Reviews for AEV 2in Spacer Suspension System for 07-18 Jeep Wrangler JK

Fairly straightforward, one afternoon install in the driveway. Fit, ride, and overall quality are top-notch. I gained 2" in the front, and 1.5" in the back. Only thing keeping this from being 5 stars is that the kit, as it was shipped to me, was sent with 3" shock bolts with fine threads, and nuts that were supposed to go with them that had coarse threads (no, I didn't mismatch any parts...these are the only 1/2" diameter bolts and nuts in the kit.) This cost me about an hour of time, as I had to go to the local hardware store to buy suitable replacement parts. Also, as mentioned by others, the instructions could be more specific about a few things...there are a few steps where they should have diagrams for BOTH the driver and passenger side of the vehicle, and there are a few steps that they tell you to do that you really don't need to do (loosen the control arm bolts, completely remove the shocks when removing only one end will do just fine, etc.)

I got this lift to go with my 285/70/17 tires that had slight rubbing on the factory air dam when turning and to increase my ground clearance. The results were exactly as I had hoped and is perfect for running 33” tires (full turning radius restored without rubbing). The driving feel remains unaffected with only a very slight adjustment needed to recenter the steering wheel. (Instructions not provided)

I ended up downloading a competitors instructions for a similar kit to get a list of the required tools to ensure I had everything and paired up all the hardware and parts together before beginning the installation as the instructions do not specify what mounting hardware goes where. (Imagine Ikea instructions with every other page ripped out and a page added at the end from the assembly instructions for a different product...) I found myself trying things a couple times which contributed to the lengthy install.

The install itself took me most of an entire weekend working alone with basic hand tools. My only issue with this kit is that the instructions feel like a half written draft that was submitted without much care. (Not a great effort was taken for ensuring the customer has a seamless experience with installing the product...)

I plan on moving to 35s eventually and installing a 3.5” lift. I was hoping to stick with AEV as they are a local company for me, but the effort put into their instructions are a bit off-putting compared to competitors.

Product works great and a nice improvement in appearance without sacrificing ride quality. Beware that 3-5 hours is a generous assessment for the shade tree mechanic (level 2 is pretty accurate though). I’m pretty capable with tools but, working by myself, just the front took about 4 uninterrupted hours. Rear took 3 hours or so with neighbor’s help. Tall jack stands are a must, or better yet, if you have access to a lift, use that. I used 6 ton jack stands. I strongly recommend you have a good impact wrench to use. I used an electric 1/2” drive as well as an 18V battery powered for some harder to reach bolts. It would have taken longer had I not had them, some bolts/nuts are awkward with a hand wrench and very tight. Also, the instructions are somewhat Spartan. It’s not completely clear exactly what to use when and where, bolts, nuts, and parts do not come with any diagram or instructions for which to use when and where. I figured it out but I could imagine some people struggling. Since this is likely undertaken by relative novices, avideo would be helpful but I couldn’t find one online. All that said, I am very happy with the ride and appearance.

Overall this kit is solid. The issue and the main reason I didn't give it 5 stars is the fact for such an established company, the directions from AEV are horrendous. Ive purchased AEV products before without issue. But this was the exception. There are several steps such as completely removing the shocks that are unnecessary and could be accomplished by simply removing one end and loosening the other on the front. Overall the install took much longer than expected. In fact my 3.5 zone lift on a previous JK installed faster.

**NOTE** I got lucky and found this info on one post in a random forum. The front shock brackets are side specific. Looking at them side by side they look identical. However one set is specific to the left and one for the right. For the life couldn't figure out why the holes didn't line up exactly and thought it was a manufacturer defect. Again this is not in the instructions so if your holes aren't allowing the bolt to easily slide in switch the bracket set to the other side of the vehicle.