-------------
Matson,
I thought I would pass this along as a testimony. Over the last year I've been doing a build, all work done by me (with the exception of 5:13 gears installed), of my 2004 Wrangler LJ. What started out a bone stock Wrangler has undergone a major transformation. Although I originally didn't plan it that way, a majority of the build has been done utilizing many of your products, to include:
- - Short arm long travel suspension kit
- - Rear extended corner guards
- - Front and rear fenders
- - Rocker guards
Because it's such a critical part of any build, I suffered a great deal of angst debating suspension choices. The normal short arm, long arm, and even custom mid arm choices all made for a dizzying array of options. In the end it came down to two short arm choices, including Currie and Metalcloak. Although folks tried to sway me towards Currie, largely due to the proven nature, I was looking for a new and refreshing alternative. Even though your product hasn't been out as long and proliferated, I knew you were on to something that others would be hesitant to adopt, that is your Duroflex joint. Also, others that were uniformed tried to sway me towards a long arm option saying that it's ride and flex would be far superior to any short arm.
I'm here to tell you that they couldn't have been more wrong. After doing the install the ride, with 35" tires, is so much better than any other Wrangler I've driven that had 33" tires. Also, I had chance to enter a RTI contest yesterday at a local Jeep show. Admittedly, I was hesitant to do so, for fear of being dissapointed. However, seeing the number of well built jeeps, I figured it was a good opportunity to see how I stacked up against those short, mid, and long arm variants I had considered. The competition was small, but did include CJ, YJ, TJ, LJ, and JK models, some of which had expensive competitor suspensions. I did a few practice runs, holding back slightly, to see where I stood. When the contest was over I had taken first place, with a perfect score of 1000. Yes RTIs are varied and my score may not have actually been perfect, but it was on that ramp, for that day. Many people gathered round and were shocked at how well a short arm could flex, and were amazed that I beat out a couple of serious looking competitors.
I did also want to mention that I'm impressed with the fit quality of everything I purchased from Metalcloak. I've installed many products over the years, on a number of different vehicle platforms, and everything I got from you fit exactly as it should. I honestly can't say this about any other manufacturer/vendor I've dealt with. Bottom line, I couldn't be more happy with the products and how they work together. Since I'm guessing your not a huge company, please pass my note on to your employees, so they can see the impact of what they do. That is, make a great product that fits and works as it should. I know it's a little thing in the grand scheme of things, but here are some photos to go along with the words (Before the build, After the build, On the ramp, and the Trophy). Many thanks, keep up the great work!Rich
