Anyone else build vehicles comparable to AEV?
- Thread starter Frank
- Start date
jeep-N-montero
Expedition Leader
Depends on the individual part, pick and choose.
bldeagle10
Explorer
i do, but you are gonna have to trust me in sending me your rig and money in advance 
You probably know that there are competing companies that offer one or several elements or components of an AEV built Jeep. I think that is what BlackZJ was referring too.
I don't think anyone matches AEV's powder coating quality, at least nothing that I've seen matches the quality.
As far as function, I don't think AEV has competition for its suspension for real world typical Jeep use, which is high on street and highway driving but actually low on off road driving, either as a percentage of time spent driving or as a percentage of miles traveled off road.
AEV's approach to JK suspensions really takes into account the typical use, other companies', including several high quality companies', suspensions are geared more to rock crawling at the sacrifice of some of the features which AEV argues lead to improved on road performance and off road performance short of extreme rock crawling - not that AEV suggests that their suspensions aren't capable of extreme rock crawling too. FWIW I think the AEV suspension approach does give up a little bit of articulation with its reliance on factory bushings and a little bit of clearence with its front control arm bushings, but nothing really material to all but the most extreme crawling.
As far as quality suspension alternatives, I think the list is short, with Rock Krawler at the top. OME doesn't make the grade, imo, since they do not offer a complete system as far as I know. (Neither does RK, but they make their recomendation wrt to shocks, which are missing from their kit.)
AEV doesn't offer skid plates (yet?) and those need to be sourced from another company. Short of the skids, AEV offers almost everything else to fully kit out a JK, including forthcoming spare fuel, Hi Lift and Pull Pal mounts.
I have an AEV built Jeep, Hemi and all. If I could do it again or had to do it again, I wouldn't change anything.
JPK
shortbus4x4
Expedition Leader
:coffeedrink: OK thats funny and I own both Jeeps and Toyotas.
Fo one stop, turn key conversions using in-house parts, they don't have competition.
Lots of shops offer one stop turn key conversions with bits and pieces from other vendors.
BTW, AEV is a "can do" company, and they'll do a lot more than install their products or a Hemi or do their conversion with tires, etc. For example, I had them LineX the tub on my Jeep, and then re-install the carpet, put a Best Top Flex Trunk in the cargo area, put a roof rack on (before theirs came out - if theirs had been available, I'd have gone that route.)
JPK
Lots of shops offer one stop turn key conversions with bits and pieces from other vendors.
BTW, AEV is a "can do" company, and they'll do a lot more than install their products or a Hemi or do their conversion with tires, etc. For example, I had them LineX the tub on my Jeep, and then re-install the carpet, put a Best Top Flex Trunk in the cargo area, put a roof rack on (before theirs came out - if theirs had been available, I'd have gone that route.)
JPK
Frank
Explorer
I've really been considering their vehicles. I'd probably end up getting a used company vehicle, but not sure. I'm considering all options which is why I made this thread.
I agree that their components are top performers and quality. I've read the 9th degree suspension is better than stock in terms of rode quality on the road and the fact is, the adventure I have planned is 90% highway.
I've put a few different options together on paper and by the time it's all said and done, an AEV vehicle is not too bad priced, if those listed prices for a "package" include installation. Their Michigan facility I believe is only a few hours north of me.
I wont be able to pull the trigger until late this year/early next, so I can't wait to see what this rack consists of.
It will probably be part of my rig.
I agree that their components are top performers and quality. I've read the 9th degree suspension is better than stock in terms of rode quality on the road and the fact is, the adventure I have planned is 90% highway.
I've put a few different options together on paper and by the time it's all said and done, an AEV vehicle is not too bad priced, if those listed prices for a "package" include installation. Their Michigan facility I believe is only a few hours north of me.
I wont be able to pull the trigger until late this year/early next, so I can't wait to see what this rack consists of.
It will probably be part of my rig.
Dan Grec
Expedition Leader
Yes, "Soon..." I have seen the rack installed on one of the AEV Jeeps at Easter Jeep Safari. That Jeep was badged Overland Journal bte, and driven by our host here.
I'll check for a photo.
Frank, I agree, and yes the quotes for the packages include installation.
JPK
If you watch the video from EJS you will see the rack on the tan Jeep about halfway through.
http://www.autoweek.com/article/20110519/IPADVIDEO/110519789
http://www.autoweek.com/article/20110519/IPADVIDEO/110519789