"Rubicon Express" Extreme-Duty Long-Arm Bolt-In Upgrade Kit, TJ Wrangler
The Bolt-In MetalCloak Lock-N-Load Long Arm Upgrade Kit replaces the problematic Rubicon Express radius arms that are notorious for bind that limit travel, destroy bushings and fatigue the factory brackets on your Jeep Wrangler.
Features Include:- Front Lock-N-Load™ Radius Long Arm
- High-Misalignment (NVH) Duroflex™ Control Arms
- 2.0"OD 1/4" Wall DOM Steel Lowers
- 1.25"OD 3/16" Wall DOM Steel Uppers
- High Clearance Bend In Rear Lower Control Arms
- Forged Threaded Ends For 33% More Strength
- Made in the USA
Turn back and get the drive-ability you had always hoped for on and off-road, increase wheel travel, and get all of this without the worry of the documented failure of the Rubicon Express bushings.
MetalCloak's Patented Lock-N-Load Radius Long Arm eliminates bushing bind and unleashes the full capabilities of a radius system without losing the safety of 4 contact points on the axle. Twist the arm to “lock” position for even better street performance.
The revolutionary, DuPont™ Kevlar® fiber enhanced Duroflex™ Joint equipped control arms eliminate squeaks and clunks and have the best NVH properties available. Control arms are built strong from 2” x .25 wall DOM with clearance bends in the rear to minimize dragging.
Designed to permanently fix the problems found with the RE Radius arm suspension; this solution will also provide more articulation, better ride quality on and off-road, a quiet experience, and outlasts the RE product with the durability you had originally hoped for.
MetalCloak “components” have been proven safe with the FMVSS certificate of safety configured with 37inch tires, full body armor and suspension lift.
There is no other company that can compare with the performance, comfort, and reliability of MetalCloak. Period.
Note: We recommend you have a suspension specialist align your Jeep once a MetalCloak suspension is installed.
Note: This item is being offered as a complete system that contains all the components shown. We cannot customize, replace or remove a component from the kit. If you need a custom order, all components are available individually and our sales team is happy to help you place your order.
Note: If you purchase this system, and decide you do not need a component or part of the system, we cannot accept returns.
Note: Rubicon Express is a trademark or service mark owned by Wheel Pros, LLC and is not affiliated with Metalcloak or Armored Works, LLC
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VIDEOS
MetalCloak's Jeep LJ Wrangler Game-Changer Suspension is the proven leader among production suspension systems.
Who Is MetalCloak?
MetalCloak creates Game-Changing Products for the Off Road Enthusiast.
Duroflex 101
This short video covers what you need to know about the basics of the Duroflex Joint. How it should be used and what to expect when using it.
Why Gold Zinc?
It's time for The MetalCloak Minute... where we answer frequently asked questions in about a minute. Today's topic: Gold Zinc
Duroflex Joint Maintenance
It's time for The MetalCloak Minute... where we answer frequently asked questions in about a minute. Today's topic: Joint Maintenance
Duroflex Joint Revealed
The MetalCloak Duroflex Joint gives better dampening properties over OEM style rubber Clevite Joints and provides more misalignment than “other” inferior Flex Joints.
Vibration Dampening
We tested our Duroflex Joint using a "Shaker Table" and seismometer app to show how much Vibration Dampening the Duroflex Joint gives you compared to other industry leading joints.
A Comparison of Flex
Comparing the Flex of the Duroflex Joint with that of the Johnny Joint, the Teraflex Monster and the typical Clevite.
Lock-N-Load
"Typical" Radius Arm systems inherently bind causing premature bushing wear and excessive stress on bracketry. The Lock-N-Load solves that problem.
What is Corner Travel Index?
Since 2014 MetalCloak has tested thousands and thousands of rigs at events all across the county collecting specs on the build and cataloging the results. The data collected allows us to make our own products better.
FMVSS 126 Compliant
MetalCloak not only has the best off road flex, but we are also Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 126 certified and compliant. No other company can match our on- and off-road performance.
THE TECH
IT ALL STARTS WITH THE BUSHINGS
The Patented Duroflex™ Joint (metalcloakpatents.com) is the key to getting the greatest flex in a bolt-on suspension kit. Period.
MetalCloak has taken the best features of the most widely used control arm joints and combined those features to create the Duroflex Joint, producing a Low-Maintenance, High-Misalignment (34˚), Self-Centering, Rebuildable Joint with an OEM quality ride.
Now with Kevlar!
DuPont™ Kevlar® Fiber is now compounded in the proprietary elastomer of the Duroflex Bushing, bringing even more strength, durability and performance.
Kevlar® is a synthetic fiber with extremely high tensile strength to weight ratio…five times stronger than steel and commonly used in bullet proof armor applications.
Duroflex Bushings w/Kevlar® can be identified by the MetalCloak “M” located on the outer surface.
The Duroflex Joint Provides The Best Ride. Period.
Made of a Proprietary Elastomer Compound, the High Vibration Dampening and Self-Centering characteristics of the Duroflex Joint means you will always get...
- The best ride quality
- No binding of your control arms.
- None of the micro-wear that DESTROYS Flex Joints
High Misalignment...
By adapting the High Transverse Flex characteristics of a typical Flex Joint, the Duroflex Joint gives you...
- Over 34° of Misalignment
- Over 68° per Control Arm
Absorbs Micro-Movements...
Because the Duroflex Bushing absorbs the millions of Rotational Micro-Movements found in your daily driving, you get...
