Lift kit advice, Rock Krawler a solid choice?

[ChattVol]

You could always spend your lift money on the re-gear and chop the fenders. No alignment issues, driveshaft issues, or so on and so forth. Lower CG, many other benefits to low lift and big tires

I'm trying to go that route...37s and 2.5" lift with chopped fenders...may end up on 38s. The only challenge encountered is dragging the belly a bit more. I do like it in offcamber situations.

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[Country JLU]

Call the suspension companies and see what customer service is like. I had RK X Factor and had issue with lower front control arm having the rod end not being drilled square and jam but wouldn’t contact correctly. Took a month to get new set of arms. Then with in a year the powder coating was flaking off all the arms, upper and lowers. I’m doing a Clayton setup when the JL arrives.

 

[Clayton Off Road]

Call the suspension companies and see what customer service is like. I had RK X Factor and had issue with lower front control arm having the rod end not being drilled square and jam but wouldn’t contact correctly. Took a month to get new set of arms. Then with in a year the powder coating was flaking off all the arms, upper and lowers. I’m doing a Clayton setup when the JL arrives.

 

[Cleoncini]

Wish i saw this before spending 3k on a rock krawler lift haha. Its been on a few weeks. front control arms on their adventure series are a joke. Cant achieve their recommended alignment geometry. and it says on their website that 4.5 inches of back space is whats needed for 37's. exactly what i have and we are rubbing.

Which RK Kit did you buy? Also did you do the install, or a shop? Just wondering, been looking at Long Arm kits and trying to plan in advance since they're such an investment. Doesn't seem to be one clear winner of the bunch.

 

[word302]

That is what my RK arms looked like. I added 2 washers to the steering stops to limit the turn radius a little bit....it kept the tires off the arms. Wait until you get to access the grease fittings to grease those arms a few times...that's when the real fun starts. There's a reason Synergy and Metalcloak designed arms that dont require greasing...especially with RK 000 grease that you have to order for $25 per little tube.

Greasing the arms isn't that big of a deal. I do it every oil change and it takes maybe 15 minutes. There's also a reason RK is one of the few manufactures that offer a lifetime warranty on all their hard parts, because they are absolutely bullet-proof. You'll have to replace the bushings on those "maintenance-free" arms as well. I prefer the front LCAs to her bent up for more ground clearance rather than in. I run 3.5" backspacing on my 37s. Metalcloak makes good stuff as well, but I prefer the joints of the RK stuff.

 

[word302]

Ya I don’t think I’ll be sticking with their arms for very long. At least the lowers. Not sure why they sell something that isn’t capable of meeting their recommended alignment specs. And their tech support has been shitty. Could go with X factor lower arms but why would I wanna spend another 700 with a company that Doesn’t stand by their design

I've had nothing but amazing service when calling RK. You actually speak to someone who knows what the hell they're talking about when you call them, unlike almost every other manufacturer. With fixed LCAs, you're always gambling that your caster will work out. Every Jeep is slightly different, hence why adjustable arms are preferred.

 

[ChattVol]

Greasing the arms isn't that big of a deal. I do it every oil change and it takes maybe 15 minutes. There's also a reason RK is one of the few manufactures that offer a lifetime warranty on all their hard parts, because they are absolutely bullet-proof. You'll have to replace the bushings on those "maintenance-free" arms as well. I prefer the front LCAs to her bent up for more ground clearance rather than in. I run 3.5" backspacing on my 37s. Metalcloak makes good stuff as well, but I prefer the joints of the RK stuff.

Glad you like your setup...most people are obviously bias to what they're running. I've ran both and dont miss accessing the grease fittings on the LCA's or tires rubbing the arms. I've also ran 3.5" backspacing with 37s and dont prefer the look of 37x12.50s sticking out that far and exposing more of the lower ball joint/inner C's....makes 37s look skinnier proportionately. IMHO, 3.5" backspacing looks better running 39x13.50s or 40sx13.50. Different opinions are what make this forum interesting to read.

