MetalCloak Rear 4-Link Long Arm System for the Jeep Wrangler JK

The factory short arms on a JK carry a built-in compromise: the higher you lift the vehicle, the further the pinion angle drifts and the more the wheelbase moves through the suspension cycle. On a tall lift that shows up as driveline vibration, a nervous rear end at speed and uneven axle behaviour at the extremes of travel.

This kit converts the rear to long arms. The wheelbase stays close to constant through the whole cycle, the pinion angle comes back to sane numbers, and all four arms run on Duroflex joints that do not bind as the body articulates. MetalCloak states the system improves the CTI score over a DB3 system of similar height.

Read this before you buy

This is not a simple bolt-on. The install requires cutting off the factory rear control arm brackets and drilling. MetalCloak aims the system at rock crawlers who need precision in wheelbase and pinion angle. It is also sold as a complete system only — components cannot be swapped or removed, and parts you decide not to use cannot be returned. Individual components are available separately if that is what you need.

Key benefits

• Consistent wheelbase through the suspension cycle – long arms sweep a much larger radius, so the axle does not walk fore and aft as the suspension compresses.
• Improved pinion angle – which translates directly into how the driveline behaves on a tall lift.
• Lower arms in 2.0in DOM tube with 1/4in wall – the heaviest tube in the system, where the hits land.
• Upper arms in 1.5in DOM tube with 3/16in wall, formed for clearance through full travel.
• Forged threaded ends – MetalCloak quotes 37% higher fatigue strength than cast equivalents.
• Duroflex joints at both ends of every arm – 34° of misalignment, self-centering, low maintenance and rebuildable, in an elastomer compounded with DuPont Kevlar fibre.
• Joints centered and aligned – MetalCloak points out it does not use the cheaper off-centre build, which means less wear and an easier install.
• 1/4in plate brackets, angled so obstacles slide over rather than catch.
• Gold zinc finish throughout and made in the USA.

What's in the kit

• 2 × rear upper long arm (part no. 7293)
• 2 × rear lower long arm (part no. 7294)
• 2 × frame mounted lower control arm bracket
• all required hardware

Technical data

• Application: Jeep Wrangler JK, 2 and 4 door
• Recommended lift range: 4.5in – 6.5in
• Lower arms: 2.0in DOM tube, 1/4in wall (approx. 6.4 mm)
• Upper arms: 1.5in DOM tube, 3/16in wall (approx. 4.8 mm)
• Joints: Duroflex, vulcanised elastomer with DuPont Kevlar fibre, two per arm
• Joint misalignment: 34°
• Ends: forged, threaded, with precision locking nut
• Lower control arm brackets: 1/4in steel plate
• Coating: gold zinc
• Installation difficulty: moderate
• Installation time: 6–8 hours
• Modification: cutting and drilling required
• Shipping weight: approx. 22.7 kg
• Country of manufacture: USA

Who it is for

For JKs built for rock crawling and for a serious lift — MetalCloak recommends it on kits from 4.5 to 6.5 inches. This is for a vehicle whose suspension is meant to be worked out rather than just raised: if you are fighting pinion angle, driveline vibration or a rear end that feels nervous on fast gravel, this is the part. On a 2 to 3 inch lift it makes little sense, because the factory geometry still copes there.

Installation notes

MetalCloak rates the install as moderate and quotes 6–8 hours. The factory rear control arm brackets have to be cut off and drilling is involved — this is not driveway work with a spanner. An alignment by a suspension specialist is recommended once a MetalCloak suspension is installed.

The brackets are designed to bolt on, but MetalCloak also allows welding them. If you go that way, grind the zinc coating off completely first — welding over zinc releases toxic fumes.

We fit this kit in house. Szekla4x4.pl is an authorised MetalCloak dealer with an off-road workshop and experience in JK suspension conversions, including the cutting and welding this system calls for.

Why it is worth it

• It fixes geometry rather than just raising the vehicle — on a tall lift that is the difference between "it drives" and "it drives well".
• Materials chosen for real loads: heavy DOM tube, forged ends, 1/4in plate brackets.
• Duroflex joints are rebuildable, so the kit has a horizon longer than one season.

Not sure whether this system makes sense with your lift? Send us the kit height and how the vehicle is used and we will tell you straight.

Frequently asked questions

What lift height does this kit suit?

MetalCloak recommends its JK long arms on lift kits from 4.5in to 6.5in.

Does the install require cutting?

Yes. The factory rear control arm brackets have to be cut off and the install also involves drilling. MetalCloak rates the difficulty as moderate and quotes 6–8 hours.

Can the brackets be welded instead of bolted?

They can — MetalCloak designed them to bolt on but leaves room to weld. Grind the zinc coating off completely before welding, because the fumes it gives off are toxic.

Can I buy only part of the kit?

Not as this listing — MetalCloak sells it as a complete system and does not accept returns of individual components. The individual parts are available separately as their own products.

Do the Duroflex joints need servicing?

MetalCloak describes them as low maintenance and rebuildable, with 34° of misalignment and a self-centering design.

Is an alignment needed afterwards?

Yes. MetalCloak recommends having a suspension specialist align the vehicle once its suspension is installed.