Need opinions on AEV suspension/tire upfgrade

[LL247]

Hey guys, I'd like to gather some input since I can't seem to make up my mind. My JKUR is currently sitting on a 2'' spacer lift and 33'' Cooper ST Maxx's, now I'm looking to upgrade the suspension. Here's what I can't decide, should I go with the AEV 2.5 lift and keep the current tires...or should I go up to the 3.5 or 4.5 and go with a larger tire? Gearing is not an issue with larger tires since I'm running with 4:10's currently. Can't decide what to do! Obviously the more cost effective route is the 2.5 since my tires are basically new, however I don't want to re-do a lift in a year. Rather spend the extra few thousand now rather than later, do it right the first time. And to those that have the AEV setup, is there a difference in rise quality between the 2.5 and the 3-4.5? Any input is appreciated! Scheduling the first service at the dealer and want to have the lift done at the same time (AEV dealer and it's all factory warrantied when they do it). Below is the current setup with the spacer lift.

 

[HAFICON]

I did AEV 2.5 and 35's great combo also the 2.5 and 33s will be nice. Can't go wrong with AEV. Just a heads up on the warranty if the dealer does it, then it will be dealer warranted not factory so if something happened Jeep is not going to help you and if you were to go to another dealer for some reason they will not honor the lift's warranty in most situations. Now all that is just from my experience things could be different in your case I would just double check them on what they tell you.

 

[kojackJKU]

Sit down and really think about if you NEED 35s and 3.5" of lift. If you come up with a no, say you are after nailing the bottom of your rig ALOT, then yes. 35s and 3.5 inches may be warranted. If its for looks, stick with 2.5" and 33s and enjoy a much better all around Jeep for everything.

 

[LL247]

I've been weighing it back and forth this morning and am leaning towards the 2.5 since this is my DD and I don't do hard-core wheeling. I'm happy with the 2'' lift right now (other than the quality of ride) and am not convinced I really need a larger tire. Plus it gives me more resources to purchase bumpers, winch, and rack much sooner. My last few JK's were 4+'' lift and 35'' tires and I think that's my auto-programming for some reason. As for the warranty, dealer told me it's factory warrantied since they're an AEV dealer...but I might've heard that wrong. Either way it's no big deal, they're close and I use them for all my servicing anyways. HAFICON, am I correct in assuming the AEV 2.5 rides a lot better than stock?

 

[RodB]

Is your 2" spacer lift also from AEV?

 

[wADVr]

I was going to say just leave it alone until you decide what you want but if the current ride is that bad, give the 2.5 a try. I have the 3.5 and really wish it was an inch lower even with the 37s even with the stock flares before going to the MCE flat fenders. But it's all personal preference, I read the recommendations of 4.5" on 35s and can't beleive it but each to their own. The 2.5 kit has less extra stuff that you can decide if you want or not- Procal, hi steer kit(although is not recommended for the 2.5 as you would loose uptravel to allow it to clear), ca drop brackets etc.

 

[knockabout]

"since this is my DD and I don't do hard-core wheeling". That statement makes me say stay with 2 1/2. Just my opinion of course. As a DD you will get a nicer ride and avoid a LOT of the cost associated with going bigger..current cost and future costs. Also the 2 1/2 will amaze you off rode. It's what I did and no regrets at all. However we all have egos to feed at various levels so if you want the baddest looking and cost is not an issue (which honestly it was for me, previous TJ had a 4" lift with all the bells and whistles as they say) you will not be disappointed with the bigger lift. I just wanted the best DD with of course extras like a solid bumper and winch, rails, etc. Bottom line is you will be happy AEV.

 

[Hilldweller]

If you go to larger tires you'd also want to sleeve and gusset the axles; I've seen so many bend/crack just from light wheeling. Tire weight adds up.

I'd stick with 33s and 2.5". I'd further recommend a Rock Krawler lift over AEV too.

 

[LL247]

Thanks for all the insight guys, reinforces what my original thoughts were. My other JKU's were overbuilt for what I used them for, then eventually I disliked driving them because of it. Maybe it's a 'guy thing' wanting to have the biggest and baddest even if it's totally unnecessary. A couple of the above points are pretty valid, and with how I'm using it...the 2.5 makes more sense. Guess it's time to start a build thread?

 

[FastGlass]

Here...lemme "help" you decide
Not a guy thing here, just overbuilt for a dual use HD trail rig and Overlander for photography based trips.
AEV 4.5 RS shocks and springs, 35.75" actual KM2's:

 

[LL247]

Oh I have seen pics of your JK on here and it's one of the bad influences on my decision. Beautiful jeep!

 

[expedition4x4]

If you go to larger tires you'd also want to sleeve and gusset the axles; I've seen so many bend/crack just from light wheeling. Tire weight adds up.

I'd stick with 33s and 2.5". I'd further recommend a Rock Krawler lift over AEV too.

Its the weak front axle from Mopar. The tube wall is 1/4" and the Dana 44 rubicon has same tubes as the Dana 30.

 

[HAFICON]

Yes LL247 I think the AEV 2.5 rides much better than stock. I added a 1" body lift for a little extra clearance on tires. I an Very happy with my setup.

 

[mikeJKUR]

I've been weighing it back and forth this morning and am leaning towards the 2.5 since this is my DD and I don't do hard-core wheeling. I'm happy with the 2'' lift right now (other than the quality of ride) and am not convinced I really need a larger tire. Plus it gives me more resources to purchase bumpers, winch, and rack much sooner. My last few JK's were 4+'' lift and 35'' tires and I think that's my auto-programming for some reason. As for the warranty, dealer told me it's factory warrantied since they're an AEV dealer...but I might've heard that wrong. Either way it's no big deal, they're close and I use them for all my servicing anyways. HAFICON, am I correct in assuming the AEV 2.5 rides a lot better than stock?

If you are happy with the 2" size why go up to the 2.5" size?

Can't expect alot from a simple spacer lift. What do not like about it?

 

[FastGlass]

Oh I have seen pics of your JK on here and it's one of the bad influences on my decision. Beautiful jeep!

Sorry...I'm loving my baby lately..couldn't resist an opportunity to post more pics
In all seriousness though, if mine was solely intended for full time overlanding specifically, I'd STILL get an AEV suspension kit. I'd consider a 3.5" kit with the high steer and the ProCal. Once you get to this kit, (and possibly the 2.5 too) you get a bolt in system that is designed flawlessly to produce better than factory on and off road handling. The 3 rate progressive springs they make are designed to keep a vehicle at its rated lift virtually regardless of how much weight you throw at it...or don't. Winches, fridges, HD bumpers, shelves, racks...gear..whatever. Pack it in, 3.5" lift.....unload it, smidge over. The shocks are also not standard Bilsteins...they've been valved for this kit. The high steer option does VERY good things for the handling on road and off of the jeep too. Nothing is adjustable...AND THIS IS A GOOD THING. There's nothing that NEEDS to be adjusted...the brackets they include take care of anything you'd care to deal with most likely. Bolt it in...go play.
I really feel that if your intention is overlanding and such, you can't go wrong with this kit overall, and it allows you the flexibility to run 35's if you so choose down the road...if only 33's, you'd have good room for articulation on the trails. Win/win...