. There are a lot of local trails near me like Big Bear, Ca John Bull Trail, and a few others. Then there the Sledge Hammer and Jack Hammer in Johnson Valley, Ca, also not too far from me.
To answer your question, I’m not sure that a long arm would benefit me significantly on any of these trails, but maybe I’m wrong. I just know that articulation is important and the more I can get, the better my Jeep will be and the less damage I’m likely to sustain.
Pro-Rocks are definitely on my build sheet, I just don’t halve the funds to do them with the lift. I will definitely have them by next summer though. I’ve thought about RCV chromoly axles for now. That I can do myself.

I like playing this game...with $15-17k that has to be spent on mods, I'm going complete Metalcloak 3.5" Gamechanger with 8 arms($3k), steersmarts or synergy draglink/tie rod($800). Swap in a front Dana ultimate d44 with 5.13 gears($4k). Add dana chromoly axle shafts to stock rear axle and regear rear to 5.13($1300). Get some 38" milestars or 39" bfg km3's.($1300-2000) Method or kmc beadlocks or nonbeadlocks if you want($1000-1800) Warn vr 10k winch ($650), motobilt spare carrier($600). Adams driveshaft $600.

You'd have a super capable rig that could easily do the rubicon and moab for $14k ish + labor if you dont do it....and then sell your stock front d44 for $2k. Net cost of parts $12-13k. You could take leftover $ and buy better shocks than the Rocksports + buy skids. I'd skip the 6 pack shocks....high maintenance and too many reviews with issues for the $.

 

[Endless Summer]

I like playing this game...with $15-17k that has to be spent on mods, I'm going complete Metalcloak 3.5" Gamechanger with 8 arms($3k), steersmarts or synergy draglink/tie rod($800). Swap in a front Dana ultimate d44 with 5.13 gears($4k). Add dana chromoly axle shafts to stock rear axle and regear rear to 5.13($1300). Get some 38" milestars or 39" bfg km3's.($1300-2000) Method or kmc beadlocks or nonbeadlocks if you want($1000-1800) Warn vr 10k winch ($650), motobilt spare carrier($600). Adams driveshaft $600.

You'd have a super capable rig that could easily do the rubicon and moab for $14k ish + labor if you dont do it....and then sell your stock front d44 for $2k. Net cost of parts $12-13k. You could take leftover $ and buy better shocks than the Rocksports + buy skids. I'd skip the 6 pack shocks....high maintenance and too many reviews with issues for the $.

This... I totally appreciate the "build it once" mentality - but you should be able to damn near build your entire truck for $15k that will be good enough for 99% of drivers on 99% of trails. That extra 1% (or 5% or whatever) isn't even close to worth it.

You can do almost every trail in the US on a 3" lift + 37/38" JLUR and skids..

 

[ChattVol]

This... I totally appreciate the "build it once" mentality - but you should be able to damn near build your entire truck for $15k that will be good enough for 99% of drivers on 99% of trails. That extra 1% (or 5% or whatever) isn't even close to worth it.

You can do almost every trail in the US on a 3" lift + 37/38" JLUR and skids..

Exactly....$15k spent strategically can get you a very well built rig.

 

[Xtremetj]

I was torn as to what to do myself. I researched and researched.

I settled on the MetalCloak 3.5” GameChanger and couldn’t be happier. It rides absolutely amazing and has tones of flex. It takes me everywhere I want to go.

The first couple of pics are on 37’s. The last two are the 39” BFG’s. We still have some room to go on the 39’s. We were into the bumps but not hard.

 

[SaltyJLUR]

I like playing this game...with $15-17k that has to be spent on mods, I'm going complete Metalcloak 3.5" Gamechanger with 8 arms($3k), steersmarts or synergy draglink/tie rod($800). Swap in a front Dana ultimate d44 with 5.13 gears($4k). Add dana chromoly axle shafts to stock rear axle and regear rear to 5.13($1300). Get some 38" milestars or 39" bfg km3's.($1300-2000) Method or kmc beadlocks or nonbeadlocks if you want($1000-1800) Warn vr 10k winch ($650), motobilt spare carrier($600). Adams driveshaft $600.

You'd have a super capable rig that could easily do the rubicon and moab for $14k ish + labor if you dont do it....and then sell your stock front d44 for $2k. Net cost of parts $12-13k. You could take leftover $ and buy better shocks than the Rocksports + buy skids. I'd skip the 6 pack shocks....high maintenance and too many reviews with issues for the $.

That makes a lot of sense. I see the value in your approach. Based on the feedback I'm getting, it might not be a significant performance gain (off-road) by doing long arms, and I could spend that money in other areas of the rig to make it just as capable.

I was torn as to what to do myself. I researched and researched.

I settled on the MetalCloak 3.5” GameChanger and couldn’t be happier. It rides absolutely amazing and has tones of flex. It takes me everywhere I want to go.

The first couple of pics are on 37’s. The last two are the 39” BFG’s. We still have some room to go on the 39’s. We were into the bumps but not hard.

Wow! Very good looking rig! There is a ton of information online that it becomes almost too much information. It really helps to have some first hand experiences from guys like you to help me navigate all the information and make a decision. I really like the Metalcloak lift and I think that it the route I am going to choose. Although many of the shops here in SoCal push Evo and frown upon Metalcloak for whatever reason, I have read nothing but great things about them. Maybe it's a SoCal-NorCal rivalry thing since Metalcloak is located in the forbidden Northern California area! Lol!

 

[SaltyJLUR]

I was torn as to what to do myself. I researched and researched.

I settled on the MetalCloak 3.5” GameChanger and couldn’t be happier. It rides absolutely amazing and has tones of flex. It takes me everywhere I want to go.

The first couple of pics are on 37’s. The last two are the 39” BFG’s. We still have some room to go on the 39’s. We were into the bumps but not hard.

