2024 Anvil Willys Overland Build

[Trauma PA]

I traded my 2021 Granite Crystal JT in on a Bronco Wildtrak back in February 2023. No regrets as I love my Bronco. I knew I’d be back in a Gladiator again, it was just a matter of timing. Well the time has come and I added a 2024 Anvil Willys to my current stable of 2020 JL Wrangler Unlimited and 2023 Wildtrak.
The build is going to be fun and it’s just beginning.
I ordered an AEV Dualsport 2.5 lift for starters. I went back and forth between the new Mopar lift with Bilstein Reservoir shocks and the Clayton 2.5 Ride Right kit with Fox shocks. It was a close choice between the Clayton and the AEV kit but for my purposes it just seemed like the AEV fit my needs a little better. Hopefully the kit will be here early next week so that I can install it on my days off.
My first mod will be swapping out the corner dash speakers. Crutchfield just delivered a pair of Kenwood Excelon KFC-X3C speakers. I’m going to install them tonight. I may add an Alpine Power Pack (KTP-445u) and a Kicker 46HS10 Hideaway Sub behind the driver’s rear passenger seat.
I’m really torn on tires and wheels. I’m leaning toward the new Falken Wildpeak AT/4W in 35x11.5x17. Wheels seem to be my big dilemma. As much as I’d prefer not to do a black wheel, I’m a little hesitant on going with a gray or gunmetal wheel as I’m not too sure how it will look on Anvil. If it was sting gray it would be much easier but this Anvil and its many shades depending on the lighting, has me perplexed. I’m open to ideas.

Factory Options:
-24 W package including Tru-Lok rear axle, LED lighting package, passive entry and lock just to name a few of the package options
-convenience package including heated front seats and steering wheel, remote start and universal garage door opener
-active safety group
-automatic transmission

Modifications made:
-self installation of AEV 2.5” Dualsport RT lift kit
-front dash speaker upgrade to Kenwood Excelon KFC-X3C speakers
-installation of the Bestop premium twill soft roll tonneau cover
-addition of Alpine power pack (KTP-445U) 4 channel amplifier and Kicker 10” Hideaway subwoofer
-added Rhino Liner bed liner
-added Rough Country bed mat
-installation of Toyo AT3 tires (35x12.5x17, C load)
-installation of Fifteen52 Traverse HD wheels in asphalt black
-uninstalled front dash speakers (Kenwood Excelon KFC-X3C) and installed Terra Acoustics Front Soundstage Upgrade

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[SoK66]

Check out Discount Tires wheel viewer. You tell them what your rig is and the model & color, then pick out a wheel and it will give a view of your vehicle with the wheel fitted. TAlked me out of a set of Raceline Monsters on my Hydro Blue '23 Willys. Stock wheel look better. Money saved. Slick!

 

[Trauma PA]

First mod completed. Swapped out the dash corner speakers with Kenwood Excelon KFC-X3C speakers. I have the non Alpine stereo in my JT. I can’t say it made a huge difference in the sound quality. I may give the Terra Acoustics Front Soundstage a try and take it from there. I do plan on adding an Alpine Power Pack (KTP-445U) 4 channel amplifier and a Kicker 10” hideaway subwoofer behind the rear seat on the driver’s side. Will get to this in early July hopefully as my free time is somewhat limited the remainder of this month plus I’m recovering from knee surgery(partial meniscectomy). I have an AEV 2.5 Dualsport RT suspension lift on its way and that will be my next mod to tackle providing no setbacks with my knee.
Here are some pictures of the Kenwood speakers and a comparison of the stock and Kenwood speakers.

 

[Trauma PA]

I narrowed down my lift kit choices to the Mopar 2” kit with Bilstein Reservoir shocks, the Clayton 2.5 Ride Right with Fox 2.0 shocks and the AEV Dualsport RT 2.5 with Bilstein 5100 series shocks. After careful consideration and weighing out the pros and cons, I pulled the trigger on the AEV kit. Install pics and commentary to follow.

 

[Pickles85]

I'm between the same lifts what made you go AEV

 

[Trauma PA]

I'm between the same lifts what made you go AEV

Multiple reasons in no particular order:
AEV has a great reputation not only for their products but for their research and development. I did consult with their technical support staff twice via phone during my install and they were prompt to answer and definitive in their responses. Not to mention the outstandingcustomer service I received leading up to buying the kit (provided answers to my questions and were prompt in sending the kit out).
I thought their kit was the most complete kit for the money as it addressed not only the suspension including the geometry of the front upper and lower control arms (geometry correction brackets) but also took into consideration the driveshaft angle (provided driveshaft carrier bearing spacer) and brake line lengths. Both front and rear bump stop extensions were included as well as a rear track bar relocation bracket. The only items I may add down the road are a front adjustable track bar and maybe the AEV front steering stabilizer but for now I am more than pleased with the on road ride and feel of this kit. It tracks perfectly down the interstate. It hasn’t made it off road yet but so far I couldn’t be more pleased with my choice.

 

[Trauma PA]

Have some lift kit, tonneau cover and stereo updates coming. Need to find the time to post.

