MetalCloak Game-Changer vs Rock Krawler Adventure X

This video is a response to a Rock Krawler suspension comparison that, in MetalCloak’s view, included incorrect claims, missing context, and misleading comparisons between the Rock Krawler Adventure X and the MetalCloak Game-Changer. The discussion focuses on several key suspension components, including control arm joints, coil springs, track bars, sway bar disconnects, and bump stops. MetalCloak argues that Rock Krawler’s presentation mischaracterized how spring rate changes occur, overlooked the importance of matched spring and isolator geometry, downplayed the role of a raised rear track bar bracket on JL and JT platforms, and made questionable design choices sound like advantages. The overall point is that Jeep owners should hear both sides, examine the technical differences carefully, and make decisions based on accurate information rather than marketing claims alone.

Complete Transcript with Time Stamps:

[00:08] Rock Krawler versus MetalCloak. MetalCloak versus Rock Krawler. With Rock Krawler, we have tons and tons of options. We've got Adventure X, we've got X Factor. But when it comes to comparing apples to apples, the closest systems that we can provide is our Adventure X mid-arm to the MetalCloak Game-Changer.

metalcloak vs. rock krawler suspension lift kit comparison, rk joint test is not accurate as is not in factory control arm bracket

[00:33] Now we're not going to go into details on the control arm joints. If you actually want to see a direct comparison, you can find it on our YouTube channel. He's at 17.4 degrees or 17.5 degrees at 100 pounds. Some of the joints tested have mechanical limitations while others actually let the control arm collide into the test bracket. Not good. It does go under deformation for articulation, but the vulcanized rubber over mold recovers very nicely.

metalcloak vs. rock krawler suspension lift kit comparison, forefront of coil technology, year each company began selling multi-rate coil springs

[01:11] MetalCloak and Rock Krawler are on the forefront of coil technology when it comes to Jeep applications. [MetalCloak and Rock Krawler are on the forefront of coil technology.] At Rock Krawler, we have a Triple Rate spring in the front for all JL, JT, and JK applications. The fundamental principle of rate change in a coil spring design is that the coils must contact. It's the fundamental principle.

metalcloak vs. rock krawler suspension lift kit comparison, rk coil springs do not contact at ride height, no rate change

[01:50] As we're compressing this to ride height, we see that the rate on the chart follows a linear path. At ride height, Rock Krawler's coils don't touch. And without contact, we can see there's no rate change. If we compress the coils further, we eventually get a few of the coils to look like they're touching. But even then, the rate change is so minimal, it's not a functional change. You have your tight windings that run dead, then you have your typical ride zone, and then you get into a third rate to help stabilize the vehicle. [Are you serious?]

metalcloak vs. rock krawler suspension lift kit comparison, mc uses coil isolator correction pads for application specific needs, engine model powertrain

[02:33] We also offer, obviously the lower isolator and a top isolator. Every coil we offer is specifically tuned for the powertrain that's in that vehicle. But when it comes to the 392 application, they actually revert you back to a JK coil for their application. 4XE, we are not sure, so that's just something to consider. And in the rear obviously we are running a triple rated coil again. With Rock Krawler we use the same coils side to side but we provide coil spring correction seats for the rear lowers as well.

metalcloak vs. rock krawler suspension lift kit comparison, Lower coil isolator not mated to last pitch of rk spring, wobbles at all locations

[03:20] In the case of Rock Krawler, they didn't mate the design of the isolator with the spring because they didn't adjust for the pitch of the lower part of, their last pitch on their spring. When I put this on here, you'll see that it can wobble at all locations around. But we provide coil spring correction seats for the rear lowers as well. This also makes the springs stand up straighter, so they are going to accept load properly. [Sure Jan.]

metalcloak vs. rock krawler suspension lift kit comparison, ride quality of coils is not subjective

