Jeep JL 3.5" Game-Changer Stock Shock Edition Installation Instructions

Read all instructions in full before beginning installation. Questions? Call 916-631-8071 | M–F 7:00 AM–5:00 PM PST

Product: JL Game Changer Suspension, Stock Edition • Part No. II-A2225 / II-A2235

Warranty Information

This article is sold without warranty expressed or implied. No warranty or representation is made as to this product's ability to protect the user from injury or death. The user assumes that risk. The effectiveness, warranty and longevity of this equipment are directly related to the manner in which it is installed, used, and/or maintained. The user assumes all risk.

By purchasing this product and opening the packaging, purchasers expressly acknowledge, understand, and agree that they take, select, and purchase these MetalCloak products from Armored Works, LLC, its affiliates, distributors, and agents as-is and with all faults. The entire risk as to the quality and performance of these MetalCloak products is with the purchaser.

Working on your vehicle can be a dangerous activity. If you are unsure of what you are doing, please leave mechanical or safety-critical work to a skilled mechanic. We take no responsibility for the incorrect use and/or installation of MetalCloak products.

Before You Begin

The MetalCloak experience includes the ease of installation of our products. We design for most contingencies, but installation may differ based on the condition, configuration, and/or year of your Jeep.

This guide contains all steps for installation. Read and follow the instructions in order, top to bottom. Instructions may apply to multiple Jeep models but are labeled separately where appropriate. Because of the number of component options we offer, this guide may contain steps that do not match your configuration — you can skip those steps. If you have any difficulties at all, or find any part of these instructions that does not match your Jeep, please call us at 916-631-8071 (M–F 7:00 AM–5:00 PM PST) or email [email protected].

Tools Required

This list is the recommended tools for ease of installation. Other versions of the same tool can be used — for example, Allen wrenches instead of Allen drive sockets. Be sure to use metric on metric and SAE on SAE.

Socket & Ratchet Wrench

Set of SAE & Metric Sockets & Wrenches

Metal Head Hammer

Metric Hex Sockets and/or Hex (Allen) Wrenches

10" Socket Extension

3/8" Flare Nut Wrench (10mm will work) for Brake Lines

Cut-Off Disc and Grinder (Optional)

Electric Drill, 1/2" Drill Bits

Front Suspension Installation

Drive Shaft Note

MetalCloak recommends replacing the factory drive shaft. The factory drive shaft binds at the transfer case side and is too short for the additional travel this suspension provides. An aftermarket drive shaft clears the transfer case and is optimal for maximum travel.

Safety & Lift Note

To install lift components you will need to fully “droop” your suspension in the front and rear (not at the same time). We strongly recommend placing the vehicle on an automotive lift with all appropriate safety precautions taken to secure it while off the ground. Always use the necessary axle stands (or equivalent) to support the axle when suspension components are disconnected, for safety and to ensure the integrity of your suspension system during installation.

Coil Powder Coating Warning

MetalCloak does not recommend powder coating your True Dual Rate Coils. The baking process in powder coating can, in some cases, change the metallurgical properties of the coils, resulting in a loss of lift properties. Powder coating the coils will void any warranty stated or implied in relation to the coils.

End-Link Note

MetalCloak provides “rear specific” end-links with shorter bolt lengths that should be kept separate for optimal fitment on the rear of the vehicle.

Coil Isolator Jeep Locations
Isolator Type	Jeep Model	Installation Location
Tall Isolator	JL Wrangler Non E-Torque	Upper Front Passenger
	JL Wrangler 4xE	Upper Front Driver & Passenger
	JL Wrangler Diesel	Upper Front Driver & Passenger
	JT Gladiator Diesel	Upper Front Driver & Passenger
Short Isolator	JK Wrangler (All Models)	Upper Front Driver & Passenger
	JL Wrangler E-Torque	Upper Front Driver & Passenger
	JL Wrangler Non E-Torque	Upper Front Driver
	JT Gladiator 3.6L Motor	Upper Front Driver & Passenger
Rear Isolator	JL Wrangler Non-E Torque	Upper Rear Passenger
Rear Isolator	JL Wrangler 4xE	Upper Rear Driver & Passenger

You must remove the stock isolators before installing the provided coil isolators. Questions? Call 916-631-8071.

