JeepDadiator
Well-Known Member
- First Name
- TJ
- Joined
- Jul 5, 2020
- Threads
- 11
- Messages
- 52
- Reaction score
- 83
- Location
- Conifer, Colorado
- Vehicle(s)
- 2020 JTR
- Occupation
- Engineer
- Thread starter
- #1
Getting ready for another trip to Moab this year and after adding the new tires and wheels (Method 387 ROOST and 35X12.5 BFG AT KO2s) it was time to get some more clearance – minor articulation rubbed the fender liners and the ARB bumper. I was originally planning on the Mopar 2 inch lift kit to maintain my warranty (on the suspension parts only) but ultimately decided the AEV 2.5” Dualsport lift kit was more complete and better tuned for my heavier additions. Reason for picking this kit:
The complete kit includes two separate “products” The lift itself and the geometry correction bracket kit – which can be bought separately. Instructions for both are referred to as a ‘Guide’
I did not get as many ‘in process’ photos as I typically like to due to the weather and the resultant mood/frustration.
Before and After shot:
Action shots first (otherwise known as rapid depreciation)
Reasonable articulation on 35s – going up Hamburger Hill!
Good flex and performance up Poison Spyder Mesa
My overall comments then the in depth details follow
The jeep handles noticeably different (for the better) after this lift kit. The suspension is more firm and it feels more controllable. Meaning impulses to the steering wheel do not resonate in that magic carpet body sway feeling. Body roll around corners is more under control and the ride itself just feels so much better. I commute a lot in this vehicle and feel it is much more comfortable now. I was also able to take the ‘high speed’ mesa portion of Poison Spyder Mesa far more easily and comfortable than my brother in-law in a JLUR with an Old Man Emu lift – he commented how it must be a far better ride up there in the Gladiator! My only complaints were that the missing bolts from the kit (I contacted AEV so they could remedy this going forward) and then I will note the geometry correction brackets lower the front LCA (by design) so they become a bit of a rock magnet if you pick your line poorly or are just given no other option.
What is included in the box?
Overall installation comments:
Instructions will have you bend the brake line brackets on the front control arms to increase travel – not hard but not nearly as nice of an end product as the picture in the instructions:
Note: I did not opt for the optional trim as noted – the lower mount point of the front correction brackets proved to be more problematic than that tab…
A tip for coil installation (at your own risk) to get the necessary droop for spring installation – I also used a ratchet strap on the opposite side to pull up – sorry no picture.
The instructions say it may be easier to remove the caliper – just do it, it makes it easier and then you are not worried about over extending the brake lines
Proof the jack spacer doubles as a wheel chock:
When everything was finally installed the instructions stop there and do not help with your now off center axle and wrongly clocked steering wheel (lights up the dash for the Electronic Stability Control System). For the uninitiated I’ll step through what to do next.
If you are not comfortable with this part take it to an alignment shop; however with the steering wheel rotated as severely as mine was (the drag link adjustment is not explained) the ESC light was on – the jeep essentially thinks you are driving a prolonged power slide and MAY eventually put you in limp mode I am told – though I did not experience this. The adjustment for this is very easy.
Drag Link Adjustment
Note: Does not require additional hardware not provided in the kit. The OE drag link has built in adjustment.
I found it easiest to have someone in the front seat engine running (so there was power steering) and then do the following steps:
Note: Requires an adjustable track bar NOT provided with the AEV dual sport kit.
I had previously installed the YETI Steer Smarts Adjustable track bar so this step was easy for me. I intentionally provide a photo BEFORE the adjustment to illustrate the shifted front axle after installing this lift kit and not making any adjustments (look at the link) the picture does not do it justice.
Same as the drag link loosen the clamp nuts/bolts and turn the threaded portion lengthen the track bar to drive the axle to the side required (as indicated by your springs and links not straight up and down) then don’t forget to tighten.
Note: This misalignment due to the track bar length can make it tough to install the front links if you don't have an adjustable track bar.
- I already installed a YETI Steer smarts adjustable track bar – kits that included a new track bar were not required for me.
- Triple rate coils and tuned Billstein shocks for the gladiator specifically were key – The stock Rubicon ride was too soft before I added a bed rack, tent, decked system and all the cargo for any adventure.
