2 1/2” Lift - MetalCloak or AEV

[Danarch]

I’ve decided on a 2 1/2” suspension lift. I’ve narrowed the choices down between MetalCloak DualRate or AEV Dualsport. JK is a DD, but want decent off-road capability too. Overall so far I am leaning towards the AEV as it seems like a nice setup as a package, shocks, no spacers required, I will get geomerty correction brackets. I called and spoke with AEV and they confirmed their system is geared towards overlanding, but that the articulation would be the same or better then stock (actually better). My concern is I don’t want to be limited when rock crawling, not that it is my main type of off roading. But I do live in Northern CA which is close to some great trails, so wondering if the MetalCloak would be a better option. After speaking with MetalCloak they confirmed either 1 1/2” spacers would be required or different wheels along with an exhaust spacer. I am not really sure I am comfortable with spacers (no plans in near future for new wheels / tires just bought new tires), exhaust spacer I assume is no really big deal.

1. Does anyone have the AEV system and does some mild rock crawling and wish they had bought something else?
2. If you have AEV, did the articulation end up being better or are you happy with the articulation?
3. Anything else between the two I am overlooking?

2015 JKU, Rubicon HR, mostly stock at this point other then winch, some skid plates, and lighting so not a lot of extra weight added. I don’t have plans for over landing so won’t be a lot of weight added for that.

Thank you.

 

[Bw2368]

I have a 2015 JKUR with the 2.5" AEV with geometry correction brackets. Running BFG KO2s 285/75 R17s It rides nice but I haven't taken it rock crawling yet. Hopefully this summer I'll get a chance to try it out.

 

[Danarch]

I have a 2015 JKUR with the 2.5" AEV with geometry correction brackets. Running BFG KO2s 285/75 R17s It rides nice but I haven't taken it rock crawling yet. Hopefully this summer I'll get a chance to try it out.

Thank you for the input. Been doing some additional research seems like a good setup. I am thinking it may be a better option to install adjustable lower control arms for $200-$250 (so $150 more then the brackets) in lieu of the correction brackets, seems like that would accomplish the same thing and keep a little more clearance.

 

[IndianaJeepDad]

I have the AEV JK 4.5" Dualsport with the high capacity coil springs on my 2016 Hardrock riding on 37's. The ONLY downside I've found is climbing in! I love the ride, handling, articulation...you name it. I can comfortably run 80 mph down the interstate on the way to the trails. (Over 80, the wind becomes an issue due to height, not the suspension) Cornering is not an issue on road. The springs are just stiff enough roll-out is not an issue, but soft enough the ride is comfortable. AEV engineered it perfectly as far as I'm concerned.
I haven't had an opportunity to push the sytsem to it's limits off-road yet, but it has EASILY conquered anything I've tried thus far.
If I ever start over, there is no doubt it will be AEV suspension!!!!
PS - It makes me laugh every time my wife tells someone "that jacked up jeep, is the easiest vehicle we own to park". She may be coming around...

 

[Danarch]

@IndianaJeepDad thank you for your input!

 

[mrjp]

I have pretty much the same as @IndianaJeepDad and his description is spot on. The ride on road and off road is great. I defiantly would go AEV if I was to buy another jeep.

 

[Danarch]

@mrjp did you go with the correction brackets? I was thinking of using the correction brackets, but now just thinking about getting a pair of adjustable lower control arms, do you have any thoughts on that approac?

 

[mrjp]

@mrjp did you go with the correction brackets? I was thinking of using the correction brackets, but now just thinking about getting a pair of adjustable lower control arms, do you have any thoughts on that approac?

I have correction brackets. It was that way when I bought it a few years ago. I would go with adjustable control arms so you can set your caster to what runs best for you.

 

[Danarch]

I have correction brackets. It was that way when I bought it a few years ago. I would go with adjustable control arms so you can set your caster to what runs best for you.

Thank you for the input. Do you know if the uppers would need to be changed too?

 

[mrjp]

Yes you need both to keep the axle centered in the proper position

 

[Danarch]

Yes you need both to keep the axle centered in the proper position

Just trying to figure out the correct path here. I understand about keeping the axle centered in proper position. Per AEV the corrections brackets aren’t required, but yes recommened by them. If the correction brackets are installed (or not) there isn’t any mention for the upper control arms to be changed / modified. So if I ended up doing adjustable lower control arms, why would the uppers need to be changed out? Again this is for the 2.5” lift. I am tempted to see how it drives without the brackets. Not because of cost just curious how it will handle. But not sure what cons their may be even if it “seems” to drive okay.

 

[Jermbob28]

Hands down Metalcloak if you are gonna wheel. I was just at their flex trailer. I have the Metalcloak gamechanger 3.5” but with Falcon 3.3s and scored an 850. Metalcloak was consistently pulling in higher flex numbers than any other box lift kits there. Besides Metalcloak I saw Teraflex, procomp, aev, old man emu, mopar, rough country, and rock krawler. Rock crawler probably came the closest to second (averages). Anyway, it depends on your use. Rock crawling, overlanding, both, mall crawling?

 

[Jermbob28]

Also my buddy has the Metalcloak 2.5” and it drives great.

 

[mrjp]

Just trying to figure out the correct path here. I understand about keeping the axle centered in proper position. Per AEV the corrections brackets aren’t required, but yes recommened by them. If the correction brackets are installed (or not) there isn’t any mention for the upper control arms to be changed / modified. So if I ended up doing adjustable lower control arms, why would the uppers need to be changed out? Again this is for the 2.5” lift. I am tempted to see how it drives without the brackets. Not because of cost just curious how it will handle. But not sure what cons their may be even if it “seems” to drive okay.

You are correct 2.5 don't require much correction so brackets would help. No need for upper correction.