Suspension!!!

B

Brownstainz

New member
Hey!!!
So for starters, yes—I’m sure I’m not the first or last person to talk about suspension here haha, but I’m new to the forums so I feel like I get a pass XD.

For context, I’m from QLD, Australia (as some may already know), and this means EVERYTHING IS SO EXPENSIVE DUE TO HAVING TO IMPORT STUFF. I drive a 2014 JK Wrangler Overland (Unlimited) and I’m currently running a 2" ARB lift with LT295/70R17 tyres. I want to upgrade to a 2.5" lift and run TRUE 35" tyres—which apparently means I'd need 37" tyres according to the “The Ultimate TRUE TIRE SIZE Database” forum.

From what I hear, 2.5" of lift should be perfect for running 35s with disconnected sway bars and lots of flex, without rubbing (since I already have high flat fenders).

Now, I’ve got a couple of options and just wanted to get your input. I’ve been taking advice from this forum and using it to fine-tune my spreadsheet of Wrangler plans. (Yes, I have a spreadsheet detailing everything I plan to get and do 😂).

My Options​

(Prices are what I’d have to pay in Australia. I plan to install everything myself):
  1. Metalcloak Gamechanger 2.5" Lift w/ Long Travel Rocksport Red Shocks ($5,458 USD)
  2. Metalcloak True Rate 2.5" Lift w/ Rocksport Red Shocks (shorter than the Gamechanger shocks). With this option, I’d source the “missing parts” (like the other 6 control arms, etc.) from local suppliers—most likely SuperPro—to save money. ($3,188 USD)
  3. A mix of JKS springs with locally sourced parts, as mentioned above. (IDK the price yet, its like 530USD for 4 springs).
  4. Just only buy Australian made stuff? Dobinsons Springs mixed with SuperPro other parts... Something like that haha.

Other Questions:​

  1. Metalcloak’s Duraflex bushings vs SuperPro polyurethane bushings vs ARB GIIRO Bushings? Like I said SuperPro is actually made in Australia and honestly is the only easily accessible supplier apart from ARB in Australia.
  2. Metalcloak’s Rocksport Reds vs Fox alternatives vs King alternatives vs maybe ARB BP-51s? Another thing to note is that Fox, Kings & ARB are easily rebuildable in australia while other brands kits id need to import.
Thanks heaps in advance for everyone reading this haha. I do not expect anyone to be able to answer or give me the perfect advise but super keen for everyones input!
 
Stay away from metal cloak. Great at marketing but a shit product.

For a true 35 you can run a 315 size tire. They are closer to a 35.

I would run the jks coils and get the bp51’s. They are a good shock and adjustable. Plus the ease of rebuildability for you is huge.
 
Oooo please elaborate. As i want to know more I read so much about every brand and it’s hard to find the truth. People back them but people also back Teraflex religiously. Hard to know what’s true.

I am in no means a supporter of a specific brand haha I just wanna know what’s “good” and what’s just marketing.
OverlanderJK said:
Metaljoke is not a good option.
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cozdude said:
Stay away from metal cloak. Great at marketing but a shit product.

For a true 35 you can run a 315 size tire. They are closer to a 35.

I would run the jks coils and get the bp51’s. They are a good shock and adjustable. Plus the ease of rebuildability for you is huge.
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Okay that’s interesting for sure. Didn’t expect this haha but good to hear. You think the poly bushings would be pretty much perfect aswell? I get they might not flex as much but how much worse can they be you know.
 
Brownstainz said:
Okay that’s interesting for sure. Didn’t expect this haha but good to hear. You think the poly bushings would be pretty much perfect aswell? I get they might not flex as much but how much worse can they be you know.
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Polyurethane bushings squeak and groan terribly bad if they are not lubricated regularly, or just because of the weather.
 
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the fender
Brownstainz said:
Haha had a feeling. Any brand you’d suggest? Or specific type of bushing?
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what's wrong with ARB? the GIIRO bushings are great and IMO, a good alternative between rubber and Heim joints.

I've run OME on my JKU, was very happy with the performance on and offroad
 
jeeeep said:
the fender

what's wrong with ARB? the GIIRO bushings are great and IMO, a good alternative between rubber and Heim joints.

I've run OME on my JKU, was very happy with the performance on and offroad
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Not wrong with them Jsut honestly at the stages I’m seeing my options but yes ARB and SuperPro and my only ‘local’ choices that are made/actively sold in Australia.
 
Late to this but I have JKS springs tied to Rancho shocks and my JK has always ridden great in my opinion. Made it ever so slightly stiffer than stock which I prefer. As far as "true" 35" tires goes, nobody cares. A set of 315s as already mentioned would get you close but any good 35" tire like the ones Nitto or Toyo makes would be my go-to rather than getting one that just looks as big as it says.

As others have mentioned, stay away from MetalCloak. I actually have their Duroflex Control Arms but only because they were basically free off a friend. They work but I've had a new set of uppers and lowers on my list for a while. Been postponed because I'm still working on getting another Jeep altogether but that's a different story.

2.5" of lift is good for 35s on a JK - and shock wise, go King if you got the cash.
 
DirtHeadDavis said:
Late to this but I have JKS springs tied to Rancho shocks and my JK has always ridden great in my opinion. Made it ever so slightly stiffer than stock which I prefer. As far as "true" 35" tires goes, nobody cares. A set of 315s as already mentioned would get you close but any good 35" tire like the ones Nitto or Toyo makes would be my go-to rather than getting one that just looks as big as it says.

As others have mentioned, stay away from MetalCloak. I actually have their Duroflex Control Arms but only because they were basically free off a friend. They work but I've had a new set of uppers and lowers on my list for a while. Been postponed because I'm still working on getting another Jeep altogether but that's a different story.

2.5" of lift is good for 35s on a JK - and shock wise, go King if you got the cash.
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Hey man great input for sure and I have lately been considering pairing the 2.5-5” Adjustable RR Fox Shocks with the 2.5” JKS Springs.

How do you rate FOX vs Kings? Would you take a FOX Adjustable RR over a simple king shock with same travel etc? As they cost about the same here haha.

With the JKS springs have you had any issues of sag or anything? Does it maintain is 2.5” well even with steel front and rear bumpers etc? Metalcloak bragged about they springs maintaining 2.5” lift with 800-1000lbs even after them “settling in”.

And yes 100% been looking at the Nitto tyres
 
A concern I have with Metalcloak also is that they sell their kits with very long shocks for example the FOX shocks but also say to run a 3” bump stop isn’t that a lot for only a 2.5” lift.
 
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