Metal Tech/Aftermarket Rear LCA Feedback?

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DJWUZJ

DJWUZJ

10 Year
Joined
Aug 4, 2012
Threads
41
Messages
525
Location
Fairfax, VA
I've been trying to find feedback from others regarding their MetalTech/Aftermarket Rear LCA's, but not finding much out there.

My goal is to put something a little beefier back there that I don't have to worry about banging up - but what has my attention is whether the Johnny Joints in the MT version offer a guy like me any added advantage?

I'm running OME 866 with Fox Shox 2.0. Will I need to go to a long travel rear to see any added advantage here?

For the cost, I'm happy to give it a run and see where it goes, unless anyone tells me otherwise!
 
I have uppers and lowers, plus pan hard rod. You indicate two objectives- beefier and inquire about needed longer travel to realize gain.

The only added benefits I have had are beefier ( I wheel it hard and it takes a lot of impact). So far so good. I do have long travel one in the back, 863 springs and 2.5 inch lift- it didn't seem to affect articulation, however, it allows for a better pinion angle. I found it cheap insurance for taking hard hits on control arms and bushings were buggered anyways. No different feel on the highway. Mine were custom made using the Johnny joints and dom - pretty easy to build or have built and saved me on shipping/customs to canada. Otherwise, they cost about the same to what is being offered - competitive for the vendors out there


Sent from my iPhone
 
jgray said:
Just throwing another option out there... Have you seen these?

http://hfs4x4.com/4x4-products/hfs-suspension-links
Click to expand...

Good pull. Just had a good chat with them.
The discernible differences include:
- HFS has .04 less thickness in wall tubing
- HFS are not offset like MT version
- $40 less in cost than MT (+ lower shipping for us east coasters)
- MT includes new hardware
- HFS has option for adjustable lowers (for those inclined - recommended if running 6+" of lift) whereas they are standard with MT

Long story short, HFS has sold 3 sets for the 100 series, and soonest they would have items in stock to build/ship would be April.

May mull over the options this week and go from there.
 
Last edited:
DJWUZJ said:
Good pull. Just had a good chat with them. The discernible differences include: - .04 less thickness in wall tubing - Are not offset like MT version - $40 less in cost than MT (+ lower shipping for us east coasters) - Option for adjustable lowers (for those inclined - recommended if running 6+" of lift) whereas they are standard with MT Long story short, they've sold 3 sets for the 100 series (which of you mudders have them?), and soonest they would have items in stock to build/ship would be April. May mull over the options this week and go from there.
Click to expand...

Jonharis and I have them. They do not come with hardware. I reused factory hardware and have clicking due to the bolt being slightly too small. Like all other "upgrades" you have to maintain them. Keep them greased or they get noisy. I have dropped in them tons of times with no bending. Not sure I can measure how much "extra" flex I get from the different joint type. I think like most other upgrades, since I paid for them, I " feel" like I get some better results. I have the uppers and lowers from HFS. I think Harris does too.
 
bluecruiser said:
Jonharis and I have them. They do not come with hardware. I reused factory hardware and have clicking due to the bolt being slightly too small. Like all other "upgrades" you have to maintain them. Keep them greased or they get noisy. I have dropped in them tons of times with no bending. Not sure I can measure how much "extra" flex I get from the different joint type. I think like most other upgrades, since I paid for them, I " feel" like I get some better results. I have the uppers and lowers from HFS. I think Harris does too.
Click to expand...

Thanks Chris! I'll go back to update and note that hardware is included with the MT version.
 
DJWUZJ said:
I've been trying to find feedback from others regarding their MetalTech/Aftermarket Rear LCA's, but not finding much out there.

My goal is to put something a little beefier back there that I don't have to worry about banging up - but what has my attention is whether the Johnny Joints in the MT version offer a guy like me any added advantage?

I'm running OME 866 with Fox Shox 2.0. Will I need to go to a long travel rear to see any added advantage here?

For the cost, I'm happy to give it a run and see where it goes, unless anyone tells me otherwise!
Click to expand...

The johnny joints are super reliable and have been the off road industry standard for longevity. The only thing different is that we are calling out the center ball to fit inside a 100 series frame mount. Guys have gone upwards to 50,000 miles with zero maintenance. If you do need to rebuild them the rebuild kit is around $10 each.

As far as performance having the Johnny Joint on one end will allow easier freedom of movement for the axle. Instead of a bushing/bushing design where there is constant resistance you now have a misalignment joint that will allow for easier twist.
 
I have the MT off-set links. I can't say enough good things about them. My OEM links were so bent up my axle was not sitting straight.

Since I am running 35's with no BL I was getting a little rub on the forward section of the rear wheel well, I took some measurements and pushed my rear axle back .5" and adjusted the pinion angle slightly. I honestly didn't really notice a huge improvement on road, but I have dropped my truck on them a few times. My frame mount is actually cracked, the only thing holding it together is the bolts. I do need to get that fixed...
 
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