Step 1: Remove Stock Components

1. Disconnect the front sway bar links using an 18mm wrench and 6mm Allen wrench. Save all hardware.
2. Using a 10mm socket, disconnect the brake line brackets attached to the frame. Save all hardware. The brake line on the lower front control arms (driver and passenger side) must be removed from the bracket — it may be pried out or cut. Be very careful not to damage the brake line. Clipping any zip ties attached to the brake lines will help prevent strain.
3. Using a 21mm socket, disconnect the stock track bar. Save all hardware.
4. Using an 18mm socket and wrench, remove the shocks. Save all hardware.
5. Remove the stock springs, and any spacers that have been used if the vehicle has been previously lifted.
6. Disconnect the upper control arm heat shield on both sides at the frame using a 10mm socket. Save the heat shields and all hardware.

Note: Disconnect any electronics attached to the axle (locker plug, front axle disconnect plug, etc.) before proceeding.

Step 2: Install Control Arms

These control arm specifications are just starting points. All Jeeps are different — MetalCloak recommends seeing a suspension specialist for the correct control arm lengths for your Jeep.

Control Arm Length Reference
		Front Upper	Front Lower	Rear Upper	Rear Lower
Factory Control Arms	Castor Angle: Stock	20 1/4"	24"	17 1/2"	20"
MetalCloak Lift	Castor Angle: 6 Degrees	19 3/4"	24"	17 1/2"	20 1/8"

MetalCloak recommends installing one control arm at a time. Loosening — but not removing — all control arm bolts first will make removal easier.

7. Use a 24mm socket & wrench to remove the stock bolts from the front lower control arms. Save all hardware.
8. Install the Front Lower Control Arms so that the adjustable joint is in the rear, and the arm angles inboard to provide tire turning clearance.
9. Using an 18mm wrench and socket, remove the Front Upper Control Arms. Save all hardware.
10. Install the MetalCloak Front Upper Control Arm using the stock hardware.

Step 3: Install Coils and Bump Stops

11. Using a 10mm socket, disconnect the bracket from the spring perch on the axle.
12. Drill out the center hole using a step bit, or start your hole with a smaller drill bit and work your way up to 1/2".
13. Install the front coils. Make sure the tightly wound coils are oriented upward.
14. Slip the bottom of the coil onto the coil base on the axle. Rotate the coil until it is seated properly on the coil base.
15. Select the appropriate screw length so that the threads stick out of the bottom disks approximately 3/4". Assemble your bump stops inside the installed coil by feeding the 1/2" countersunk screw through the cover plate and then through the bump stop disks. The center hole in the disk is intentionally small to create the most rigid assembly possible after installation.
16. The 1/2" screw is backed by a 1/2" flanged nylon lock nut. Install the nut and tighten the hardware using a 5/16" hex key socket or Allen wrench and a 3/4" wrench. Tighten until everything is tight; the hardware will not bottom out but instead will begin to compress the disks.

Droop your suspension to gain access to the spring perch. Watch the ABS lines so they do not get overextended and break. If the axle does not droop enough to allow the coil to be put in place, a coil compressor can be used to compress the coil for fitment. Your individual build may require the addition or removal of bump stop pucks for your tire size fitment.

Step 4: Install Shocks and Mounts

17. Place the shock bracket into place, aligning the top bracket hole to the factory location, and install the stock bolt into the top hole of the bracket. Tighten with the side hole against the coil bucket.
18. Using a 1/2" drill bit, drill out the side hole. Once the hole is drilled, loosen the top shock bracket bolt.
19. Using a 3/4" socket and wrench, tighten down the side bolt.
20. Install the bushing end (top) of the 6Pak shock and the spacer on the inboard side of the bushing end.
21. Install the shock.