 

[Trauma PA]

I installed the AEV 2.5” Dualsport RT lift about 3 weeks ago. Install was completed in my climate controlled home garage with a floor jack, jack stands and hand tools. I had recently helped my step son replace his suspension on his 2006 TJ Unlimited (aka LJ) so he provided his assistance in my install. It was a fun and rewarding project. Great male bonding and fantastic result. Can’t say enough about the quality and the completeness of the AEV kit. The geometry correction brackets really make a difference. I’m very happy with the decision to go with the AEV over the new Mopar lift and the Clayton Ride Right kit.

Pre lift pics:

Post lift pics:

The stock size 255/75/17 tires just don’t look right with the lift.

 

[Trauma PA]

Installed the Bestop premium twill soft roll tonneau cover. Easy install. Quality product and easy to use. The premium twill fabric matches my premium twill soft top perfectly.

 

[Trauma PA]

I purchased my Gladiator with the base stereo with the intent to upgrade it in some fashion. I ended up adding the Alpine Power Pack (KTP-445U) 4 channel amplifier and the Kicker 10” hideaway subwoofer. The subwoofer fit perfectly centered behind the rear seats. The stereo sounds significantly better as a result of these upgrades. So glad, I didn’t waste money on the factory Alpine factory stereo.

 

[Trauma PA]

My most recent modification to my JT was the addition of wheels and tires. This has been the most time consuming as well as the most difficult decision to make. I looked at wheel after wheel and tire after tire. I studied the wheel specs and the tire specs. I looked at picture after picture. I changed my mind multiple times. Ultimately it came down to finding the ideal unsprung weight of the combo that would provide me with not only functionality but also satisfy my taste for aesthetics. The intent was to keep the weight of the tire/wheel combination as light as possible in hopes that I wouldn’t have to re gear immediately. After weeks of analysis paralysis, I finally decided on Toyo AT3s in C load, 35x12.5x17 (59 lb.) and Fifteen52 Traverse HD wheels in Asphalt black (29 lb.). Thus far I’m very pleased with how well my JT with 3.73 gearing handles this combination. Considering I live in Florida which is mostly flat, I doubt I’ll re gear anytime soon. When I do, I’ll re gear to 4.88 gears to prepare for eventually running 37s.

 

[Trauma PA]

Earlier today, after much internal debate and sorting through all the mixed reviews, I installed the Terra Acoustics “front soundstage” speaker upgrade after uninstalling the Kenwood Excelon KFC-X3C speakers. I decided I needed to find out for myself whether or not these often raved about and sometimes frowned upon speakers were worth it or not. I do have the base stereo however I did install the Alpine Power Pack and the Kicker 10” Hideaway sub. I’m going to follow Terra Acoustics recommendations to keep the equalizer settings at 0 and to turn the speed adjusted volume off for the next 3-5 hours to allow a break in period. I am excited to see what these speakers do to my sound system after the break in period is over and I’m allowed to adjust the equalizer to my likings. I’ll report back here in a few days and give my honest and personal review.

 

[Trauma PA]

I also used my Tazer mini earlier today to input my new tire size in order to adjust my speedometer and improve my shift points. I had to go up 1 more tire size when I got to work as my speedometer was still off about 2 mph (faster) when I was on the interstate traveling in the 70+ mph range. I hope to see a change when I drive home from work this a.m.

 

[Trauma PA]

I also used my Tazer mini earlier today to input my new tire size in order to adjust my speedometer and improve my shift points. I had to go up 1 more tire size when I got to work as my speedometer was still off about 2 mph (faster) when I was on the interstate traveling in the 70+ mph range. I hope to see a change when I drive home from work this a.m.

I was still 1-2 mph off on the speedo therefore made one more increase up in tire size with the Tazer and spot on. Filled the tank with gas and started tracking my fuel economy. Averaging 17.5-18 mpg combined on the new tire/wheel combo. Very pleased!

 

[Trauma PA]

Earlier today, after much internal debate and sorting through all the mixed reviews, I installed the Terra Acoustics “front soundstage” speaker upgrade after uninstalling the Kenwood Excelon KFC-X3C speakers. I decided I needed to find out for myself whether or not these often raved about and sometimes frowned upon speakers were worth it or not. I do have the base stereo however I did install the Alpine Power Pack and the Kicker 10” Hideaway sub. I’m going to follow Terra Acoustics recommendations to keep the equalizer settings at 0 and to turn the speed adjusted volume off for the next 3-5 hours to allow a break in period. I am excited to see what these speakers do to my sound system after the break in period is over and I’m allowed to adjust the equalizer to my likings. I’ll report back here in a few days and give my honest and personal review.

I did the suggested break in period keeping the equalizer settings (bass, mid range and treble) all set to 0 for around 4 hours of listening time. On my hour drive to work earlier today I adjusted the equalizer and I am more than pleased with the aftermarket stereo changes I have made including the Terra Acoustics Front Soundstage. I will jump on the Terra Acoustics bandwagon and report that the sound quality is significantly improved over both the factory speakers and the Kenwood Excelon KFC-X3C speakers that I removed to install the Terra Acoustics.

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