2022 AEV Gladiator Rubicon build

[Flyin6]

Look at the change in the driveshaft angle after the addition of the terra flex brackets:

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[Flyin6]

Teaser of new AEV wheels:

 

[Mojave20]

Look at the change in the driveshaft angle after the addition of the terra flex brackets:

Great comparison and improvement on pinion angle. I’ve been looking at the those or the Metalcloak and haven’t seen a before and after.

 

[Flyin6]

Great comparison and improvement on pinion angle. I’ve been looking at the those or the Metalcloak and haven’t seen a before and after.

I noticed the horrible angle early in this evolving build's "Clayton-conversion" iteration. I knew I had to do something about the "not-so-good" drivability and needed some more caster, so I was always going to swap out the lift. But when I learned about how T=flex has solved this droop-out angle issue, I knew I had found my new kit.
I did look at the Metal Cloak folks, but the final decision stemmed from cost, availability of just the kit components I needed, and some other criteria.
"Toughening" up this Gladiator to drive the Rubicon led me here and will highlight some other improvements I think are necessary.

 

[JT1]

I noticed the horrible angle early in this evolving build's "Clayton-conversion" iteration. I knew I had to do something about the "not-so-good" drivability and needed some more caster, so I was always going to swap out the lift. But when I learned about how T=flex has solved this droop-out angle issue, I knew I had found my new kit.
I did look at the Metal Cloak folks, but the final decision stemmed from cost, availability of just the kit components I needed, and some other criteria.
"Toughening" up this Gladiator to drive the Rubicon led me here and will highlight some other improvements I think are necessary.

Any change to the ride on road? I've been looking at both versions of these and just haven't pulled the trigger yet.

 

[Flyin6]

Any change to the ride on road? I've been looking at both versions of these and just haven't pulled the trigger yet.

It's not done yet. I will be stretching this phase of the build out over a week or more. I have, but a couple of hours a day to work on it, so it is going to take a little time.

 

[Flyin6]

Tonight I got the Panhard bar extended mount bolted in:

 

[Flyin6]

Along with the Clayton Panhard bar which fit perfectly.

 

[Flyin6]

Next, the springs went in. I had to opt for positive spring retention because, at full droop on those Falcon 3.3 shocks, the springs were 2" from even being seated!

 

[Flyin6]

not seeing a way to get that top part of the upper clamp fitted. Now, I really don't want to think I have to pull the bed off to make this happen, but as of now, I haven't figured that step out.

A simple zip tie loop pulled those longer brake lines to the inside. So far, it's good. Tomorrow, I tackle the new inverted sway bar thing.

 

[Viper501]

Teaser of new AEV wheels:

If you don’t plan to use the headlock function I can send you a link to much nicer looking bolts that were used on my Borahs. (I’ve got the rash guard version).

 

[Flyin6]

If you don’t plan to use the headlock function I can send you a link to much nicer looking bolts that were used on my Borahs. (I’ve got the rash guard version).

Thank you, I'll take it, but I do plan to run these as full bead locks.
Rash guard bolts are shorter than the BL bolts, I think, did you ever run the wheels in the BL configuration?
(Army taking advice from the Marine Corps...dangerous ;-)

 

[Minty JL]

I'm in a similar process going from an AEV kit to the MC GC 4.5" kit.

Where you have adjustable upper control arms you should be able to get that pinion angle dialed in pretty good. For a point of reference check out this out, starting at 41:15 into the video.....super simple.

 

[Flyin6]

I'm in a similar process going from an AEV kit to the MC GC 4.5" kit.

Where you have adjustable upper control arms you should be able to get that pinion angle dialed in pretty good. For a point of reference check out this out, starting at 41:15 into the video.....super simple.

I watched that video in the not-so-distant past. I love that guy's vids. He does a great job and does everything correctly. Because of him, I purchased a new 1/2" drive torque wrench for this project and borrowed a 3/4" one for the stuff getting 250 ft/lbs.
I am not through with dialing in the pinion angles. When I get it all installed, the next step will be to get it sitting on the ground and then work on both the pinion angle and the front caster. This being the third lift kit on my AEV, I am going to really take my time and get it perfect.

 

[Viper501]

did you ever run the wheels in the BL configuration?

Never ran beadlocks. No need for my use case. Bolts on mine came from here - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09N6P45LP/ref=cm_sw_r_api_i_XWSK7QSPPCSM7KYH644V_0?th=1

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