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JKS flex link real world test.

36K views 149 replies 35 participants last post by  squinko 
#1 · (Edited)
Let me start out by saying I have had good experience with JKS in the past and have used their adj. discos and adj links in the past and still use the adj links on the rear of my rubicon.
When I saw the flex links it looked like a great idea and even tho I was put off by the $299 price tag I ended up succumbing to my impulses, which is rare for me to buy on impulse.

So yesterday I went wheeling for the day and put the flex links to the test. I went on a trail that some of you know but most won't, it is the Fisher lake trail in Montana near Phillipsburg. It is a day long trail that has a little of everything but mostly just long rough sections that if you want you can take at speed.

I intentionally did not engage my elect disconnects so the flex joints could get a work out.



there is lots of this type of terrain and I really did drive it fast to see how well the flex joints reacted. Here is the results.




as you can see in the stock form that the links come they really have very little travel and unless you spend an extra $95 you will get 0 benefit in my opinion. I could tell no difference between the stock links and the flex links. I have done this trail many times including 4 times this year so I have a pretty good basis for comparison.

The links may work great with the additional springs the $95 kit provides but I am not willing to take the gamble. I know jkeeper has said his worked great so maybe the vehicle has some bearing on how they work seat of the pants. Mine is a 14 jkur with 2.5" RK lift. I did put my Toyo 35's back on so I was running a heavier tire. I also run bfg ko2 in 34's and was thinking maybe the tire/wheel combo was too light to get them to flex but that was not the case for me.

I think JKS should say that without the additional spring pack there will be no real seat of the pants difference between these and stock.
 
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#130 ·
I follow this thread and was wondering if anyone could update with their recent experiences. I'm about to trash my Rock Krawler disconnects because of all the noise they make. I'd like to try these Flex Connects but I'm a little reluctant because of the price. The reviews seem mixed. I live in a rural area with garbage county roads. A lot of potholes, ruts, and even gravel.
 
#132 ·
I installed the Flex Connect about 10 days ago. I tried the yellow springs first, for about a week. With the rough roads around me, I thought for sure they'd be the right choice. And they really weren't bad... just a little softer than I wanted. Two days ago I put the red springs in, and bingo... exactly what I was looking for. The ride on my Jeep was good already, but the Flex Connect with red springs smoothed things out even more.

My one problem with them is on the passenger side, where the fixed link goes. My axle has the track bar/steering stabilizer bracket welded on from the Artec armor kit. That bracket makes it impossible to remove the bottom joint from the quick disconnect post. Just not enough gap. To remove the link, I'd have to remove the entire quick disconnect post. The Rock Krawler disconnects I had previously were not as wide, and could fit. These Flex Connect bushings are much bigger than the ones on the Rock Krawler. It likely won't be an issue for me, since disconnecting isn't needed on the trails I'm likely to be on. I'll throw the blue springs in when needed.

I'm happy with the purchase. Picture of the clearance issue below:
 

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#133 ·
Question for those of you running these for a while now...

How often do you swap springs? I can envision running yellows on road, but wanting the blue springs for a technical trail ride, then yellows again for the drive home?
Maybe once I actually try them out I will understand this is not necessary, but it seems like that is the point of different springs?

I'm still running the stock rear bar and have a rubi e-disco up front.
 
#140 ·
In a coilover, yes. Not in this application however. If you look at the cut away you can see how the link works. If you were to compress the link only one spring will compress. If you extend the link the other spring compresses. When the axle flexes one way the link will compress and when it flexes the other way it will extend, which is why it will give you different roll resistances in either direction. I know this sounds confusing, but the spring setup is a bit different than in a coilover.
 
#144 · (Edited)
I paid $300 and got a second pair of springs with the quick discos.. If you go to morris4x4 they have them priced wrong (cheaper than non-discos) and will honor the price. With some negotiating you can get them less than advertised, shipping free and (out of the state of Florida) tax free...

Kinda like comparing apples and oranges..
 
#145 ·
Anyone running the Flex Connect's have ADS shocks by chance? I have the ADS shocks with 20 adjustments per shock so I am able to really soften the ride or make it very stiff. Just curious if a set of these would be beneficial or not. Or just soften the shock and get about the same result.

Great thread!!
 
#146 ·
Good question. I'll give it a bump to see if we can give you some action.
 
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