My New (AEV) American Expedition Vehicles Jeep!!

Ryanc

SE Expedition Society
Yes, in the full text of my post I noted that the JK's D30 and D44 front axles share the same tubes and ends. However, as I also noted, the axle shafts in the D44 are substantially stronger because of greater shaft diameter and spline count and because the u-joints are larger as well. And the rear Rubicon D44 is stronger too.

Some like the front Antirock, but some who have tried it report that it doesn't provide the ride or articulation of a disconnected sway bar of road and that it doesn't provide the stability or handling of a connected sway bar on the road either. Here is a qute from Currie: "The Currie Antirock® sway bar does not need to be disconnected for off-road use. CAUTION: Jeeps will have more body roll than stock. This sway bar may be used on the street, however, it will not provide the same handling characteristics as the stock setup."

It's also $450, which seems a lot for a little, especially when compared to a set of manual dicos.

Have you tried an Antirock?

JPK

Not a fan of the antirock. Teraflex does make a dual rate system, that IMO feels better on the street. I have pretzeled two sway links now using various sway link lengths. Now , I just JKS quick discos. Cant get much easier than that, and you get the benefit of complete disconnection.
 

Dendy Jarrett

Expedition Portal Admin
Staff member
Let's keep in mind- this AEV was not designed by me or them to be a rock crawler- rather an overland truck that can "get you there".
I see these pics of folks in trucks going over insane obstacles just (it seems) to prove "they can", while all the time, there is clearly an easier path right next to the one they take. The days of proving "mine is better than yours" are over. I don't take risks anymore ... just to prove "mine's better."
What I have will suffice all the needs I ever have- and quite frankly, my wife's rubicon probably would have as well.
I just want to get off the beaten path with my trailer to escape the crowds!
Yet, I digress ... Carry on!
D
 

406to417

Explorer
You are one lucky son of a gun. My dream vehicle is a fully outfitted AEV Jeep.
...........but I dont even own a home yet.
 

Dendy Jarrett

Expedition Portal Admin
Staff member
You are one lucky son of a gun. My dream vehicle is a fully outfitted AEV Jeep.
...........but I dont even own a home yet.

I hear there is a town near you that is in a oil boom and the pay is outrageous! Might be worth doing for a couple years to fund said house and trucks!! :)

D
 

TRegasaurus

Adventurer
+1 for you Dendy, it wasn't luck that took you where you are. If you want it go out and work for it.
On another note, your AEV is awsome but I love your Conqueror trailer. Where did you get it?
 

JPK

Explorer
Let's keep in mind- this AEV was not designed by me or them to be a rock crawler- rather an overland truck that can "get you there".
I see these pics of folks in trucks going over insane obstacles just (it seems) to prove "they can", while all the time, there is clearly an easier path right next to the one they take. The days of proving "mine is better than yours" are over. I don't take risks anymore ... just to prove "mine's better."
What I have will suffice all the needs I ever have- and quite frankly, my wife's rubicon probably would have as well.
I just want to get off the beaten path with my trailer to escape the crowds!
Yet, I digress ... Carry on!
D

HAHAHA! While I do some rock crawling it always strikes me as a little silly when there is a perfectly suitable bypass right next to the tougher route. And I just can't make myself go to an off road park where you ride around in circles all day.

But I think you will be suprised by the improvement in the ride of your Jeep on rougher gravel trails and two tracks, sand washes, etc. when you are disconnected.

JPK
 

Hilldweller

SE Expedition Society
Have you tried an Antirock?

JPK
BigJerm on here has one on his LJ ---- I'd rather have it than quick discos; I'm too arthritic to stoop and do that crap anymore.
But I'd rather have an e-disco anyhow; that's why I have a PW... :ylsmoke:

And I agree; it's so nice to disco and cruise the trails. So much smoother.


I have pretzeled two sway links now using various sway link lengths..
And I have video to prove it!!! :sombrero:
Weird that yours did that and Chris' never did. Don't you two have the same lift?


Let's keep in mind- this AEV was not designed by me or them to be a rock crawler- rather an overland truck that can "get you there".
I see these pics of folks in trucks going over insane obstacles just (it seems) to prove "they can", while all the time, there is clearly an easier path right next to the one they take. The days of proving "mine is better than yours" are over. I don't take risks anymore ... just to prove "mine's better."
What I have will suffice all the needs I ever have- and quite frankly, my wife's rubicon probably would have as well.
I just want to get off the beaten path with my trailer to escape the crowds!
Yet, I digress ... Carry on!
D
I like going over some of the crazy stuff just because it's there. It's good practice too.
Yeah, that's the ticket. Practice.
 

Hilldweller

SE Expedition Society
like they said in the 'Big Chill'- "what's a day without a rationalization" Bill ;-)
We have to stick together on this, Dale. Get our stories straight.
Bumpers are NECESSARY. Rock rails, winches, etc.
You never know when you'll run into a stretch of bad road and no bypass... ...right?

practice, practice, practice.
 

X-plorenow

Adventurer
Dendy, while I completely agree with you regarding true rock crawling, I still think that there can be an extreme component to overlanding. I am by no means a rock crawler, but if I see a difficult trail I will take it, as I enjoy the challenge. And I have been driving them recently in my bone stock 04 D2, so it is more about driving skill than truck capability.

With that said, my personal view on overlanding is often one of exploration, which for me entails reaching the hard to reach places. My vehicle should not be the limiting factor for where I can go.

But I truly appreciate that there are others who would prefer to take the often much longer, yet sometimes less difficult (from a trail rating perspective) path. As I stated in a previous post, I hate that there is this broken camp between overlanding and rock crawling, with nothing in the middle.

And just to be clear, my current project and expedition platform is very similar to yours, currently a stock new to me 2009 Unlimited X, and I plan to build it out very similar to yours with 35's and AEV components.
 

chips95

Observer
Very Nice

I actually called on that same jeep. It is definitely a thing of beauty. In the end I decided to save some money and build one up myself, so the 2008 2 door jk is gone and the 2012 4 door is here, went with the bright white Rubicon. About 95% done with the AEV lift (by the way it was a PIA). So without further rambling Congrats and enjoy.
 

Hilldweller

SE Expedition Society
I actually called on that same jeep. It is definitely a thing of beauty. In the end I decided to save some money and build one up myself, so the 2008 2 door jk is gone and the 2012 4 door is here, went with the bright white Rubicon. About 95% done with the AEV lift (by the way it was a PIA).
New wheels, Kenny? :Wow1:
Congrats to you too.

Pics...

And what's with Milford?
You can go wheel with Bruce and Dave at OEX.
 

Wander

Expedition Leader
Sorry, late to the party. The AEV looks amazing Dendy and I am very happy you have found resolution to the Landy dilemma you were dealing with. I totally agree with you that the real joy is being out in nature with friends and family. The vehicle is just what gets you there and back, it is the people that make the experience valuable.

One question on the Rubi-can you get a tan top with the green body? I think that would be a nice combination, although the black sure will stay cleaner over time.
 

Dendy Jarrett

Expedition Portal Admin
Staff member
We went with the black top on her Rubi- because honestly, mine is less likely to see open top time.
Her's might see more- and the black cannot get scratched.
D
 

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