AAAAHHHHHH!!!! My head hurts from searching and reading and learning and searching and reading and learning and......

My '15 Unlimited Rubicon Hard Rock is a street machine & family hauler first, and eventually will get into some light off-roading on trails (there's not a whole lot where I live in SC, so I'd have to drive a little ways to get anywhere). For the time being, any off-roading would be extremely minor, such as going to a shooting, hunting, or camping. No plans to beat on the vehicle, since it's a daily driver. The largest tire I would ever run would be 35". I already have 4.10 gears, so I'm not looking to regear. I know my stock vehicle is more than capable of handling anything I would throw at it. But c'mon guys.... We all know a stock vehicle just doesn't look as good. We all enjoy "the look".

I'm only wanting to use quality parts, so I don't regret buying something cheap that performs subpar on the street or off-road. I'm kinda torn on exactly which route to go, so I've pitted a some kits against each other.

I'm considering two kits that use drop brackets, since I've read the geometry correction really helps with street manners. The downside is that clearance is lost for off-roading. The two kits I'm considering are:

- MetalCloak JK Wrangler Overland Suspension 2.5", RockSport Edition (Not sure which version - Touring, Sport, or Elite. Would look for guidance here.)
JK Overland Touring Suspension, RockSport Shocks
JK Overland Sport Kit RockSport Shocks
JK Overland Elite RockSport Shocks

- AEV JK DualSport XT Suspension 2.5"
American Expedition Vehicles - Brute Kit, V8 HEMI, Aftermarket Jeep Conversions, Products, Wheels, Accessories and Highline Kits for Jeeps (TJ, JK, WK, XK).

The AEV kit is a fair amount less expensive than the lowest cost MetalCloak Overland kit (Touring). Is the MetalCloak kit worth the cost? Would one of the other MetalCloak Overland kits be a better value for my use?



I'm also considering a couple kits that do not utilize the drop brackets, as they don't lose the ground clearance. When I spoke to MetalCloak, I was told the feeling on the road isn't much different, if at all, than the Overland kits. The kits I'm considering are:

- MetalCloak JK Wrangler True Dual-Rate Lift Kit, 2.5"/3.5", Long Travel ARB Edition
Metalcloak JK Wrangler Jeep Suspensions & Lift Kits

- Rock Krawler 4 Door JKU 2.5 Stock Mod - Stage 1 or Rock Krawler 4 Door JKU 2.5 Flex - Stage 1
4 Door JKU 2.5 Stock Mod - Stage 1
4 Door JKU 2.5 Flex - Stage 1

The Rock Krawler Flex kit is more expensive than the MetalCloak kit, but the Stock Mod kit is less expensive. Which of these three kits would be the better option?



So there are two manufacturers I'm considering for one with drop brackets to correct geometry, and two manufacturers for one without the brackets. Which type of kit would the best option for me? Which manufacturer offers what would be best for my use in either type?

Help me!!! My wife is getting sick of listening to me waffle around on it. lol

Thanks for any and all help/advice!

 

I am partial to AEV as that is what I have. Install went extremely well and the instructions were very clear and concise. However, I think you'd be happy with either. Flip a coin.

 

You think the type kit with the brackets for geometry is a better option than the kits without? What do you believe makes the AEV a better option over one of the MetalCloak Overland options? I have to admit that the AEV price is certainly attractive.

On a side note... Is the "1911" in your username in regards to the gun? I'm a bit of a 1911 addict (I have 18 with another on order, and my wife has 2 of her own), so the username caught my eye.

 

If you look at the three metal cloak kits the only difference is the addition of track bars and therefore the increase in price as you go to the "elite". Of all the lifts you are throwing out there personally I would do the MC elite at 2.5" for use with 35" tires and what you are describing what you are going to do with your jeep. The drop brackets will give better geometry over the RK kits and the dual track bars will allow you to align the axles better then the AEV kit. I also like the adjustable bump stops that mc offers as it gives you more flexibility to properly set up your shock and tire set up. I see many jeeps with too much bump stop that actually reduces the amount of articulation over a stock jeep because the kit they bought had too big a bump stop.

 

Out of that entire big ass book you wrote, this is what jumped out at me...

It sounds like the minimal loss of belly clearance will have absolutely no effect for the 99.9% of the time you use your jeep (I'm sure we could add a dozen more 9's to that...) If/when you eventually do start going offroad, the odds are probably pretty good that you will be going around any obstacle that would hit those brackets. So, just my opinion, save the money and drop the kits with arms for now. In a few years 'if' you decide to step up the offroad driving, you can always add a set then.

For which specific mfg to choose, flip a coin. Any of them should be fine for your needs. (I personally like metalcloak, though the shocks are still new enough that I haven't seen any reviews/comparisons yet)