The metal cloak includes shock extensions so you do not need shocks. Not sure why anybody would run either one. The Aev includes geometry correction for both the control arms/caster and roll center with the raised rear bracket. Metal cloak uses adjustable upper front control arms for caster correction only but includes longer brake lines. As far as making your jeep more capable off road then stock I would say neither does it. The aev does not list shock travel and the metal cloak will give you factory suspension travel but at a higher height for belly clearance. I will guarantee you there is always a bigger rock to get over, picking proper drive lines and experience is more important.

This stuff is pretty self explanatory if you have any knowledge of suspensions, all you have to do is look at the components that are included and more importantly the ones that are left out of the kits. Read the stickies and learn about the suspension components so you can choose what you need. Most people on the forum don't have a clue how to set up a suspension other then what they read in the instruction of a bolt on kit. Sorry to be a bit short but people ask this ****ing question almost every day on the forums without doing research or learning from information that is easily available on this and other forums with a simple search of the modified or suspension sections.

 

Thx for the info! I really appreciate it. Trying to learn the ins and outs and do the research. Not looking for the answer as much as the whys

I think from what I have read, leaning toward the AEV 2.5.. For its road manners (will be in road 90% of time) and since neither makes it better off road (assuming by comment above neither makes it worse either).

Looking at the Geo brackets from aev or maybe the rancho geo bracket. Or is a control arm a better way to go (vs the bracket) ? Benefits/pitfalls of either on road or off road. I have read aev geo brackets ride low and can get hung up

Thanks again for the insight

 

AEV's approach in general is to provide aftermarket products with OEM quality integration. When a stock component like bushings on a control arm better quality (possibly not best articulation) than anything on the market they will go to great lengths to keep that stock part. Overall ride quality and handling on and off road are more important than getting the last 1/4" of suspension articulation. The handling of the AEV lifts is arguably second to none.

On the other hand, MetalCloak a relatively newcomer to the JK market is focused on max. off road performance particularly slow speed and articulation. A good example of this are the geometry and design of their control arms, their shocks and their coils. They truly try to innovate.

The lift kits from both companies are amongst the best but they differ slightly in where they perform the best. You can't go wrong with either. A 2.5" lift kit will meet the needs you listed.

 

You should look into this suggestion a bit more. Why mess with a lift at all? Have it all.

 

Interesting idea. That said, from what I can see this solution is as expensive as lift. Would like some additional clearance as well (beyond just tires) which 2.5 would give.

Also Read a number of threads.. A lot of dialogue flares and 35s on stock can done. Other than what looks like a metal cloak press release have not seen photos of actual application. Everyone seems to add these fenders to lift. Trying to find someone on the forums who actually is running stock with 35s and these fenders (with pictures) seems harder than spotting Sasquatch.

 

The Metalcloak stuff really is pretty pricey. Would other flat fenders work the same? Like Aries or even cut stock ones.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

The design of the metal cloak allows the tires to travel up and in the fender well better then just a trim fender or other brands. They are also easily removable if you are going to do some hard core wheeling or are in tights spots. They are of a very good build quality as well.

 

I run the Overline fenders. Lots of clearance. There is a picture somewhere I can probably find of a guy running them with 38s and no lift. 35s would be cake. Trimming stock fenders flat gives a good 2" more clearance. The Overline fenders will give you another 2". They also provide a lot of protection. You can bounce off trees and rocks with no worries.

Mine will be for sale soon - already powder coated! Apologies to those sick of me pimping my parts in unrelated threads.

The benefit to running stock suspension is it works, no warranty concerns, and drives great. If I were to buy another JK, I'd leave the suspension stock and go with the Oveline fenders and 35s. Many guys I wheel with say the same thing. It just works. Most of the kits don't give you more travel. They can, but once the larger tires go on, bump stop gets added and you lose most of what you gained. The extra inch of travel really doesn't do much. If you want to spend a lot of money, sure, you can get a lot more travel. That is really only useful if you are playing in the big stuff.

As for belly clearance - get some good skids. Trust me, 95% of the time, you'll be getting hung up on all your low hanging axle and frame brackets. And get a winch. If you do get caught up, no biggie. Recovery is part of the fun and learning experience.

 

Sorry, they were 37s. Here is the build thread for the above mentioned JK. Looks awesome.

No Lift 37's - JKowners.com : Jeep Wrangler JK Forum

 

Thanks! Will look at it this weekend