Metalcloak Thread
#1181
I have the 2.5" dual rate ARB edition kit
I added the rugged ridge exhaust spacer kit. I get plenty of flex when needed with the sway bars disconnected and no rub on the driveshaft. I haven't had any issues yet. I Just figured people talk a lot on this thread, but don't show any pictures of what each kit looks like. These are 35 tires as well so you can get an idea on clearance.
I hope this helps on decisions. I love my MC kit, the ride is very much an improvement!
I added the rugged ridge exhaust spacer kit. I get plenty of flex when needed with the sway bars disconnected and no rub on the driveshaft. I haven't had any issues yet. I Just figured people talk a lot on this thread, but don't show any pictures of what each kit looks like. These are 35 tires as well so you can get an idea on clearance.
I hope this helps on decisions. I love my MC kit, the ride is very much an improvement!
#1184
JK Freak
2.5" 2 door springs. I will provide details and pictures later.Attachment 551693
Thanks
#1185
JK Enthusiast
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Colorado Springs
Posts: 194
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
That looks good. Since you have the Bushwacker fender flares on and what look like 35" tires, do you mind taking a measurement to the bottom edge of the flares front and back? We have the same flares and 35" tires and just want to compare the hight to our current 2,5" BB lift.
Thanks
Thanks
43.5" front and rear passenger's side
43.75" front and rear driver's side
#1186
JK Enthusiast
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Colorado Springs
Posts: 194
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Part 1, rear suspension
I basically gained 1.5" all around when I switched from 58/19 springs and 1" spacers front and rear.
So far I like the Metalcloak 2.5" 2 door springs. I also installed JKS front track bar, MC rear track bar and rear lower shock mounts. I am still using the stock Rubicon shocks.
The MC springs feel slightly softer and more compliant. It feels like the Jeep uses more of the suspension travel on the roads that I travel. The combination of the MC rear track bar and JKS front track bar makes the Jeep feel more stable on corners. I generally drive the Jeep hard on the road. The Jeep feels/handles better even though it is 1.5" taller.
It took me about six hours to do the springs but I was taking a lot of pictures and measurements. I also cycled the suspension to check clearances and min/max shock lengths.
I started with the rear springs.
1. Jack up Jeep and place 6 ton jacks on the frame by the rear lower control arm.
2. Remove the wheels.
3. Remove 10mm bolt that holds brake line to frame.
4. Remove 16mm Upper shock bolts. (the lower shock bolts were more of a pain to remove due to the spacers and the tight shock bracket)
5. Remove breather hose from axle.
6. Remove wire retaining clips from body and axle to maximize droop.
7. Remove the rear springs, they would have fallen out except the Teraflex spacers kept the springs in place.
8. Remove Teraflex spacer.
8a. Use this time to cycle your suspension to check bump stops and shock lengths.
9. Remove OEM spring insulator from Teraflex spacer.
10. Place OEM spring insulator on top of MC spring.
11. Install MC spring and insulator.
12. Jack rear axle up enough to be able to install wheels again.
13. Reverse steps 6-1
With the springs removed I was able to cycle the rear suspension. I ran into a clearance issue with the MC track bar bracket and the rear crossmember. I was not able to fully cycle the rear suspension. The bracket hit the frame before the bump stop contacted my 3/4" bumpstop extension. I will need to increase my driver's side bumpstop to 2.5"-3" to avoid contact. On the passenger's side, the shock fully compresses to 15" and slightly limits suspension travel with the 3/4" bumpstop extension. I will increase my rear bump stop to 1.5" on the passenger's side and 3" on the driver's side. The increase in bumptops is only temporary until I find a better solution. I will be contacting Metalcloak on Monday to see what I can do about the bracket. I will have to decide whether I want to deal with the 1.5" bumpstop or order 6pack shocks (when funds are available) or get the Poly Performance upper shock mounts. (POLY PERFORMANCE OFF-ROAD PARTS*::*Suspension*::*Suspension & Lift Kits*::*Jeep Suspension Systems*::*2007-Current Jeep JK Wrangler Suspension Systems*::*Synergy Manufacturing*::*Synergy Jeep JK Rear Long Travel Upper Shock Mount)
Track bar contacting crossmember
Limited suspension travel on driver's side
Driver's side fully compressed
So far I like the Metalcloak 2.5" 2 door springs. I also installed JKS front track bar, MC rear track bar and rear lower shock mounts. I am still using the stock Rubicon shocks.
The MC springs feel slightly softer and more compliant. It feels like the Jeep uses more of the suspension travel on the roads that I travel. The combination of the MC rear track bar and JKS front track bar makes the Jeep feel more stable on corners. I generally drive the Jeep hard on the road. The Jeep feels/handles better even though it is 1.5" taller.
It took me about six hours to do the springs but I was taking a lot of pictures and measurements. I also cycled the suspension to check clearances and min/max shock lengths.
I started with the rear springs.
1. Jack up Jeep and place 6 ton jacks on the frame by the rear lower control arm.
2. Remove the wheels.
3. Remove 10mm bolt that holds brake line to frame.
4. Remove 16mm Upper shock bolts. (the lower shock bolts were more of a pain to remove due to the spacers and the tight shock bracket)
5. Remove breather hose from axle.
6. Remove wire retaining clips from body and axle to maximize droop.
7. Remove the rear springs, they would have fallen out except the Teraflex spacers kept the springs in place.
8. Remove Teraflex spacer.
8a. Use this time to cycle your suspension to check bump stops and shock lengths.
9. Remove OEM spring insulator from Teraflex spacer.
10. Place OEM spring insulator on top of MC spring.
11. Install MC spring and insulator.
12. Jack rear axle up enough to be able to install wheels again.
13. Reverse steps 6-1
With the springs removed I was able to cycle the rear suspension. I ran into a clearance issue with the MC track bar bracket and the rear crossmember. I was not able to fully cycle the rear suspension. The bracket hit the frame before the bump stop contacted my 3/4" bumpstop extension. I will need to increase my driver's side bumpstop to 2.5"-3" to avoid contact. On the passenger's side, the shock fully compresses to 15" and slightly limits suspension travel with the 3/4" bumpstop extension. I will increase my rear bump stop to 1.5" on the passenger's side and 3" on the driver's side. The increase in bumptops is only temporary until I find a better solution. I will be contacting Metalcloak on Monday to see what I can do about the bracket. I will have to decide whether I want to deal with the 1.5" bumpstop or order 6pack shocks (when funds are available) or get the Poly Performance upper shock mounts. (POLY PERFORMANCE OFF-ROAD PARTS*::*Suspension*::*Suspension & Lift Kits*::*Jeep Suspension Systems*::*2007-Current Jeep JK Wrangler Suspension Systems*::*Synergy Manufacturing*::*Synergy Jeep JK Rear Long Travel Upper Shock Mount)
Track bar contacting crossmember
Limited suspension travel on driver's side
Driver's side fully compressed
#1188
JK Enthusiast
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Colorado Springs
Posts: 194
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
#1189
With that info. How much bumpstop does mk recommend in the rear? And how much are all of you running?
I dont always drive where others cant. but when I do, its in my Jeep. Stay muddy my friends
I dont always drive where others cant. but when I do, its in my Jeep. Stay muddy my friends
#1190
JK Freak