Wednesday, November 5, 2014

How to Eliminate Radius Arm Bind...

Meet the "Lock-N-Load" (Patent Pending ID# 14/469,438) - our solution for Radius Arm Bind.



As we started developing a long-arm kit for TJ, we knew doing a Radius Arm would be an easier install and a better fit for many of our customers.

The challenge with radius arms is the binding that occurs at full articulation, which not only limits travel, but can put extraordinary stress on your joints (premature wear is common).

The Lock-N-Load is our offering of a solution.

How does it work? The Lock-N-Load contains springs that allow the arm to move in and out in a slow, controlled, manner - eliminating the bind that may be caused by the radius arm.



In addition, you can "Lock-It" by a few turns of the arm (notice the wrench flats) which removes its compression capability, allowing for more stability for every day driving.

Here you can see it in position on the front of Cloak1, our shop TJ.



In essence...

The Lock-N-Load
  • Eliminates Radius Arm Bind
  • Still Acts as a Fully Functional Rigid Control Arm
  • "Lock-It" for Daily Driving
  • "Load-It" for Trail Articulation
And, while it was developed to be part of our own TJ/LJ Long Arm Suspension System, it is currently available on our website as a stand-alone product.

Here is a short video that explains how it works and shows the arm in action.



And, as always, your feedback is welcome and appreciated.

Learn more at Metalcloak.com

Wednesday, October 15, 2014

JK Frame Built Bumper Redesign...

NEW NEWS! Our JK Frame-Built Bumper System just went through a redesign.




To the naked eye, not much has changed in the overall rugged look and trail tested design...

However, there is one critical element that has been updated based on your feedback.

You no longer have to cut off the cross member from the front frame rails to mount our bumper base!

This makes it a lot easier to install for the average user. The cross member can still be removed for clearance, but is not required for use. Here is the new installation video...


(NOTE: The change also modified the fitment of the end caps and accessories. This means that the current end caps will not fit on legacy models of the JK Frame-Built Bumper. If you have an original model and would like to replace an end cap or add a hoop, just give us a call and we will ensure you get the original replacement.)

Tuesday, September 2, 2014

A Great Customer Testimonial... (TJ/LJ Suspension Products)

We are truly fortunate to have great customers... and it is emails like this that inspire us to keep doing what we do: Creating the BEST Products and the BEST Customer Experience...

-------------

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:

  1. - Short arm long travel suspension kit
  2. - Rear extended corner guards
  3. - Front and rear fenders
  4. - 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

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

JK Exhaust Spacers from Metalcloak - Finally.

Metalcloak is proud to now offer Exhaust Spacers for all of our Jeep JK Wrangler 2012 - 2014 customers.



CNC precision machined, the spacers are easy to install and you can now source one more part from Metalcloak when you are getting your Metalcloak Suspension System.

Learn more: http://www.metalcloak.com/JK-Exhaust-Spacer-Kit-p/7078.htm

Friday, June 27, 2014

*NEW* Metalcloak JK Overland Rockers & Flip Steps

So, back in the day, as part of our original Metalcloak Body Armor System for the TJ/LJ we had an innovative Rocker System we called the Flip Step.

Here is an image for those of you who may not be familiar.



We discontinued the product in late 2009 in favor of our Rocker Rail system which was significantly easier for the customers to install.

Well... now it's back. Not for the TJ, but for the JK.

A much simpler version, it is easy to install and looks good with or without the additional Flip Step.

The system has two parts... the base, or what we call the Overland Rocker...


And the Flip Step...



Two positions, the Flip Step can be a low step that hangs down, or a straight out like a truck rocker.

We classify these as Overland, because, while they will protect your Jeep's body, they are not meant to be the strength enduring Rocker Rails that are part of our Rock-Biting Body Armor line.

And they can be used with our Rocker ExoSkins for that complete look.

We look forward, as always, to your Feedback.