For any Jeep owner, the suspension is the heart of the vehicle's legendary capability. It's the critical link that tames city streets and conquers rugged trails. But venturing into the world of suspension upgrades can feel like navigating a complex new territory. Questions abound, and the sheer volume of information can be overwhelming. That's why we've compiled the top 10 most frequently asked questions about Jeep suspension and provided clear, comprehensive answers to guide you on your journey.
At MetalCloak, we're not just about selling parts; we're about engineering Game-Changing systems that enhance every aspect of your Jeep's performance. With a philosophy rooted in creating integrated systems where every component works in harmony, we've been developing and manufacturing industry-leading, American-made suspension and body armor for almost two decades. Let's dive into the questions that are on every Jeep owner's mind.
1. What lift height should I choose? (e.g., 2.5" vs. 3.5")
This is often the first question an owner asks, and the answer depends entirely on your goals. The primary reason to lift a Jeep is to fit larger tires, which provide more ground clearance and a larger contact patch for better traction. A 2.5" lift is a popular choice for daily drivers who want to run 33" or 35" tires. It offers a more aggressive look and improved off-road capability without drastically altering the vehicle's center of gravity or requiring extensive modifications. A 3.5" lift or higher is geared towards more serious off-road enthusiasts who need to fit 37" tires or larger for tackling extreme terrain. This height provides more clearance and articulation but often requires additional components like a new driveshaft and exhaust modifications to maintain proper geometry and prevent binding.
The MetalCloak Solution: MetalCloak offers a range of Game-Changer Suspension Systems at various lift heights. Whether you choose a 2.5" or 3.5" system, you're getting a complete, engineered solution designed to provide the best possible performance for that height, on that particular Jeep, not just a collection of parts.
2. Do I need a Short Arm or Long Arm suspension?
Stock Jeeps come with a short arm (sometimes called Mid-Arm in later model Jeeps) suspension. Short arm lift kits use the factory control arm mounting locations, making them easier to install and more affordable. They are an excellent choice for most Jeepers, providing great performance for lifts up to around 4.5 inches. Long arm kits, on the other hand, use longer control arms that are mounted to new locations on the frame. This provides a better control arm angle, resulting in a smoother ride and superior articulation, especially at higher lift heights. However, they are more expensive and complex to install, often requiring welding and cutting.
The MetalCloak Solution: While MetalCloak is famous for its world-class long arm systems, our short arm/mid arm kits are engineered to be the best-performing systems on the market. They are designed to maximize travel and correct geometry as much as possible within the constraints of the factory mounting points, offering a significant upgrade over stock and other aftermarket kits.
Additionally Metalcloak offers front and rear geometry correction brackets that correct the mid arm angles, giving long-arm quality driveability.
3. When do I need adjustable control arms?
When you lift your Jeep, the angle of your axles changes. This affects your caster angle, which is critical for steering stability and proper handling. Adjustable control arms allow you to precisely dial in your suspension geometry, correcting the caster angle to restore factory-like handling and prevent issues like flighty steering. While not always strictly necessary for smaller lifts (where geometry correction brackets can be an alternative), they are the superior solution for achieving optimal alignment and performance.
The MetalCloak Solution: All MetalCloak Game-Changer suspension systems include our patented, fully adjustable control arms featuring the revolutionary Duroflex® Joint. This allows for precise adjustment of your suspension geometry for perfect handling, while the Duroflex joints provide a quiet, vibration-free ride.
4. What is "Death Wobble" and how do I fix it?
Death wobble is a violent, uncontrollable shaking of the front end that typically occurs after hitting a bump at speed. It's one of the most unnerving experiences a Jeep owner can have. A common misconception is that a bad steering stabilizer is the cause. This is false. A steering stabilizer (better known as a steerning dampener) only masks the underlying problem. Death wobble is almost always caused by loose or worn-out components in your front suspension and steering, such as the track bar, ball joints, control arm bushings, tie rod ends, and drag link. The only way to fix it is to systematically inspect every component for play and replace what is worn.
The MetalCloak Solution: Preventing death wobble starts with high-quality components. MetalCloak's complete steering kits and premium Baller Joints are engineered to eliminate the play and slop that leads to death wobble. Our steering components are built with exacting tolerances and designed to maintain tight, precise steering for years of trouble-free performance, ensuring your front end remains solid and responsive.
