Reviews for AEV 3.5in DualSport SC Lift Kit for 07-18 Jeep Wrangler JK
I switched out for the 4.5 inch AEV lift kit, installed Teraflex exhaust spacers in the process, followed lift kit instructions, removed rock slider for now, slapped on 37” BFG KM3’s with AEV Borah wheels. My 2015 JK Rubicon rides very nice and looks great.
Outstanding lift. I purchased this for my 2015 JKU Rubicon. The install went perfectly without issue. I love that everything was included (with the exception of the exhaust extensions. But I replaced the front driveshaft instead). I took my time and painted my original control arms, sway bar links, and front sway bar during the installation. Total time for the install while taking my time on my 2 post lift was about 12 hours. I could have shaved hours off if I rushed. The directions are pretty straightforward, but you have to download the PDF and follow them on your phone or print them. No big deal. Also, the Autocal was very easy to use once I got it and read the quick card. Back to the lift, the ride quality is phenomenal. This is how the Jeep should have rode from the factory. I'd say its a more firm ride but very supple, no harshness whatsoever. I am running BFG AAT K02 315/70-17 C load tires which ride pretty smooth too. I am so glad I went with an American made kit with high quality components. Everything exceeded my expectations. From the hot dip galvanized hardware, to the HD high steer kit, just awesome. Also, I was able to correct the steering wheel center on my own in the garage after a few test drives. No alignment shop needed.
I can't say enough good things about this lift kit, I've had it on my Jeep for a week or so now, and I'm in love. The ride quality is the same as stock, and off road performance has been amazing. This kit is money well spent.
This lift looks and drives amazing. The install was straight forward and easy to understand. It took me about 16 hours over two days by myself, using jack stands and a floor jack.
The 2014 JKU is my 4th 4x4 build and this kit was by far the easiest I’ve installed so far! The instructions were on point and the parts went together smoothly. I added a set of JKS Quicker Disconnect front links and the Terraflex exhaust spacers....honestly, the biggest PITA was removing the exhaust and getting it to line up with the spacers. I re-torqued everything about a week later and haven’t had a single issue with the lift! I drive down a horrible potholed road everyday and this shock/spring combo has been a blessing. I’ll add a pic of it parked next to a stock JKU Safari. Other than having 33s, my only height change is the lift. I measured about 5 more inches of ground clearance at the front bumper.
Summary: This kit gives all the usual benefits of a 3.5" lift, plus the added benefits of proper suspension design and geometry, and parts durability. Ride quality on road is similar to stock, (but better on large bumps), ride quality off-road is far superior to stock. It soaks up the large hits without bottoming. My Rubicon in stock condition would bottom the front suspension rather easily. Stability and handling are very good. Articulation is much better. Steady state freeway (65 mph) mileage went down 1 mpg. More detail: I have a lot of suspension knowledge from previous off-road vehicles and motorcycles. I studied suspension design and have revalved shocks and forks. Based on that experience I am very impressed with the spring and shock settings on the AEV kit. It made a world of difference in how the vehicle feels, particularly in the dirt. AEV is the only aftermarket modified Wrangler that can be ordered through Jeep dealerships. The design was tested at the Chrysler/Jeep proving grounds. The roll center and anti-dive characteristics were adjusted to work at this height safely. The front control arm drop brackets are necessary to keep proper geometry. Kits without the drop brackets use longer control arms instead, but they can't keep proper geometry that way. It becomes a compromise. The factory control arms/bushings are a plus for most users. They last longer than aftermarket bushings and are easily obtained if needed in the future. Most aftermarket kits use custom arms that are likely to be unavailable as spares in the future. If you don't keep vehicles for long and like flashy style, lift kits with custom control arms will work for you. If you want something that will last you 10+ years, AEV is a good choice. Installation is fairly straight forward. It took me 3 days working alone. I put the Wrangler on 4 jack stands and did the rear, then the front. You will need to modify the exhaust crossover to clear the driveshaft. You will also need different wheels, or wheel spacers (Spydertrax) for the stock wheels, to provide the needed backspacing.
This kit is a substantial improvement to the appearance, performance, especially the ride quality of the jk. My sahara floated like a cadillac on the interstate and was very sloppy feeling this kit tightened it up and made it the jeep composed and comfortable. This kit is incredibly stable when cornering quickly, and I feel confident that in a high speed emergency situation the jeep will react appropriately. Great buy and worth the extra coin.
Love this lift! It rides amazing....... Slightly stiffer than stock but more stable. 0 body roll. I have the geometry kit installed with it. It's conquered everything I've thrown at it. It's been about a year and a half and it's starting to squeak a little bit it's minimal. I have a full size 35 spare on the back and no sagging I can see. Had the aev guys install it, excellent work. I could see the marks from where quality assurance went through and checked everything. Great maintenance practices. I recommend it, it's a high speed lift!
Great lift, fairly easy to install. Took me 14hrs by myself. Ride is very good after install. A little stiffer, but no bump steer or wobbles. Only reason I didn’t give a 5 star is the hardware. All the m12 nuts threads were deformed, stripped the bolts. Had to buy new nuts downtown.
Summary: All is good now - after almost exactly 1 year. Hint 1: tighten all steering system bolts, not just the ones mentioned in the instructions. Hint 2: make sure the steering damper has a bushing on both ends, or get a separate damper from your local auto parts store. --We got this kit in December 2018 and had it installed by January and kept the stock wheels/tires. It was all others have said - except it had a death-wobble (DW). I worked with AEV support and sent pictures of the installation. They said all looked good, just tighten everything - including steering system bolts not touched by the kit. Good advice and seemed to clear it up for a few weeks. Then it was back... I thought getting 35" tires may help, and it did somewhat, but the DW kept happening some. We tried air pressure changes, kept tightening "everything" and kept trying to figure it out. Then in November we parked next to another lifted Jeep (as one does) at a yogurt shop and got to talking to the owner. He mentioned getting a new steering damper to fix his DW. I did, problem solved! Turns out the one sent with this kit didn't have the bushing (little pipe through the rubber doughnut) on one end. Tightening it would make the rubber tight enough to work for a while, but it would wear away in a week or two and DW would come back - and repeat. So, long story short, NOW I can highly recommend this kit. The Jeep is very stable, feels great, is once again safe and fun to drive, and is very tall.