Step 5: Install Front Track Bar

22. Install the front track bar with the adjustable end at the axle mount. Loosely install the factory bolt and flag nut previously removed.
23. Install the welded end of the track bar at the frame bracket, making sure the bend in the bar goes up and over the top of the differential cover. Loosely install the factory bolt and nut previously removed.
24. Fully tighten the stock hardware on both ends of the track bar using a 21mm socket and wrench, then tighten the jam nut on the track bar.
25. MetalCloak strongly recommends having your alignment checked by a professional after changing any suspension components.

Check side to side for axle center and adjust the track bar as necessary. Shortening the track bar pulls the body/frame toward the passenger side, showing more tire outside the driver-side fender. Lengthening the track bar pushes the body/frame toward the driver side, showing less tire outside the driver-side fender. One half of the side-to-side distance measured is the amount to adjust the track bar to bring the axle to center. For example, if the tire sticks out 1" more on the driver side, lengthen the track bar by roughly 1/2" to bring the axle to center.

Step 6: Install Sway Bar End Links

26. Using the factory hardware, install the bottom of the MetalCloak extended sway bar links.
27. Using the supplied hardware, install the top of the MetalCloak extended sway bar links.
28. Tighten the sway bar end links with an 18mm wrench for the factory hardware and a 3/4" & 18mm wrench for the supplied hardware.

MetalCloak recommends using red Loctite on each of the upper spindles of the sway bar end links.

Step 7: Finalize Installation

29. Adjust the caster angle and toe as needed. Once set, tighten all hardware, reattach all brackets, and reinstall the heat shield. Finally, tighten the jam nuts on all control arms.

When lifting any vehicle, basic dynamics are changed. It is important to take your vehicle to a professional for an alignment after installation. Make sure the caster setting is adjusted for a lifted vehicle (not stock specs).

Rear Suspension Installation

Step 1: Remove Stock Components

MetalCloak recommends removing the bottom rear fender well plate for easier access to the upper shock bolts, using an 8mm socket wrench.

30. Using an 18mm socket and wrench, disconnect the stock shocks. Save all hardware.
31. Disconnect the brake line brackets and E-brake cable on the axle to help allow for full droop.
32. Disconnect the rear sway bar links using an 18mm wrench and 6mm Allen wrench. Save all hardware.
33. Using a 21mm socket and wrench, disconnect the stock rear track bar. Save all hardware.
34. Remove the stock coils.

Note: Disconnect any electronics attached to the axle (locker plug, etc.) before proceeding.

Step 2: Install Control Arms

These control arm specifications are just starting points. All Jeeps are different — MetalCloak recommends seeing a suspension specialist for the correct control arm lengths for your Jeep.

Control Arm Length Reference
		Front Upper	Front Lower	Rear Upper	Rear Lower
Factory Control Arms	Castor Angle: Stock	20 1/4"	24"	17 1/2"	20"
MetalCloak Lift	Castor Angle: 6 Degrees	19 3/4"	24"	17 1/2"	20 1/8"

MetalCloak recommends installing one control arm at a time. Loosening — but not removing — all control arm bolts first will make removal easier.

35. Use a 21mm socket & wrench to remove the stock bolts from the rear lower control arms. Save all hardware.
36. Using the stock hardware, install the Rear Lower Control Arms so that the adjustable joint is at the frame.
37. Using a 21mm wrench and socket, remove the Rear Upper Control Arms. Save all hardware.
38. Install the Rear Upper Control Arms so that the adjustable joint is in the rear, and the arm angles inboard to provide maximum tire clearance.

