Jeep JL 4.5" Game-Changer Suspension, RockSport Edition | MetalCloak Installation Instructions

READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS IN FULL BEFORE BEGINNING INSTALLATION Questions? 916-631-8071

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

We are continually trying to improve our products and instructions – please help us by providing feedback and pictures if you find any part of the instructions that does not match your particular Jeep or is not easily understandable.

If you have any difficulties at all, please give us a call at 916-631-8071 (M–F 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM PST). Thank you and enjoy your MetalCloak products!

Product: JL Game Changer Suspension, RockSport (A2225 / A2235) · Instruction Rev G, 11-07-2025

Download the Illustrated PDF

The PDF version includes all photos and labeled diagrams for each step.

Download PDF Instructions

Tools & Notes on Installation

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 with 1/2" drill bits

Note: How to Use This Guide

This guide contains ALL steps for installation. Follow the steps in order from 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, some steps may not match your configuration – you can skip those steps. If you are unfamiliar with any terms, contact us at 916-631-8071 or [email protected]. Use the checkbox on each step to track your progress.

Before You Begin

Warning: Replace the Factory Drive Shaft

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. An aftermarket drive shaft clears the t-case and is optimal for maximum travel.

Warning: Do Not Powder Coat the Coils

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 the loss of their lift properties. Powder coating the coils will void any warranty stated or implied in relation to the coils.

Warning: Support the Vehicle and Axles Safely

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 that the vehicle be placed on an automotive lift and that all appropriate safety precautions be taken to secure the vehicle while it is 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.

Front Installation

Remove Stock Components

1Disconnect the front sway bar links using an 18mm wrench and 6mm Allen wrench. Save all hardware.

2Using a 10mm socket, disconnect the brake line brackets that are attached to the frame. Save all hardware.

Warning: Protect the Brake Lines

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!

Note: Relieve Brake Line Strain

To help prevent strain on the brake lines, MetalCloak recommends clipping all zip ties attached to the brake lines.

Warning: Disconnect Axle Electronics

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

3Using a 21mm socket, disconnect the stock track bar. Save all hardware.

4Use an 18mm socket and wrench to remove the shocks. Save all hardware.

5Remove the stock springs, and any spacers that have been used if the vehicle has been previously lifted.

6Disconnect the upper control arm heat shield on both sides at the frame using a 10mm socket. Save the heat shields and all hardware.

Install Control Arms

Warning: Control Arm Lengths Are Starting Points

These control arm specifications are just starting points, measured eye to eye. ALL JEEPS ARE DIFFERENT. MetalCloak recommends seeing a suspension specialist for correct control arm lengths for YOUR Jeep.

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

Note: Install One Arm at a Time

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

7Use a 24mm socket and wrench to remove the stock bolts from the front lower control arms. Save all hardware.

8Install the front lower control arms so that the adjustable joint is in the rear, and the arm angles INBOARD to provide tire turning clearance.

9Using an 18mm wrench and socket, remove the front upper control arms. Save all hardware.

10Install the MetalCloak front upper control arm using the stock hardware.

Coil Isolator Information Guide

Note: Coil Isolator Placement

MetalCloak’s suspension systems include a unique coil design that utilizes upper isolators to position the coil. Use the table below to identify where to install the isolators included with your kit. You must remove the stock isolators before installing the provided coil isolators. If you have any questions, give us a call at 916-631-8071.

Isolator	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

Install Coils and Bump Stops

Warning: Watch the ABS Lines

Droop your suspension to gain access to the spring perch. Be sure to watch the ABS lines so they do not get over-extended and break.

11Using a 10mm socket, disconnect the bracket from the spring perch on the axle.

12Drill out the center hole using a step bit, or start the hole with a smaller drill bit and work your way up to 1/2".

13Install the front coils. Make sure the tightly wound coils are oriented upward.

14Slip the bottom of the coil onto the coil base on the axle. Rotate the coil until it is seated properly on the coil base.

Note: Coil Compressor

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.

Note: Bump Stop Pucks

Your individual build may require the addition or removal of bump stop pucks for your tire size fitment.

15Select 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 threading it through the bump stop disks. The center hole in the disk is intentionally small to create the most rigid assembly possible after installation.

16The 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 will instead begin to compress the disks.

Install Outboard Shock Spacer & Shocks

17Drill out the hole located on the bottom of the stock shock mount using a 3/8" drill bit or step bit.

18Using the stock 10mm bolt, attach the outboard shock mount to the spring perch.

19Place the outboard spacer on the stock shock mount so it aligns with the pre-existing holes.

20Install the lower shock mount bolt hand tight.

21Install the spacer and stock hardware into the stock location and tighten using an 18mm socket and wrench.

22Using a 14mm wrench and socket, tighten the lower shock mount bolt.

23Tighten the factory 10mm bolt.

24Using the stock hardware, install the top of the RockSport shock, making sure the spacer is on the inboard side of the shock.

25Align the shock with the outboard shock mount.

26Install the shock with the provided 1/2" bolt and flange lock nut.

27Using a 19mm wrench and socket, tighten the 1/2" bolt and flange lock nut.

28Secure the brake line bracket back onto the coil perch with a zip tie.

Install Front Track Bar

29Install the front track bar with the adjustable end at the axle mount. Loosely install the factory bolt and flag nut previously removed.

30Install 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. (See the centering note below.)

Note: Centering the Axle

Check side to side for axle center and adjust the track bar as necessary. Shortening the track bar will pull the body/frame to the passenger side, showing more tire outside of the driver side fender. Lengthening the track bar will push the body/frame to the driver side, showing less tire outside of the driver side fender. When measuring side to side, one half of the distance measured is the amount to adjust the track bar to get 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.

