Metalcloak lock-n-load vs Game changer

[Headbarcode]

I paid $331 each for the 37s. Nothing else comes close to this price.

I've never tried them before, I'm more of a BF Goodrich guy.

Ed

My 38x13.5's were $299 about 3 years ago. I think the 40x13.5's were around $440. I just wish they lasted longer. Hopefully the new version will have improved longevity.

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[JimmyR75]

Back on subject of long arm/geo brackets, the mention of climbing resistance being decreased by the improved arcs got me thinking about axle strength and larger tires. Really trying to integrate all this info and have a complete plan before upgrading so that I can follow the buy once, cry once path.

So… (especially if sticking with d44’s) would the long arm or geo brackets provide a side benefit of decreasing wear/strain on the axles because they decrease the applied torque needed to push forward and up over an obstacle? Since they decrease how much you are also fighting the arms’ arcs?

Edit: and also, even for normal driving, would they not only increase comfort, but in the same way decrease impact and wear on the suspension and driveline components?

 

[Zandcwhite]

Back on subject of long arm/geo brackets, the mention of climbing resistance being decreased by the improved arcs got me thinking about axle strength and larger tires. Really trying to integrate all this info and have a complete plan before upgrading so that I can follow the buy once, cry once path.

So… (especially if sticking with d44’s) would the long arm or geo brackets provide a side benefit of decreasing wear/strain on the axles because they decrease the applied torque needed to push forward and up over an obstacle? Since they decrease how much you are also fighting the arms’ arcs?

Edit: and also, even for normal driving, would they not only increase comfort, but in the same way decrease impact and wear on the suspension and driveline components?

I would say theoretically yes, but is it enough to make any kind of measurable difference? As far as impacts of say not, if it's a big enough hit to cause damage I don't think the angle difference will do much. Wear on bushings and/or ball joints...maybe. We got 40k miles out of the stock ball joints without geometry correction on 37's, could we have gotten 45k? Stock control arm bushings are good for 100k and they are dirt cheap, going long arms to save bushing wear isn't a thing. I think there are a lot of advantages to long arms or geo brackets, but I doubt wear is a measurable difference.

 

[19 JLUR Bright Whit3]

Back on subject of long arm/geo brackets, the mention of climbing resistance being decreased by the improved arcs got me thinking about axle strength and larger tires. Really trying to integrate all this info and have a complete plan before upgrading so that I can follow the buy once, cry once path.

So… (especially if sticking with d44’s) would the long arm or geo brackets provide a side benefit of decreasing wear/strain on the axles because they decrease the applied torque needed to push forward and up over an obstacle? Since they decrease how much you are also fighting the arms’ arcs?

Edit: and also, even for normal driving, would they not only increase comfort, but in the same way decrease impact and wear on the suspension and driveline components?

Mine rides like a Cadillac now. LOL

 

[JimmyR75]

Thanks, I can be an over thinker trying to get every last bit of juice out before I even squeeze sometimes.

Also, I see there are now 5.5 inch versions of all the MetalCloak lifts now. Didn’t notice them a few days ago, when did this happen? Wondering if that piques @Headbarcode ’s curiosity…

Edit: must be very new, the long arm version picture even still shows “4.5”, but the link says 5.5.

https://metalcloak.com/jeep-jl-wrangler-suspension-fenders-skid-plates.html

 

[Roky]

Yeah, there’s thousands upon thousands of rigs out there with the standard lifts that have neither arms, or brackets, and they drive and wheel great……that said, brackets and long arms both improve on it….. also plus 1 on it riding like a caddy……?

 

[Headbarcode]

Thanks, I can be an over thinker trying to get every last bit of juice out before I even squeeze sometimes.

Also, I see there are now 5.5 inch versions of all the MetalCloak lifts now. Didn’t notice them a few days ago, when did this happen? Wondering if that piques @Headbarcode ’s curiosity…

Edit: must be very new, the long arm version picture even still shows “4.5”, but the link says 5.5.

https://metalcloak.com/jeep-jl-wrangler-suspension-fenders-skid-plates.html

Yeah, the 5.5's must've just showed up in the last couple of days. Even their product page descriptions are stuck on the 4.5" springs specs, namely the 21.5" free length. Also, they aren't showing a seperate listing for 4 door front 5.5" springs. Only 4 door 5.5" rears.

No, I'm good with the 4.5" springs. They have my Jeep sitting 5.5" higher than stock up front and 6" out back. Their new long arms, on the other hand, are becoming more and more enticing with every day that passes. Only thing that gives me pause, is the idea of pairing the Metalcloak 4.5" springs and 6-packs to Rock Krawlers super high tuck long arm setup, and rounding it out with a pair of Dynatrac axles that can be ordered with Rock Krawlers long arm brackets.