[03:53] Again, this is one of the big details that is a major difference between the companies and how we do corrective actions for coil springs. [Do you understand the words that are coming out of my mouth? Don't nobody understand the words that are coming out of your mouth man.] We are not going to touch on subjective matters like ride quality out of these coils. We're going to leave that up to you folks because that is not what this is about.

metalcloak vs. rock krawler suspension lift kit comparison, next most important component is track bars, rk provides rear bracket, but not rear track bar, mc offers front and rear track bars

[04:17] So, the next most important component in your vehicle is your track bars. We give you the front track bar and a raised rear track bar bracket. At MetalCloak, and I will apologize to MetalCloak because we've misplaced their rear track bar. They give you a front and rear track bar. For the life of me, I don't understand why they did that, but...

metalcloak vs. rock krawler suspension lift kit comparison, rear track bar bracket is offered by mc, rk makes rear track bar additional option

[04:50] [30 seconds earlier.] The next most important component in your vehicle is your track bars. [Track bars.] This rear track bar bracket is very important. And on the JL's and the JT's, for some reason MetalCloak didn't do this. They provided you just with a rear bar. So, you know, but they do sell as an option the raised rear track bar bracket. It's just not base in their system. At Rock Krawler, we sell the optional rear track bar because we felt ride quality and handling was the paramount for the starters of all of our systems.

metalcloak vs. rock krawler suspension lift kit comparison, mc durotrak bushings are not rubber, offer noise vibration and harshness dampening, are patented, improves steering, and is proven FVSS safe

[05:33] Now there are some differences in construction as well. Again, the joints, we're going to let you guys, we'll brief over them. MetalCloak's got there, rubber joints. [Rubber joints.] MetalCloak's front track bar is made from 1.25" solid alloy steel. Our rear track bars are very similar to MetalCloaks. They are also 1.25" down to a 7/8" shank joint.

metalcloak vs. rock krawler suspension lift kit comparison, rk makes misleading and incorrect claims about mc suspension systems

[06:25] Due to all of our history in Ultra 4 racing and everything else that we've done that's on the extreme levels, and knowing the importance of these components for failure, we distribute the load as much as possible and make them as strong as possible.

metalcloak vs. rock krawler suspension lift kit comparison, properly proportioning stance and center of gravity, rk rig rolling over on the trail

[06:39] As you're putting your vehicle taller and it's center of gravity going higher, we do not want you building a roller skate keeping your tires underneath. We want you properly proportioning your vehicle's stance for overall handling and off-road stability. And again, this is just one of the variations and or differences between the two companies.

metalcloak vs. rock krawler suspension lift kit comparison, rk puts lower control arm adjuster at axle connection where it is vulnerable and can be damaged

[07:02] But again, there are major differences in the structure and construction of both the lower control arm joints from Rock Krawler and MetalCloak. We put the adjuster at the axle connection where MetalCloak keeps it at the frame connection. [Why?]

metalcloak vs. rock krawler suspension lift kit comparison, mc sway bar disconnect bracket makes it easier for removal and adjustments

[07:22] Now the front sway bar disconnects. With the MetalCloak, they offer a relocation bracket for the passenger side sway bar disconnect, and then your sway bar disconnect links. You'll notice that the passenger side is significantly shorter than a driver's side, so they're operating through two different radiuses of curvature. At Rock Krawler, we keep them exactly the same length, side to side. We use a coupling nut on the passenger.

metalcloak vs. rock krawler suspension lift kit comparison, rk bump stops are only included with purchase of shocks

[08:00] Well, we're coming down to the end. Bump stops. What do you say? Not exactly exciting.

metalcloak vs. rock krawler suspension lift kit comparison, deep dive

[08:23] We hope you enjoy this deep dive into the suspension and comparisons of the MetalCloak Game-Changer versus the Rock Krawler Adventure X. You know, MetalCloak, to give them props, they do a great job of marketing and their website is fairly transparent when it comes to their products. With us...

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METALCLOAK VIDEO: Rock Krawler Compared Their Kit To Ours… Here’s What They Got Wrong