31Fully 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.

32MetalCloak STRONGLY RECOMMENDS having your alignment checked by a professional after changing any suspension components.

Install Sway Bar End Links

33Using the factory hardware, install the bottom of the MetalCloak extended sway bar links.

34Using the supplied hardware, install the top of the MetalCloak extended sway bar links.

35Tighten the sway bar end links with an 18mm wrench for the factory hardware, and a 3/4" and 18mm wrench for the supplied hardware.

Warning: Use Red Loctite

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

Finalize Front Installation

36Adjust the caster angle and toe as needed. Once set, tighten all hardware, re-attach all brackets and reinstall the heat shield. Finally, tighten the jam nuts on all control arms.

Warning: Professional Alignment Required

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 Installation

Remove Stock Components

Note: Remove the Fender Well Plate

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

Warning: Disconnect Axle Electronics

Disconnect any electronics attached to the axle (locker plug, etc.).

37Using an 18mm socket and wrench, disconnect the stock shocks. Save all hardware.

38Disconnect the brake line brackets and e-brake cable on the axle to help allow for full droop.

39Disconnect the rear sway bar links using an 18mm wrench and 6mm Allen wrench. Save all hardware.

40Using a 21mm socket and wrench, disconnect the stock rear track bar. Save all hardware.

41Remove the stock coils.

Install Control Arms

Warning: Control Arm Lengths Are Starting Points

Rear control arm starting lengths are listed in the Control Arm Specifications table in the front installation section.

Note: Install One Arm at a Time

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

42Use a 21mm socket and wrench to remove the stock bolts from the rear lower control arms. Save all hardware.

43Using the stock hardware, install the rear lower control arms so that the adjustable joint is at the frame.

44Using a 21mm wrench and socket, remove the rear upper control arms. Save all hardware.

45Install the rear upper control arms so that the adjustable joint is in the front, and the arm angles INBOARD to provide maximum tire clearance.

Install Rear Coils

46If 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.

47Place the rear coil cup on top of the rear dual rate coil.

48Install the rear dual rate coils with the tightly wound coils oriented upward.

49Slip the bottom of the coil onto the coil base on the axle.

Install MetalCloak Track Bar

50Install the MetalCloak track bar using the stock hardware. Tighten all hardware using a 21mm socket and wrench.

Sway Bar — Option 1 (4" Drop Bracket)

Complete Option 1 or Option 2, depending on the sway bar hardware included with your kit. Skip the steps for the option you are not using.

51Using a 15mm socket, remove the sway bar from the vehicle. Save all hardware.

52Using an 18mm socket, install the 4" drop bracket in the sway bar’s stock location using the factory hardware.

53When reinstalling the rear sway bar, flip the sway bar so that the driver side end becomes the passenger side end and the passenger side end becomes the driver side end.

54Using the provided hardware, attach the sway bar to the drop bracket and tighten with a 14mm socket and wrench.

55Install the sway bar end links to the sway bar.

Sway Bar — Option 2 (Sway Bar Spacer)

56Using a 15mm socket, remove the sway bar mount hardware.

57Install the sway bar spacer and tighten the provided hardware using a 17mm socket.

58Install the extended sway bar end links on the sway bar.

59Install the lower sway bar end link into the stock location using the stock hardware.

Install Rear RockSport Shocks

60Using the stock hardware, install the top of the RockSport shock, making sure the spacer is on the inboard side of the shock.

61Using the stock hardware, install the lower part of the RockSport shock into the stock location.

Install Rear Bump Stops

62Identify the driver side bump stop mounting holes. The illustrated PDF highlights the correct hole pattern for each side.

63Identify the passenger side bump stop mounting holes, which mirror the driver side pattern.

64Identify the two sides of the bump stop pucks: Side A and Side B.

65Install the first bump stop puck (Side A) using the correct holes identified in the two previous steps, using the 5/16" bolt with the matching nut and washer.

66Install the next puck (Side B) using the 1 3/4" wood screws.

67Continue alternating pucks until you reach the desired bump stop height (Side A / Side B / Side A / Side B).

Re-route E-Brake

68Disconnect the e-brake cables from the brake backing plate.

69Disconnect the e-brake cables from the cable bracket.

70Re-route the e-brake cables under the crossmember.

71Reconnect the e-brake cable to the cable bracket.

72Reconnect the e-brake cable to the brake backing plate.

Finalize Rear Installation

Warning: Allow Brake Line Slack

After re-installing the rear brake line bracket, bend the rear brake line bracket upward toward the frame to allow slack for extra droop.

73Adjust the caster angle and toe as needed. Once set, tighten all hardware and re-attach all brake line brackets. Finally, tighten the jam nuts on all control arms.

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 and 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.

Questions About Your Installation?

Our tech team is available M–F 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM PST · [email protected]

Call 916-631-8071 Shop the JL Game Changer Suspension, RockSport

Installation Instructions: Jeep JL Wrangler 4.5" Game-Changer Suspension, RockSport Edition

Tools & Notes on Installation

Before You Begin

Front Installation

Remove Stock Components

Install Control Arms

Coil Isolator Information Guide

Install Coils and Bump Stops

Install Outboard Shock Spacer & Shocks

Install Front Track Bar

Install Sway Bar End Links

Finalize Front Installation

Rear Installation

Remove Stock Components

Install Control Arms

Install Rear Coils

Install MetalCloak Track Bar

Sway Bar — Option 1 (4" Drop Bracket)

Sway Bar — Option 2 (Sway Bar Spacer)

Install Rear RockSport Shocks

Install Rear Bump Stops

Re-route E-Brake

Finalize Rear Installation

Questions About Your Installation?