 

[Windshieldfarmer]

I ran an RK 2.5” lift on my JKUR for five years. Very trouble free except periodic lubing and LCAs rubbing at full turn...which is certainly not ideal. Went with Synergy Stage 1, 2” lift on my JLUR for three reasons: maintenance free joints, easily adjustable LCA, and no rubbing. I think for hard core rock crawling the RKs are tougher. For people like myself who do moderate trails a couple of times per year, RKs are not worth the negatives.

 

[Goosed]

Glad you like your setup...most people are obviously bias to what they're running. I've ran both and dont miss accessing the grease fittings on the LCA's or tires rubbing the arms. I've also ran 3.5" backspacing with 37s and dont prefer the look of 37x12.50s sticking out that far and exposing more of the lower ball joint/inner C's....makes 37s look skinnier proportionately. IMHO, 3.5" backspacing looks better running 39x13.50s or 40sx13.50. Different opinions are what make this forum interesting to read.

I have ran a few and currently run no lift since I just got a new one. I agree people will be bias.

But as I have ran a few different lifts on my JK’s I will say the order in which I liked them the most was MetalCloak, and RK being my least favorite.
I did like the TK drag link and Tie rod units but no more or less than the MetalCloak.

Have been interested in Claytons system for the JL but not sure if it is as good as MetalCloak.

 

[Rock Krawler Suspension]

Hey guys, sorry I'm getting in here a little late but there's certainly some bad info in here.

The Adventure Series and X Factor Series lower arms have the same bend profile, adhering to the back space requirements based on trim level and tire size will mitigate rubbing. Keep in mind that most 37's are 12.50 wide and that is what the recommendations are based on.

Our joints have not required 000 grease since November, so that is no longer a concern. Accessing the Zerk fittings is easy with the right tool, I use a Matco version of this to grease my arms and it will easily get into those tight to reach spots.

Our powdercoat was totally overhauled in the summer of 2018 with new Wagner sprayers, new cleaning and priming methods, changing brands of powder, changing cook temperatures and cook times, grounding methods, literally overhauled the whole system. The powder coating that we currently produce is far superior to what we had years ago.

 

[limeade]

Our joints have not required 000 grease since November, so that is no longer a concern. Accessing the Zerk fittings is easy with the right tool, I use a Matco version of this to grease my arms and it will easily get into those tight to reach spots.

So what is the recommended grease for the RK joints now?

 

[Rock Krawler Suspension]

So what is the recommended grease for the RK joints now?

Anything NLGI#1 or numerically less. I like to use Mobil EP-1. These more modern raceways were in testing for a long time before being released, greater life, easier greasing, less noise, they're a nice step up from the last style. And, all of the internal components fit into the older joints so when your jeep is due for a rebuild, you'll automatically step into the newest raceways.

 

[limeade]

Anything NLGI#1 or numerically less. I like to use Mobil EP-1. These more modern raceways were in testing for a long time before being released, greater life, easier greasing, less noise, they're a nice step up from the last style. And, all of the internal components fit into the older joints so when your jeep is due for a rebuild, you'll automatically step into the newest raceways.

Thanks. I purchased and installed an RK 2.5" lift in Feb/March 2020. Is it ok to continue using the 000 grease I purchased?

 

[Rock Krawler Suspension]

Thanks. I purchased and installed an RK 2.5" lift in Feb/March 2020. Is it ok to continue using the 000 grease I purchased?

Absolutely, lighter than recommended will never be a problem.

 

[KebertXela]

Absolutely, lighter than recommended will never be a problem.

I just got a new 2.5" Flex Lift system for a 2011 JKU from NorthRidge4x4 (waiting for all the parts to arrive). Do the LCAs, Track bar, and sway bar link joints come pre-greased? Or do I need to grease them after I install them on the jeep?

Also, do you have a recommended tool list? I know I need to get crowfoot wrenches so I can torque the LCA jam nuts with my torque wrench. Any other specific tools other than standard/metric socket and hand tools?

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