AEV Suspension questions from the newb

[GKSJeep]

I am planning on upgrading my suspension on my 2017 Jeep Rubicon in the near future and most likely I will be going with the 3.5" though after watching Dan Grec's videos I may consider getting the 2.5. The main reason I will most likely pick the 3.5" is the extra weight and this is where my first question comes in:

When AEV states the vehicle recommended weight over stock 0-400 pounds, what do they mean by that? Is that increased payload to 1280lbs? Increased GVWR? Both?

Should I go with the SC or RS suspensions? It seems like the only difference are the shocks. My Jeep is my daily driver. I also take it out on the trails in SoCal and would like to build it up for some overlanding and weekend camping trips as well. It seems like the SC version would be fine.

As I build my Jeep up, I am going to try my best to keep the weight low as possible. If anyone has an experience with the AEV's HC springs added to the 3.5" kit let me know if they are worth the upgrade down the line. Eventually I will probably get a RTT or the Ursa camper(ideally what I want but cost may way me to other options)

I will be running 35" tires and I have 4:10 gear ratio, should that be fine? Also with larger tires should I consider upgrading my breaks?

Thank you
Greg

 

[jadmt]

what it means is if your vehicle is stock and then you add between 0-200 lbs of accessories like skid plates etc the 2.5 will handle the extra weight if you are adding 0-400 lbs of armor ie skids and bumpers and say a roof rack etc get the 3.5. I have been lucky enough to have used both and absolutely liked the 3.5 better. yes the difference in the rs vs sc is shocks the rs has reservoir shocks which give you a little more travel but in real world you probably won't notice it. If you plan on doing really long high speed drives on washboard roads they won't fade as fast but to be honest I have done my share of high speed dirt roads and never had an issue with the sc. 35's and 4.10's with auto work great with the 2012 on up. Guys with earlier versions might not be as happy. Brake rotor/caliper upgrades are always a good idea. the more weight you are carrying the more your stock brakes are over worked. On a fairly light vehicle I have not had an issue with 35's and braking in and of itself but if you have a heavy vehicle it takes longer to stop. Oh to answer your actual question jeeps indicated pay load or gvwr do not change so if you load it down you are going to be over gvwr just like most of the rigs you see....

 

[GKSJeep]

Thank you for the response. This really clarified things for me.

 

[Kmrtnsn]

If you're concerned about carrying extra weight, winch and bumper up front and cargo in back, I recommend you look at the Old Man Emu springs.

 

[NatersXJ6]

The best advantage I’ve found to my AEV 2.5 kit is the freakish front end dive under emergency braking went away. I bought it used, so I don’t know if it was the SC or RS, but the rear shocks leaked after 25k miles and got replaced already. I ended up with airbags in the rear springs, not so much because of a RTT, but more because of a stupid heavy rear bumper and tire carrier I mounted. My only complaint is that I have a loud clattering or rattling sound from both front and rear suspension randomly on small high speed bumps. I never have been able to locate it, and I installed the lift almost 80k miles ago.

 

[jadmt]

The best advantage I’ve found to my AEV 2.5 kit is the freakish front end dive under emergency braking went away. I bought it used, so I don’t know if it was the SC or RS, but the rear shocks leaked after 25k miles and got replaced already. I ended up with airbags in the rear springs, not so much because of a RTT, but more because of a stupid heavy rear bumper and tire carrier I mounted. My only complaint is that I have a loud clattering or rattling sound from both front and rear suspension randomly on small high speed bumps. I never have been able to locate it, and I installed the lift almost 80k miles ago.

AEV 2.5 does not have the SC or RS option, it is sc because the RS is designated so because of the reservoir shocks. I am guessing your kit has the geo brackets and those really do help with front end dive while braking. have you checked the torq of your sway bar link bolts as shock bolts? if either are loose you will get that on speed bumps.

 

[GKSJeep]

If you're concerned about carrying extra weight, winch and bumper up front and cargo in back, I recommend you look at the Old Man Emu springs.

Ok great I will check those out. Thank you.

There are about a million different ways I can build my Jeep and I am trying to be wise with my money in how I build this thing.

 

[shays4me]

If you get an Ursa Minor camper or a roof top tent and rack you're going to want the heaviest duty spring you can get, like an Old Man Emu 2620. Mine is pretty conservatively built and that's what I ended up with after trying the 2618's. My JKUR currently weighs 5300 lbs without passengers and they don't sag. The 2618's would sag when packed with gear and people. I really like the OME stuff, but the kit isn't super complete. I added all four brake line relocation brackets, Teraflex bumpstops, rear axle bracket and rear sway bar links. I also installed a set of Rancho control arm drop brackets and they are superb!

 

[GKSJeep]

Thanks for the replies. These have been very helpful.

I have reconsidered some of the things I wanted for rear cargo storage solutions just because I want to stay in the weight limits but thats another post. I will be getting the AEV 3.5s and when its time to do a RRT or Ursa Minor camper I will be considering better springs and bumpstops.

If you get an Ursa Minor camper or a roof top tent and rack you're going to want the heaviest duty spring you can get, like an Old Man Emu 2620. Mine is pretty conservatively built and that's what I ended up with after trying the 2618's. My JKUR currently weighs 5300 lbs without passengers and they don't sag. The 2618's would sag when packed with gear and people. I really like the OME stuff, but the kit isn't super complete. I added all four brake line relocation brackets, Teraflex bumpstops, rear axle bracket and rear sway bar links. I also installed a set of Rancho control arm drop brackets and they are superb!

shays4me - are you happy with your Ursa Minor top? In theory that seems like my ideal solution, the costs is what is what would make me consider a RTT and rack. I like how everything is contained within the Ursa Minor, adds less weight to the Jeep compared to RTT and roof rack.

 

[shays4me]

shays4me - are you happy with your Ursa Minor top? In theory that seems like my ideal solution, the costs is what is what would make me consider a RTT and rack. I like how everything is contained within the Ursa Minor, adds less weight to the Jeep compared to RTT and roof rack.

We love our J30. I wouldn’t really compare it to a roof too tent though. If you do that it loses economically every time, but it is so much more than a tent.There isn’t a lot of “overlanders” around our rural area but we will occasionally see a roof top tent out in the road and my wife always comments how happy she is that we didn’t buy one of those. The hard shell ones may be comparable, I haven’t looked at them in person but the J30 is more of a permanent addition that transforms your Jeep into a camper. It’s tough to explain without using one for a bit. The only thing we haven’t liked is the mattress which we recently upgraded with 3” more foam and some slip covers made from sheets. It’s a lot of money, I get that, but its worth every dime if you're a serious car camper like we are.

 

[PTO]

I have the AEV 3.5/4.5 RS on mine with the 4.5'' springs. I ran the Bilstein RS shocks for a a couple of years before swapping to Teraflex Falcon shocks. The set up is good on and off-road alike. Fully loaded loaded with a Ursa Minor the ride is comfortable and capable off-road.