Kevin McNulty
Former Editor, Mud Life
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.
