MetalCloak Rear Coil Spring Retainers, Jeep Wrangler JK, Pair

A coil spring on a Jeep is not bolted to anything. It is held by load — and when a wheel drops fully and that load disappears, the spring can come out of its seat or start rattling in it. As the axle comes back up it can then reseat crooked.

This kit closes that off. Two retainers in 1/4in steel plate (approx. 6.4 mm), laser cut, gold zinc finished, that bolt the spring down to the perch on the axle. Grade 8 bolts, long-tab flag nuts and lock washers included.

Bolt-on, no modification. The manufacturer rates it easy, 1 hour.

⚠ Do you actually need these? The manufacturer answers honestly

This is a rare case of a manufacturer talking itself out of a sale — worth repeating rather than hiding. MetalCloak writes on its own page:

"While MetalCloak's True Dual Rate Coils ensure the spring stays in contact at full droop, not all coils are made the same. If you have other aftermarket coils, or your custom set up depends on limiting straps or uses the shocks as an end stop, it is possible for the coil to come loose or, worst case, fall out if those limiters break unexpectedly."

In plain terms:

• Running MetalCloak True Dual Rate coils? They are designed to stay seated at full droop — a retainer is then a belt-and-braces measure rather than a necessity.
• Running another brand's coils? Here the retainer genuinely earns its place — shorter springs can leave the seat at large travel.
• Is your travel limited by a strap or by the shock? Then definitely yes. If the strap breaks or a shock mount lets go, there is nothing left holding the spring. One of the manufacturer's customers put it briefly: a must have if you have no limit straps and plenty of travel.

What it actually does

• Bolts the spring to the perch on the axle – the round plate laps over the lower coil and holds it into the seat.
• Stops the rattle – the spring cannot move in the seat when unloaded.
• Covers you if a limiter fails – this is the scenario that really justifies having it.

What's in the kit

• 2 × coil spring retainer — 1/4in steel plate, laser cut, gold zinc
• 2 × grade 8 bolt, zinc plated
• 2 × flag nut with tab
• 2 × lock washer, black zinc

A set for both sides of the rear axle.

Technical data

• Application: Jeep Wrangler JK 2007–2018, rear axle
• Function: holds the lower coil into its seat on the axle
• Contents: a pair of retainers with all hardware
• Material: 1/4in (approx. 6.4 mm) hot rolled steel plate, laser cut
• Bolts: grade 8, zinc plated
• Finish: gold zinc
• Installation: bolt-on, no drilling or welding
• Installation difficulty: easy
• Body modification: none
• Time to install: 1 hour
• Shipping weight: approx. 0.91 kg
• Country of manufacture: USA

Installation — one practical note

Fitting is simple: plate onto the spring, bolt through the hole in the perch, flag nut underneath. The manufacturer allows an hour.

Honestly, about one detail: a review on the manufacturer's page notes that there is very little room for fingers under the spring perch, and the flag nut's tab is short — you have to hold it with your fingertips to line it up with the hole. The customer called it "a little frustrating, but doable". Worth knowing before you get under the vehicle; done alongside a spring or shock change it is far easier.

Szekla4x4.pl is an authorised MetalCloak dealer with a workshop specialising in off-road suspension — if you are having springs changed anyway, we will fit the retainers at the same time.

Who they are for

For vehicles with plenty of suspension travel, particularly those whose travel is limited by a strap or by the shock, and for anyone running another brand's springs. Also for anyone whose spring simply rattles in its seat over rough ground.

It is the best-rated MetalCloak item in our range — 96% from five reviews. The recurring theme: easy to fit, and "something you should have".

Why they are worth it

• Cheap insurance against a scenario that ends with a spring on the road.
• 1/4in plate and grade 8 bolts — a part with strength in reserve.
• Bolt-on, with no drilling or welding.
• They also cure a spring rattling in its seat.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need them with MetalCloak True Dual Rate coils?

The manufacturer states its coils stay seated at full droop, so it is not necessary. The retainer is then an extra safeguard — worth having especially if your travel is limited by a strap or a shock.

Do they suit other brands' springs?

Yes — and that is their main use. The manufacturer says plainly that not all coils stay in the seat at full droop.

Is this a set for both sides?

Yes, two retainers with all the hardware.

Do they fit the front?

No. This kit is for the rear axle.

Is any drilling or welding required?

No. Fitting uses the existing hole in the spring perch.

Is it a difficult install?

The manufacturer rates it easy, 1 hour. The only awkward moment is getting the flag nut under the perch — there is not much room for fingers.

Do they limit suspension travel?

No. They hold the spring in its seat; they do not shorten travel.