Step 3: Install Rear Coils

39. If the axle does not droop enough to allow the coil to be put in place, a coil compressor can be used to compress the coil to allow fitment.
40. Place the rear coil cup on top of the rear dual rate coil.
41. Install the rear dual rate coils with the tightly wound coils oriented upward.
42. Slip the bottom of the coil onto the coil base on the axle.

Step 4: Install MetalCloak Track Bar

43. Install the MetalCloak track bar using the stock hardware. Tighten all hardware using a 21mm socket and wrench.

Step 5: Install Rear Sway Bar

Your kit includes one of two sway bar configurations. Follow whichever option matches the hardware included with your kit and skip the other.

Option 1: Drop Bracket

44. Using a 15mm socket, remove the sway bar from the vehicle. Save all hardware.
45. Using an 18mm socket, install the 4" drop bracket in the sway bar's stock location using the factory hardware.
46. When reinstalling the rear sway bar, flip the sway bar so that the driver side becomes the passenger side and the passenger side becomes the driver side.
47. Using the provided hardware, attach the sway bar to the drop bracket and tighten with a 14mm socket and wrench.
48. Install the sway bar end links to the sway bar.

Option 2: Spacer

44. Using a 15mm socket, remove the sway bar mount hardware.
45. Install the sway bar spacer and tighten the provided hardware using a 17mm socket.
46. Install the extended sway bar end links on the sway bar.

Step 6: Install Rear 6Pak Shocks

49. Align the MetalCloak rear shock relocation bracket and install the sway bar end link using an 18mm socket and wrench.
50. Using a drill and 3/8" drill bit, drill out the shock mount's upper hole.
51. Using a 9/16" socket and wrench, install the shock mount upper bolt. Reach from behind and underneath the stock shock mount to reach the hole with the nut and wrench.
52. Install the rear shocks.

Step 7: Install Rear Bump Stops

Each bump stop puck has two sets of mounting holes: one set positioned for the driver's side and one for the passenger's side. The puck faces are marked Side A and Side B to indicate how they stack together.

53. Install the first bump stop puck (Side A) using the correct holes for your vehicle's side (driver or passenger), with the 5/16" bolt and matching nut and washer.
54. Install the next puck (Side B) using the 1 3/4" wood screws.
55. Continue stacking pucks (Side A / Side B / Side A / Side B) until you reach the desired bump stop height.

Step 8: Re-Route E-Brake

56. Disconnect the E-brake cables from the brake backing plate.
57. Disconnect the E-brake cables from the cable bracket.
58. Re-route the E-brake cables under the crossmember.
59. Reconnect the E-brake cable to the cable bracket.
60. Reconnect the E-brake cable to the brake backing plate.

Step 9: Finalize

61. Adjust the caster angle and toe as needed. Once set, tighten all hardware and reattach all brake line brackets. Finally, tighten the jam nuts on all control arms.

After re-installing the rear brake line bracket, bend the bracket upward toward the frame to allow slack for extra droop. For maximum ground clearance you may optionally trim the lower stock shock mount bracket.

Alignment Required

Installation Instructions: Jeep JL Wrangler 3.5" Game-Changer Suspension, Stock Shock Edition

Download the Full Illustrated PDF

Tools Required

Front Suspension Installation

Step 1: Remove Stock Components

Step 2: Install Control Arms

Step 3: Install Coils and Bump Stops

Step 4: Install Shocks and Mounts

Step 5: Install Front Track Bar

Step 6: Install Sway Bar End Links

Step 7: Finalize Installation

Rear Suspension Installation

Step 1: Remove Stock Components

Step 2: Install Control Arms

Step 3: Install Rear Coils

Step 4: Install MetalCloak Track Bar

Step 5: Install Rear Sway Bar

Option 1: Drop Bracket

Option 2: Spacer

Step 6: Install Rear 6Pak Shocks

Step 7: Install Rear Bump Stops

Step 8: Re-Route E-Brake

Step 9: Finalize

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