- Included Geometry correction brackets – similar to the Mopar kit including new LCAs
- Included speedometer correction OBDII tuner (Pro Cal Snap) - saves a trip to the dealer or buying a separate tuner.
- AEV proven worldwide reputation for quality – and many other positive reviews.
The complete kit includes two separate “products” The lift itself and the geometry correction bracket kit – which can be bought separately. Instructions for both are referred to as a ‘Guide’
I did not get as many ‘in process’ photos as I typically like to due to the weather and the resultant mood/frustration.
Before and After shot:
Action shots first (otherwise known as rapid depreciation)
Reasonable articulation on 35s – going up Hamburger Hill!
My overall comments then the in depth details follow
The jeep handles noticeably different (for the better) after this lift kit. The suspension is more firm and it feels more controllable. Meaning impulses to the steering wheel do not resonate in that magic carpet body sway feeling. Body roll around corners is more under control and the ride itself just feels so much better. I commute a lot in this vehicle and feel it is much more comfortable now. I was also able to take the ‘high speed’ mesa portion of Poison Spyder Mesa far more easily and comfortable than my brother in-law in a JLUR with an Old Man Emu lift – he commented how it must be a far better ride up there in the Gladiator! My only complaints were that the missing bolts from the kit (I contacted AEV so they could remedy this going forward) and then I will note the geometry correction brackets lower the front LCA (by design) so they become a bit of a rock magnet if you pick your line poorly or are just given no other option.
What is included in the box?
Overall installation comments:
- I did this easily in my driveway over the course of two days
- It took longer than the 5 hours stated
- I did NOT have to loosen the rear control arms to install this kit (saving the need to re-torque in a puddle)
- I used an engine hoist to get the front and rear up high enough to get the coils (not at the same time)
- In conjunctions with the engine hoist I used the OE scissor jack to push between the bump stop(s) to gain clearance required for coil installation
- The ‘guide’ only covers installation of the AEV components no post lift adjustments
Instructions will have you bend the brake line brackets on the front control arms to increase travel – not hard but not nearly as nice of an end product as the picture in the instructions:
Note: I did not opt for the optional trim as noted – the lower mount point of the front correction brackets proved to be more problematic than that tab…
A tip for coil installation (at your own risk) to get the necessary droop for spring installation – I also used a ratchet strap on the opposite side to pull up – sorry no picture.
The instructions say it may be easier to remove the caliper – just do it, it makes it easier and then you are not worried about over extending the brake lines
Proof the jack spacer doubles as a wheel chock:
When everything was finally installed the instructions stop there and do not help with your now off center axle and wrongly clocked steering wheel (lights up the dash for the Electronic Stability Control System). For the uninitiated I’ll step through what to do next.
If you are not comfortable with this part take it to an alignment shop; however with the steering wheel rotated as severely as mine was (the drag link adjustment is not explained) the ESC light was on – the jeep essentially thinks you are driving a prolonged power slide and MAY eventually put you in limp mode I am told – though I did not experience this. The adjustment for this is very easy.
Drag Link Adjustment
Note: Does not require additional hardware not provided in the kit. The OE drag link has built in adjustment.
I found it easiest to have someone in the front seat engine running (so there was power steering) and then do the following steps:
- Loosen the clamp bolt
- Adjust the sleeve (out) lengthening the drag link which will in turn (no pun intended) return the steering wheel to the nominal position removing the dash error.
- Get up and look at it yourself to fine tune until you are happy
- Tighten the bolt
Note: Requires an adjustable track bar NOT provided with the AEV dual sport kit.
I had previously installed the YETI Steer Smarts Adjustable track bar so this step was easy for me. I intentionally provide a photo BEFORE the adjustment to illustrate the shifted front axle after installing this lift kit and not making any adjustments (look at the link) the picture does not do it justice.
Same as the drag link loosen the clamp nuts/bolts and turn the threaded portion lengthen the track bar to drive the axle to the side required (as indicated by your springs and links not straight up and down) then don’t forget to tighten.
Note: This misalignment due to the track bar length can make it tough to install the front links if you don't have an adjustable track bar.
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