5. How can I improve my Jeep's ride quality?
A lifted Jeep doesn't have to ride like a buckboard. A harsh ride is usually the result of poorly matched components, incorrect spring rates, or bad suspension geometry. High-quality shocks are essential for controlling the suspension's movement, while properly rated springs will support the weight of your vehicle and any added gear without being overly stiff. Correcting your suspension geometry, especially the caster angle, will also have a significant impact on ride quality.
The MetalCloak Solution: Ride quality is at the core of our design philosophy. Our proprietary Duroflex Joints are the only joints on the market that are vulcanized to provide the vibration-dampening characteristics of a rubber bushing with the high-misalignment capabilities of a flex joint. This, combined with our perfectly matched True Dual Rate springs and full line of RockSport performance shocks, delivers a smooth, controlled ride on the street and incredible performance off-road.
6. What is articulation and why does it matter?
Articulation, or "flex," is the ability of your suspension to allow the wheels to move up and down independently, keeping all four tires in contact with the ground on uneven terrain. This is crucial for off-road performance because a tire in the air has no traction. More articulation means more stability and more traction, allowing you to crawl over obstacles with greater control.
The MetalCloak Solution: We take articulation so seriously that we developed our own measurement standard: the Corner Travel Index (CTI). Unlike the old Ramp Travel Index (RTI), CTI provides a more accurate and consistent measurement of a vehicle's true suspension capability. Our Game-Changer systems are designed to achieve the highest possible CTI scores, giving you the most flex and the best performance on the trail.
7. How do I choose the right shocks?
Shocks are the single most important component for controlling your Jeep's ride. They dampen the oscillations of the springs, preventing that bouncy feeling after hitting a bump. For most users, a high-quality shock... whether a gas-charged monotube or a twin-tube design... will be a significant upgrade over stock. For those who demand the ultimate in performance, an adjustable reservoir shock, like our RockSport BLACKS, provide unmatched performance while maintaining long travel off road.
The MetalCloak Solution: Metalcloak's full line of RockSport shocks including the 6Paks and the new RockSport Blacks are truly a game changer. The 6pak's unique, patented design provides the longest shock travel relative to a compressed length of any shock on the market. The RockSport Blacks give the best overall on and off road performance and feature truly unique patent pending technology.
8. What is suspension geometry and why does it change with a lift?
Suspension geometry refers to the angles of all the suspension and steering components. These angles are carefully designed by Jeep's engineers for optimal handling and stability. When you install a lift kit, you are changing these angles. The most critical angle is caster, which affects steering stability. A lift will decrease your caster angle, which can lead to wandering or "flighty" steering. Correcting this is essential for a safe and enjoyable driving experience.
The MetalCloak Solution: Our suspension systems are designed as complete systems to correct these geometry changes. Our adjustable control arms allow you to precisely set your caster angle, and our track bars re-center your axles, ensuring your Jeep drives as well as, or better than, it did from the factory.
9. Can I install a suspension lift myself?
For the mechanically inclined, installing a suspension lift is a very rewarding project. Most short arm kits are designed as bolt-on installations and can be completed in a weekend with a good set of tools and a friend to help. You'll need a good floor jack, jack stands, a set of sockets and wrenches, a torque wrench, and a pry bar. Long arm kits are more involved and may require cutting and welding, making them a job for experienced mechanics or professional installers.
The MetalCloak Solution: We provide detailed, step-by-step instructions with all of our kits. Our systems are designed for a precise fit, making installation as straightforward as possible. And if you ever run into a question, our legendary customer service team is just a phone call away.
10. How long will my suspension last and what maintenance is required?
The lifespan of your suspension depends on the quality of the components and how you use your Jeep. Shocks are a wear item and will typically last 3-6 years, as seals can deteriorate over time regardless of mileage. Bushings and joints will also wear over time. It's important to regularly inspect your suspension, especially after a hard day on the trail. Check for loose bolts, leaking shocks, and any signs of wear or damage.
The MetalCloak Solution: We build our products to last. Our Duroflex Joints are designed to be maintenance-free. Unlike joints that use grease, which can attract dirt and accelerate wear, our vulcanized elastomer joints are sealed from the elements. This means you can spend more time on the trail and less time under your Jeep with a grease gun. We stand behind our products with a lifetime customer service policy on all our components. And even if your products do wear out we have simple and budget friendly rebuild programs.
Your Journey Starts Here
Upgrading your Jeep's suspension is one of the most significant and rewarding modifications you can make. By understanding the fundamentals and choosing a high-quality, engineered system, you can unlock a new level of performance and capability. If you have more questions, the team at MetalCloak is always here to help. We're passionate about Jeeps, and we're dedicated to helping you build the rig of your dreams.