 

[Jeep Dude]

... I'm much happier with my bilstein 5100s and metalcloak springs than I was with the rocksports for the same budget.

I just noticed your comment on the Bilstein vs Rocksport shocks.

What were the differences that you felt on the road and off between the two?

How is the flex with that model Bilstein shock you are using?

The Rocksports as we all know are 30" ext length, so curious about the Bilstein shocks you are using?

I have used Bilsteins for over 3 decades on my other vehicles, but never on the JL thus far(unless you count my AEV/ Bilstein front steering stabilizer).

 

[Zandcwhite]

I just noticed your comment on the Bilstein vs Rocksport shocks.

What were the differences that you felt on the road and off between the two?

How is the flex with that model Bilstein shock you are using?

The Rocksports as we all know are 30" ext length, so curious about the Bilstein shocks you are using?

I have used Bilsteins for over 3 decades on my other vehicles, but never on the JL thus far(unless you count my AEV/ Bilstein front steering stabilizer).

5100s for 3-4.5" lift. The fronts only have a 28.5" extended length which keeps from needing a new front drive shaft as 29" seems to be the magic number where people run in to issues. The rears are 31.7" which in my opinion balances the slightly limited travel in the front. Much better shock all around than the rocksports. The increased firmness helps with body roll in the corners and break dive when you need to break hard. Off road at speed they do a much better job of controlling the suspension. The rocksports are great if you just need a long travel shock for crawling on a budget, but they just don't dampen very well in my opinion.

 

[GATORB8]

I just noticed your comment on the Bilstein vs Rocksport shocks.

What were the differences that you felt on the road and off between the two?

How is the flex with that model Bilstein shock you are using?

The Rocksports as we all know are 30" ext length, so curious about the Bilstein shocks you are using?

I have used Bilsteins for over 3 decades on my other vehicles, but never on the JL thus far(unless you count my AEV/ Bilstein front steering stabilizer).

Look at the 5160s, they are closer to the Rocksports up front.

 

[XtremeRetard]

I just went full mental on a set of 6" lift Vertex shocks. Yes, I know.. but they get rave reviews everywhere..

The rear rocksports on 3.5 lift measure 26 inches at ride height, leaving only 4" of travel left. So probably just over 3" drop!.
The vertex will give an extra 2"+ so 66% more drop than the rocksports..

Front vertex are about the same as rocksports.. Well 30" but a little longer at compression. Fine for 37's and 8 way adjustable, but the Bilstein B8 5160 #25-287530 was on my shortlist.

I got the Vertex 10% discount, free shipping and no sales tax. So I figured worth a shot. 3 year warranty.

 

[Yellow Cake Kid]

Did you pick out some limiting straps?

 

[Headbarcode]

I just went full mental on a set of 6" lift Vertex shocks. Yes, I know.. but they get rave reviews everywhere..

The rear rocksports on 3.5 lift measure 26 inches at ride height, leaving only 4" of travel left. So probably just over 3" drop!.
The vertex will give an extra 2"+ so 66% more drop than the rocksports..

Front vertex are about the same as rocksports.. Well 30" but a little longer at compression. Fine for 37's and 8 way adjustable, but the Bilstein B8 5160 #25-287530 was on my shortlist.

I got the Vertex 10% discount, free shipping and no sales tax. So I figured worth a shot. 3 year warranty.

Curious, are you using the front and rear lower shock relocation brackets with the Rocksports?

 

[XtremeRetard]

Curious, are you using the front and rear lower shock relocation brackets with the Rocksports?

Only the front ones were used. None were supplied with the rear. I did note the front ones added a little more height to the shocks, but like under 1"

Interesting observation though. Looks like they would have added 2-3"
Might add them later if I have the shock travel to support them. They should come with the GC kit!

I think I still would have upgraded though as the Rocksports are pretty soft.

 

[Headbarcode]

Only the front ones were used. None were supplied with the rear. I did note the front ones added a little more height to the shocks, but like under 1"

Interesting observation though.

I know the front lowers are meant for the Rocksports and any other long travel shocks, and the front uppers are only for the 6-packs. I just wasn't sure if the rear lowers were just for the 6-packs or not.

The Gamechanger was my 2nd complete setup. I originally thought I could get away with recycling my first set of aftermarket control arms, so I started off by ordering the Metalcloak springs, shocks, and other key components a la carte. I inevitably had to continue doing so, until I finally had the full Gamechanger. I only had one screw up, which was ordering and installing the front lowers. In conjunction with the front uppers, the droop was way too much. I immediately removed them and they've been sitting in my aftermarket parts pile ever since. Chalk that one up to the learning curve. ?

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