I'm trying to put my shopping list together for my JK
Opinions on AEV's DualSport XT Suspension 2.5" lift?
My jeep is my daily driver and plan run 33" with it.
I know that opinions run the whole gambit here when it comes to suspension systems (opening a can of worms....) :doh:
but any info would be helpful
Thanks
Of all the lift kits that AEV sells, this is the only one that is priced fairly for what all you actually get. Having said that, I'd have to agree with others on here and say that it's a LOT of money for what you're hoping to do. As mentioned, there are certainly much better and more cost effective ways to get you running on 33's. Of course, if you have money to burn, there's nothing wrong with this kit.
Hey PJ. I installed an AEV 4.5 on my JK about 3 months ago and I'm pretty happy with it so far. I haven't taken it out to a harder trail yet...just some simple off road stuff and it functioned great. No squeeks or anything.
But I will tell you this...it is missing some of the finer details that you would get if you are planning on building a "crawler". As most stated when I asked this question...you could get some better "crawler" lifts with adjustable control arms for cheaper. And some on here stated that by using brackets to get your control arms in the correct place leaves one more thing that could bend or break under extreme loading.
According to the research I did AEV is an "expedition" type lift. (A term miss used by companies that to my best guess means expensive!). But what it ultimately means that for sand/snow/moderate trail driving its good. If you are thinking of extreme off roading than other companies lifts might be better suited for you.
I will tell you that this was my first lift install and it took me 14 hours to complete with a friend who owns impact tools and has experience. So I would say that its on the difficult/more difficult project level depending on your skills. Also...if you have a 12 or newer...sorry I don't remember if you posted it or not...you will need a front drive shaft. Don't listen to AEV when they say you don't. Eddie aka Wayalife has the knowledge and experience to tell you that you will absolutely need one if you plan on doing any articulation. Plus some adjustable control arms wouldn't be a bad investment either.
As I'm not a pro...I hope my info helps. I'm sure you will get more advice from others who have way more experience with such things than I do. Cheers and happy building!!
Maybe you missed it but, the OP was asking about the 2.5" kit, not the 3.5" kit you've chosen to buy.
To the OP, a lot of what he's stated in his post is irrelevant for your needs.
Look into Rancho 2" sport with the 9000 shocks for around 400 bucks to run 33" tires. Save 600 bucks for other mods.
If it were me, this one of several options I would consider as well. Certainly, you get a lot more bang for your buck and, in spite of what some will try and suggest, it's really hard to do wrong at just 2" - 2.5" of lift.
A lift isn't just about tire clearance. You still gain valuable clearance in other areas as well as increasing approach, departure and break over angles.
But, all that valuable clearance you just paid good money for gets lost with huge control arm drop brackets you've installed with your 3.5" kit. Certainly, it doesn't help your break over angles being that they are located right at a point where rocks love to hit. :idontknow:
I have the AEV 3.5" and is has done everything I have asked of it including the Rubicon Trail; not to mention the 3000km round trip to get there and back.
Funny how the OP asked about the AEV 2.5" kit and yet, you felt the need to come on here to talk about their 3.5" kit which is nothing like the prior. As far as the Rubicon trail goes, are we supposed to be impressed? Don't get me wrong but I've personally seen bone stock JK's run it.
Some people think they cost to much for what you get...
Considering the fact that Rancho makes a near identical kit to the AEV 3.5" kit and for a fraction of the cost, yeah, I'd have to say that it does cost too much for what little you really get - springs and a bunch of drop brackets. Even if you added the cost of a drag link flip kit like AEV offers, you're still way ahead with the Rancho kit.
...but at the time of my purchase they offered more detail and insight into their products than any other manufacturer I could find. They had a reason and an explanation for doing everything that they did. That piece of mind was worth something to me because I'm not an engineer.
I know it's hard to believe but, all their wonderful marketing and sales pitches apply to any other lift that comes with the same components.