I apologize for adding to the plethora of "What Lift" topics... but having read just about everything already available, I was hoping to just get a little advice on what some of the experts think would be the best option for me and my rig. Some relevant info:

- Daily Driver
- Wheeled ~2 times a month, mostly rock-crawling on moderate-difficult trails in Southern California.
- 35" tire; likely to stay that way for a long time (MIGHT go to 37's some day, but a big maybe)
- Aim is ~3" of lift (give or take half an inch)

I'd like to stick to off-the-shelf parts or kits; primarily of the bolt-on variety. I want to make sure that I only ever have to do this once, so I want to make sure that I do it right the first time. I know it's not strictly necessary, but for minimal compromises I would want to replace the entire suspension (all 8 control arms, 4 springs, 4 shocks, track bars/brackets, etc.) at more or less the same time.

Definitely been convinced that MC would be a good choice, so I suppose one of the main things I'm looking for is just how much of a difference would there be, performance wise (i.e. flex and stability; ride comfort is a fairly minimal concern, honestly), between something like MC's system (essentially a direct replacement for factory components), a long-arm setup, coilovers, or even a long arm + coilover suspension. Just want to make sure I'm not going to be likely to regret going for something tamer at some point in the future!

Also... I'm all about minimizing that CoG, but the 2.5" vs. 3.5" choice is a bit of a head-scratcher for me, as just a little bit of extra angle-assistance might be worth the trade-off... Anyone have a fairly concise approximation for how much a difference the 1" makes for geometry/articulation/etc. vs. how significantly it impacts the CoG and stability?

Thanks in advance for your assistance!

 

OK Another Lift question.. Yes Metalcloak 2.5" is very popular & have not read of any quality issues... Also AEV 2.5" Dual Sport is another..(I have AEV and it raised my JKU almost 4"- yes we have bumpers 35s No Winch yet). IMO either of these would be good Lifts for 35s... going bigger to 37s you should Hit up the SEARCH above for more posts on Lifts or running 37s.

 

I think I might give a little more weight to the advice of people who actually run Metalcloak, and a little less to a shop who wants to sell you what makes them the most money. The 3.5" version could be the better option for 37's, but as you say, that's a maybe, and way in the future. So, just go for one of the MC 2.5" versions and be done with it.

I've been running the MC 3.5" with 37's for six years now. Can't say that I have witnessed any 'quality' issues...

 

Yeah, I really didn't think it very likely the shop was being honest. I do like the MC GameChanger; very comprehensive and reasonably priced. Unless someone has good reason to think another setup will give better performance, it would probably be my first choice for a more "standard" direct replacement of the current suspension.

I suppose one of the main things I'm looking for is just how much of a difference would there be, performance wise (i.e. flex and stability; ride comfort is a fairly minimal concern, honestly), between something like MC's system (essentially a direct replacement for factory components), a long-arm setup, coilovers, or even a long arm + coilover suspension?

 

Metalcloak makes great stuff, period. I believe the issue is that most shops can't get wholesale pricing from MC, and that is just the same as if you try to shop around for MC parts, you basically just go straight to them. So shops don't "sell" many MC lifts or care to work with those products. They can make more money selling kits they get wholesale pricing on. Even though margins on parts are skinny, they all add up. Don't believe the "MC is low quality" talk. It's practically the best stuff out there. I'm sure at times it sounds like we're all MC nut huggers. We sure don't get anything for suggesting them though.

What I would suggest is that you take a look at what a few manufacturers use as joints in their parts, and then look at what MC is using and form your own opinion.

 

I run a Metalcloak 4.5" lift on same year and model you have. Dropped from 40's down to 37s. (Wore 40s out). This is an outstanding lift system. Great both on and Offroad

 

Updated the OP to reflect changes in opinion and to clarify desired information based on the responses received so far. Thank you everyone for your reassurance and assistance! It's a fairly major purchase and decision, and getting some help and reassurance I'm making the right choice is greatly appreciated!

 

Regarding your remaining questions, there are not a significant number of people here who run longarms and/or coilovers. If you don't get any replies, you might send a quick message to TheDirtman with a link to this thread. If you are really trying to talk yourself into going that route, I'm sure he'll have some advice you may not want to hear.

 

Haha, no, I I'm just making sure that I won't end up wishing I had long arms/coilovers in the future. So trying to be talked in to the short-arm setup, I guess!

And I'm sure TheDirtMan would say 2.5" is better than 3.5", too