- Improved Ride Quality
- None of the micro-wear that DESTROYS Flex Joints
True Bearing Surface...
The outer surface of the Duroflex Bushing acts as a bearing, breaking free when called for, giving you...
- Maximum Rotation & Articulation
- No "Binding Up" of the Control Arms
Low Maintenance & Rebuildable...
Unlike typical Flex Joints, the Duroflex does not require replacing key parts every year like others...
But, when you do need to rebuild it, it is MetalCloak Easy!
Just pull out the Duroflex Bushing, clean it up, add some new Teflon impregnated, synthetic silicone grease. Reassemble.
Done.
Forged for Strength...
The adjustable threaded ends are Forged providing a 37% higher fatigue strength over inferior cast parts, this EXTRA rock bashing strength will hold up to whatever you throw at em.
Control Arm Duroflex Joint Alignment...
At MetalCloak we take the care to build every product right.
Most manufacturers build their control arms misaligned from center. Why? It simply costs less to do so.
By not cutting any corners, our joints are Centered and Aligned reducing wear and improving performance.
It makes them easier to install, too!
Lower Front Long Arms
Both the Front Radius Arms and the Lower Rear Hi-Clearance Arms are manufactured for the ultimate in strength and versatility.
- 2" x .25 wall DOM
- Signature Gold Zinc Chromate
- Oversized Duroflex Joints at the Belly Pan
Lock-N-Load
MetalCloak's Lock-N-Load Radius Arm system removes the most common problem that causes more long term damage to bushings and axles... BIND.
The Lock-N-Load extends at full droop, compressing one spring and extending the other.
At full stuff, the Lock-N-Load compresses. There is always compression and resistance.
How Does The Lock-N-Load Work?
The Lock-N-Load performs as a standard "solid control arm" when locked; when unlocked "or loaded" it allows for the axle to roll forward or backward without reliving stress on the bushings and brackets that will provide a longer service life AND directly equate to better articulation that keeps tires on the ground.
The lock-n-load is designed to lock or unlock the spring without changing the length of the control arm; the unique and patented design provides stability on the road when locked out and increased suspension mobility when off road.
The 4-Link Rear Perfected
While the Radius Arm front was ideal, we realized the space in the rear allows for a properly engineered 4-Link.
Choosing the 4-link rear control arm design provides added torque strength support for the main drive axle and provides a fantastic overall ride quality.
Our design eliminated the typical unsteady "Long Arm Roll" felt on a lifted TJ while cornering - and that's without running a rear sway bar!
Control Arm Specs
- CNC Machined
- 1/4" Wall DOM Steel
- 2.0" OD
- Precision Locking Nut
- Gold Zinc Plated
- Duroflex Joint at Both Ends
- CNC Machined
- Precision Locking Nut
- Gold Zinc Plated
- Duroflex Joint
- CNC Machined
- 3/16" Wall DOM Steel
- 1.25" OD
- 1/4" Steel Clevis
- Precision Locking Nut
- Gold Zinc Plated
- Duroflex Joint
- CNC Machined
- 1/4" Wall DOM Steel
- 2.0" OD
- Precision Locking Nut
- Gold Zinc Plated
- Duroflex Joint at Both Ends
- Lengthened 5/8" for Best Axle Position
Degrees of Articulation
MetalCloak's Duroflex Joint provides 28˚ more articulation and flex than typical control arms! (Learn More About Duroflex Control Arms)
Optional RE Front Durotrak Track Bar Upgrade
Upgrade your worn out track bar with a MetalCloak's Long Arm RE Upgrade for the Jeep TJ/LJ Wrangler. This is built with our patented Durotrak 2 piece bushing that has been specially designed for this application; it is mounted on one side of the Solid 1.25 OD 4130 Chromoly bar with a high grade chromoly spherical joint on the other. The bar is finished in gold zinc for the ultimate in durability against the elements.
Not just any track bar bushing...meet the Durotrak
The Patented Durotrak™ Bushing (metalcloakpatents.com) is a NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) bushing made with a proprietary elastomer compound unique to MetalCloak. The Durotrak™ two part bushing is comprised of two pieces that thread together making this bushing simple to install without a press, reduces vibration and harshness transferred to the driver, and improves vehicle steering input.
Solid Chromoly Durotrak Track Bar Keeps You... On Track.
What's in the Kit?
- Front Lower Long Arms
- Lock-N-Load
- Front Upper Radius Control Arm
- Rear Lower Long Arms
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
| Items | Details |
|---|---|
| Compatibility | 1997 - 2006 Jeep TJ Wrangler |
| Long Arm Control Arms | 2.0" x .25" DOM Steel Tubing |
| Lock-N-Load | 2 1/2" .120" Steel Tubing |
| Duroflex Joint | Proprietary Vulcanized Elastomer made with DuPont™ Kevlar® fiber |
| Steel Coating | Gold Zinc |
IMPORTANT NOTES
Suspension Alignment: We recommend you have a suspension specialist align your Jeep once a MetalCloak suspension is installed.
System Customization: This item is being offered as a complete system that contains all the components shown. We cannot customize, replace or remove a component from the kit. If you need a custom order, all components are available individually and our sales team is happy to help you place your order.
System Components: If you purchase this system, and decide you do not need a component or part of the system, we cannot accept returns.
INSTALLATION
| Installation Difficulty | Easy |
| Body Modification | None |
| Time to Install | 4 - 5 Hours |
| Installation Instructions | Click Here to see a full list of MetalCloak Installation Instructions. |