Did you do any axle work and what gears are you running with the 39's? I'm really liking the flex on that thing.

 

[ChattVol]

That makes a lot of sense. I see the value in your approach. Based on the feedback I'm getting, it might not be a significant performance gain (off-road) by doing long arms, and I could spend that money in other areas of the rig to make it just as capable.



Wow! Very good looking rig! There is a ton of information online that it becomes almost too much information. It really helps to have some first hand experiences from guys like you to help me navigate all the information and make a decision. I really like the Metalcloak lift and I think that it the route I am going to choose. Although many of the shops here in SoCal push Evo and frown upon Metalcloak for whatever reason, I have read nothing but great things about them. Maybe it's a SoCal-NorCal rivalry thing since Metalcloak is located in the forbidden Northern California area! Lol!

If your looking for an overland rig that can also do trails like the rubicon, many people are wheelin on 37s with stock rubi axles. A 2.5" or 3.5" lift with 37s and lockers is a solid setup with a halfway competent driver. Once you get above 37s, most recommend super expensive mods like axle swaps. I'd roll with 37s and stock axles to save some $ during this uncertain economy ...obviously depends on your job and financial situation.

 

[Xtremetj]

That makes a lot of sense. I see the value in your approach. Based on the feedback I'm getting, it might not be a significant performance gain (off-road) by doing long arms, and I could spend that money in other areas of the rig to make it just as capable.



Wow! Very good looking rig! There is a ton of information online that it becomes almost too much information. It really helps to have some first hand experiences from guys like you to help me navigate all the information and make a decision. I really like the Metalcloak lift and I think that it the route I am going to choose. Although many of the shops here in SoCal push Evo and frown upon Metalcloak for whatever reason, I have read nothing but great things about them. Maybe it's a SoCal-NorCal rivalry thing since Metalcloak is located in the forbidden Northern California area! Lol!

Around here everyone pushes Tereflex. All good kits. I wanted the maximum amount of travel I could get without going coilover. MetalCloak definitely delivers here. And the ride is amazing. Here’s a couple pics on the ramp with 37’s.

I tell you this. If you really want a coil over kit, call Rebel Offroad. They have one of the sweetest kits out there in my opinion. If I was doing coilover.... it would be at the top of my list.

 

[Xtremetj]

Did you do any axle work and what gears are you running with the 39's? I'm really liking the flex on that thing.

I’m still running the stock 4.10’s for now... The axle work will begin this week. My Ultimate Dana 60’s came in last week and will be going under it next week. I can’t wait!!!!

If I didn’t do the 60’s, I was going to regear to 5.13’s but I am running the auto tranny.

Let me know if you have any other questions. I’ll help you out any way I can.

 

[Xtremetj]

Y

I like playing this game...with $15-17k that has to be spent on mods, I'm going complete Metalcloak 3.5" Gamechanger with 8 arms($3k), steersmarts or synergy draglink/tie rod($800). Swap in a front Dana ultimate d44 with 5.13 gears($4k). Add dana chromoly axle shafts to stock rear axle and regear rear to 5.13($1300). Get some 38" milestars or 39" bfg km3's.($1300-2000) Method or kmc beadlocks or nonbeadlocks if you want($1000-1800) Warn vr 10k winch ($650), motobilt spare carrier($600). Adams driveshaft $600.

You'd have a super capable rig that could easily do the rubicon and moab for $14k ish + labor if you dont do it....and then sell your stock front d44 for $2k. Net cost of parts $12-13k. You could take leftover $ and buy better shocks than the Rocksports + buy skids. I'd skip the 6 pack shocks....high maintenance and too many reviews with issues for the $.

Pretty much my build right here with the exception of the front axle. I went with 60’s but also know my next tire will be a 40” Nitto. So I’d say you nailed it. Spot on build that gives you a super capable rig!

 

[SaltyJLUR]

Y


Pretty much my build right here with the exception of the front axle. I went with 60’s but also know my next tire will be a 40” Nitto. So I’d say you nailed it. Spot on build that gives you a super capable rig!

I will eventually get a set of axles, but it's going to have to wait another year because of the cost. I've read the comparisons on the Spicer vs Dynatrac vs Currie, and it looks like the Spicer axles are a good value and should perform just as well, if not a little better than the others. I think that will also be my choice, but for now, I'm going to focus on the lift, tires, bumpers, winch, lighting, and some other options I can squeeze into the budget I have to work with so far. It sounds like I should be able to accomplish a lot.

I kind of feel like I was talked off the ledge by you all! Thanks for the input. I know I definitely would have been disappointed throwing $15k at the truck and all I got was a long arm lift, Coilovers, and wheels and tires. There is a whole lot more needed to make that package work, and work reliably.

 

[ChattVol]

Around here everyone pushes Tereflex. All good kits. I wanted the maximum amount of travel I could get without going coilover. MetalCloak definitely delivers here. And the ride is amazing. Here’s a couple pics on the ramp with 37’s.

I tell you this. If you really want a coil over kit, call Rebel Offroad. They have one of the sweetest kits out there in my opinion. If I was doing coilover.... it would be at the top of my list.

Nice flex and color choice @SaltyJLUR Here's 2.5" lift with 37s.

 

[SaltyJLUR]

Nice flex and color choice @SaltyJLUR Here's 2.5" lift with 37s.

Man that thing looks awesome. What shocks are you running with your lift? I assume you have the MC 2.5 Game Changer as well?

 

[ChattVol]

Man that thing looks awesome. What shocks are you running with your lift? I assume you have the MC 2.5 Game Changer as well?

Thanks...I have a Frankenstein lift. Roam 2.5" coils + arms with Rock Krawler Twin Tube shocks. They have nice travel and ride softer.

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