We Like New Stuff, especially mechanical things that specifically relate to four-wheel-drive vehicles. So when Mel Wade, owner of Off Road Evolution, explained his new Jeep JK coilover cantilever suspension to us, we couldn't wait to see it in action. The goal was to create a suspension system that would allow the large wheel travel and articulation of a competition rock buggy, yet offer a safe and comfortable highway ride. This suspension is designed so it could be installed without major modifications to the frame or body of the JK, while improving on-road handling and creating exceptional off-road capability and performance, and unlike some racing coilover setups in which the shocks pass through the tub of the vehicle, the driver compartment was kept sealed.
The Evo Lever suspension system will fit all two- and four-door '07-and-newer Jeep JKs, and the kit is completely bolt-on so it can be installed by anyone that can use basic tools. The system is compatible with all aftermarket suspension systems except Rancho's long-arm kit.
The unique cantilever suspension is a combination of DOM tubing and coilovers that serves two functions. The first function is to locate the rearend with a properly located track bar and control the vehicle's side-to-side movement. The other function is to allow the extreme upward and downward travel of up to 14 inches, and it is completely adjustable. The suspension also keeps the coilovers mounted horizontally under the floor of the Jeep, rather than mounted vertically and protruding through the floorpan.
The Evo Lever coilover suspension...
The Evo Lever coilover suspension kit comes with everything needed and includes the subframe, Evo Levers, upper and lower track-bar and bumpstop relocation brackets, Evo Links, integrated competition-tuned single-rate sway bar, 3/4-inch chromoly Heim joints, stainless steel misalignments, four-ply limiting strap, and Grade 8 hardware. Coilover shocks and the skidplate are sold separately.
The Evo Lever is simple to...
The Evo Lever is simple to install. In fact, the heart of the system-the subframe, coilovers, and Levers-can easily be bolted together on the work bench and then fitted to the vehicle as a unit. The subframe, bracketry, and links are finished with a silver and black hammered powdercoat.
The system allows the installation...
The system allows the installation of long-travel coilover shocks in the rear of the vehicle without the need for any major cutting or fabrication. The system will work with any amount of lift height and will allow the use of 35- to 42-inch-tall tires. However, due to the configuration of the Jeep's factory wheelwells, trimming the body is required if 42-inch-tall tires are used.
This system is completely...
This system is completely bolt-on, but it's recommended that the Evo bracket attachment points around the axle be tack-welded or fully welded. This will ensure that critical components like the track-bar bracket and Evo Lever brackets will remain in place and won't loosen up over time.
The factory track bar is relocated...
The factory track bar is relocated forward of the rear axle, and the Evo system brackets keep it level at ride height, increasing stability and control of the vehicle's side-to-side movement. Once installed, the Evo system allows complete ride-height adjustment of 4 to 10 inches of lift.
Most off-the-shelf, major...
Most off-the-shelf, major name-brand coilovers can be used with the system. However, Off Road Evolution has a proprietary valving design that works best with the Evo Lever kit. The optional heavy-duty skidplate protects the subframe of the system and will keep its tubes from bending over time when the vehicle is used in extremely harsh conditions.