Metalcloak Jeep build threads

[AmericanPatriot100]

So for the 2.5” rocklander kit what is the best shock option!?

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[Silver21JLUR]

So for the 2.5” rocklander kit what is the best shock option!?

Are you going to be set up for a overlanding or what is the main thing you are going to be doing with your Jeep?

 

[AmericanPatriot100]

Are you going to be set up for a overlanding or what is the main thing you are going to be doing with your Jeep?

I want it to be versatile that’s why I chose the rocklander. Because I do want to do the dirtlifestyle/trail recon rocklander route. But like most of us non retired guys, it’ll be lots of daily driving and overlanding.

 

[Silver21JLUR]

I want it to be versatile that’s why I chose the rocklander. Because I do want to do the dirtlifestyle/trail recon rocklander route. But like most of us non retired guys, it’ll be lots of daily driving and overlanding.

Okay awesome. If the Jeep is to be used for overlanding type things where weight varies somewhat or frequently and the Jeep is heavier than usual, I recommend going with our adjustable rocksport black series shocks. These allow you to make on the fly adjustments to ensure good ride regardless of weight or terrain. Now, I am not saying that is the only option, you can run our Silver 2.0's which would work as well, just not as good as the RS black shocks for an "overland" type build.

 

[AmericanPatriot100]

Okay awesome. If the Jeep is to be used for overlanding type things where weight varies somewhat or frequently and the Jeep is heavier than usual, I recommend going with our adjustable rocksport black series shocks. These allow you to make on the fly adjustments to ensure good ride regardless of weight or terrain. Now, I am not saying that is the only option, you can run our Silver 2.0's which would work as well, just not as good as the RS black shocks for an "overland" type build.

I have a family of 7 on my single income so I’m trying to be practical. I don’t have anything in the way of overland gear yet. Mostly just plain ol camping stuff. And it’s a 2dr so I can’t fit that much stuff in it anyway. I do plan to get front and rear bumpers and I have a winch. I guess I really need to just figure out where the build is going. Do I do the GC 2.5” or the RL2.5” I don’t plan to do gnarly rock crawling. Just playing in the woods and some western Washington desert trails. Tons of camping available just want to get to where the Subarus can’t!

 

[Silver21JLUR]

I have a family of 7 on my single income so I’m trying to be practical. I don’t have anything in the way of overland gear yet. Mostly just plain ol camping stuff. And it’s a 2dr so I can’t fit that much stuff in it anyway. I do plan to get front and rear bumpers and I have a winch. I guess I really need to just figure out where the build is going. Do I do the GC 2.5” or the RL2.5” I don’t plan to do gnarly rock crawling. Just playing in the woods and some western Washington desert trails. Tons of camping available just want to get to where the Subarus can’t!

Understood. I would take into consideration where you want the build to go and figure out how much weight you are going to put in the rear and have in there at all times. This will determine which kit to purchase. @Westymike has a 2 door built out for more overlanding stuff and should be able to chime in.

 

[Westymike]

So for the 2.5” rocklander kit what is the best shock option!?

I prefer an adjustable shock, specifically for the rear because I go from being fully loaded to lightweight daily driver all the time. I don’t change the settings of my Rocksports blacks in the front too often, but the rears get changed depending on weight in the rig. I love the Blacks and the jeep is amazing to drive.

 

[Westymike]

I have a family of 7 on my single income so I’m trying to be practical. I don’t have anything in the way of overland gear yet. Mostly just plain ol camping stuff. And it’s a 2dr so I can’t fit that much stuff in it anyway. I do plan to get front and rear bumpers and I have a winch. I guess I really need to just figure out where the build is going. Do I do the GC 2.5” or the RL2.5” I don’t plan to do gnarly rock crawling. Just playing in the woods and some western Washington desert trails. Tons of camping available just want to get to where the Subarus can’t!

The 2-door presents obvious challenges when camping, but I like that challenge. Think more like a backpacker when loading out for a trip and really assess whether you need each item. With regards to lift height. The 3.5” felt a little tall to me on a 2-door, especially on off-camber stuff. Now that i’m at 2.5” of lift (although I run the 3.5” rear coil for extra weight) it handles amazing on the road, easier to get in and out, and still very capable offroad. Yes, taller looks “cooler” but I like my stuff to be a bit more practical for what it’s used for most of the time…

 

[AmericanPatriot100]

The 2-door presents obvious challenges when camping, but I like that challenge. Think more like a backpacker when loading out for a trip and really assess whether you need each item. With regards to lift height. The 3.5” felt a little tall to me on a 2-door, especially on off-camber stuff. Now that i’m at 2.5” of lift (although I run the 3.5” rear coil for extra weight) it handles amazing on the road, easier to get in and out, and still very capable offroad. Yes, taller looks “cooler” but I like my stuff to be a bit more practical for what it’s used for most of the time…

Right on! You know I love your jeep I’ve said it many times and yours is my inspiration esp after you did the video of you going from 3.5 down to 2.5! It made perfect sense! Thanks for chiming in!

 

[Wicked_JL]

I never thought there could be a huge upgrade to a rubicon XR but i was wrong... Metalcloak 3.5 game changer is truly game changing

 

[Westymike]

I never thought there could be a huge upgrade to a rubicon XR but i was wrong... Metalcloak 3.5 game changer is truly game changing

Looks great!

 

[techdisaster]

I have run both. Started on Reds then swapped to Silvers. In my opinion, the Silvers provided me a better on road feel all around and did well off road. I have used them in the rocks through The Rubicon/Moab, and through faster off road stuff down in Barstow, CA. Now, I just swapped back to the Reds/Slates because I miss the travel they provide over the silvers. Silver front compressed is 18.4 and extended is 28.4 inches. Rear silver compressed is 19.4 and extended is 30.6 inches, vs the reds which are 17.3 compressed and 30 inches extended front and rear. The Reds/slates do very well on road and off road too, they are just a little softer on road vs the silvers. I am on Metalcloak 3.5 rocklander kit running 40's.

Thanks for the info. I think I'm going to go with the Reds. They are cheap enough that I won't cry if I decide to replace them if they aren't doing what I need to do.

 

[Silver21JLUR]

Thanks for the info. I think I'm going to go with the Reds. They are cheap enough that I won't cry if I decide to replace them if they aren't doing what I need to do.

Right on!

 

[techdisaster]

Next oddball question, does MetalCloak make their driveshafts in house? My buddy is raving about Tom Woods brand as the one to get. I also heard great things about Adam's drive shafts. They are all priced pretty close to each other. What is the brand to get? I believe I only need the front drive shaft for the 3.5" GC lift. Any reason to get the rear?

 

[Silver21JLUR]

Next oddball question, does MetalCloak make their driveshafts in house? My buddy is raving about Tom Woods brand as the one to get. I also heard great things about Adam's drive shafts. They are all priced pretty close to each other. What is the brand to get? I believe I only need the front drive shaft for the 3.5" GC lift. Any reason to get the rear?

We get them made by a local company, Sacramento Drive line services who have been in business for a long time. I cannot say anything bad about Adams, Toms, or other driveshaft companies, they make a great product. Sac driveline uses the same core components i.E Spicer u joints so quality is on par with the other guys. The one thing you can say is a bonus with purchasing from us is, we have already done the measuring, so our drivelines are plug and play with the kit. No need to put the kit on, then take measurements to place your order, then wait for your drivelines.

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