BigJay
New member
So what is the bandwagon trend in "great kits"?
Mine is far from riding like a tank.
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AEV...pro's and con's
- Thread starter MeatHead
- Start date
So what is the bandwagon trend in "great kits"?
Mine is far from riding like a tank.
Sent from my iPhone using WAYALIFE mobile app
bl17z90
New member
One of the most popular lifts on the forum these days, and with great reviews, is the Evo Enforcer lift.
http://www.offroadevolution.com/store/proddetail.php?prod=EVO-ENFORCER-KIT
BigJay
New member
I've heard a lot of good things about that one
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"great kits" is subjective and "bandwagons" tend to be regional. Depending on who you talk to, you'll get a different answer.
What other lifts in the 3.5" range have you installed and run on your JK? Just wondering what you are basing your opinion on.
BigJay
New member
Teraflex prior to this one.
Two friends with JK's..... One has a Skycrapper and the other a BDS
Again, what do you consider better than RK?
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Yep, TeraFlex has about the stiffest springs out there and if you really did run their 3" or 4" coils, I can see where you would think what you have as being nice.
BDS isn't too bad but, as you've alluded to, Skyjacker lifts are nothing to write home about.
As far as 3"-4" coils are concerned, I personally prefer EVO Plush Ride coils but would be the first to say they are not for everyone. They are by far the softest coils I have ridden and because of it, will sag a bit if you load up your Jeep with tons of gear. Full Traction 3" coils are a bit more firm but ride well too. The light duty OME coils don't really offer more than about 2" of lift but, they ride okay too. If you insist upon dual rate coils, I found that Currie offered a better set than RK. Of course again, I prefer a soft ride and this is what I'm basing my opinions on.
I ran the aev 2.5 while saving for evo stuff. It was ok. Rode rough for my taste except when I was loaded down which is rare. I try to pack lite. The thing that was nice was I never had to fix or replace anything during its time on my rig. Not to say that you'd be replacing items with other kits. Cost me $900 and I installed it myself in my backyard. Sold it for damn near what I paid for it too. I only recommend their 2.5" kit. For taller lifts I'd go to another company. Pro's for me would be it installs easily, good instructions, turn key set up and nothing needed replaced after a year. Cons I would say rough/stiff coils unless you carry a ton of weight, no new end links up front, brake line drop brackets, and loss of needed clearance if you use the control arm drop brackets.
Yup, that about nails it. Like you, I think it's a fairly priced kit, one that comes complete and with good instructions - it's probably the only lift kit they offer that I would recommend. My only real beef with it would be the coils it comes with but, I feel that way about most dual rate coils. Of course, there are plenty of people who prefer a firm ride.
BigJay
New member
Ok I gotcha. It's amazing how much opinions and preferences vary.
I prefer a slightly stiffer spring so there's less body roll/ sag. But some will do anything to get a squishy comfy ride.
I guess we all have to agree to disagree!
Thanks for the info though
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Ok I gotcha. It's amazing how much opinions and preferences vary.
I prefer a slightly stiffer spring so there's less body roll/ sag. But some will do anything to get a squishy comfy ride.
I guess we all have to agree to disagree!
Thanks for the info though
LOL!! Soft coils do not = more "body roll" or a "squishy" ride.
BigJay
New member
Maybe not so much body roll, but certainly a squishier feeling ride.
Geez... Nothing gets by you does it
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I have over 100,000 miles on our big white JK, 60,000 miles on our Dozer JK, had 30,000 miles on our old 2-door that became Vengeance and almost 50,000 miles on our old 2009 Sunburst Orange JK before selling it. Needless to say, we spend a lot of time in our Jeeps, on the road, driving out to the trails clear across the country, wheeling them and then driving back home again and for me, a "smooth" comfortable ride is very important. Having said that, I can assure you that my coil overs with bypass shocks and long arms is a lot smoother of a ride than most standard or dual rate coil out there and it feels far from "squishy".
LOL!! I try not to.
So, I get your responses to me, and I assure you I'm not a typical fan boy. You'd be hard pressed to find me saying AEV is the one and only.
As for 500lbs to be more compliant, this is super easy for me with multiple kids and an 85lbs dog. Just this adds 400lbs to my rig. I think we'd all be surprised just how heavy our Jeeps truly are. I run a stock bumper, for now, but will be going to a steel bumper w/ tire. All this to say my comment of adding 500lbs, for a compliant ride, works for me.
To clarify the cost, I agree, if you get one of rancho's mega sale deals that seems to run late spring, you can't beat the price, period.
I'm certainly not questioning your knowledge or advice and recognize your "been there, done that, and then dd it again." However, to completely discount shocks wouldn't be entirely fair, as we both have agrees, ride is pure subjectiveness. Again, honest question, and perhaps better to start a new thread under the general category about shocks, valving, and the like, But how did the ride go from "soft" to "firm" in my buddy's old pathfinder with flip of the switch? I have never looked in to how the technology works, but sure did change things.
As for my comment on manufacturers spending a lot of $$ to dial in suspensions, I'd be curious how much EVO spent dialing in their systems? Parts/material cost + monetizing their own time. I couldnt begin to guess a figure, but I'm sure it wasn't cheap. I only reference EVO as I know you have a good relationship with them and could maybe find out. Once we know this, I'm sure we'll all appreciate the asking price of their and other's equipment and not always be begging for a "deal.". (Smittybilt built items excluded.)
Sent from a a few tin cans and some string.
As for 500lbs to be more compliant, this is super easy for me with multiple kids and an 85lbs dog. Just this adds 400lbs to my rig. I think we'd all be surprised just how heavy our Jeeps truly are. I run a stock bumper, for now, but will be going to a steel bumper w/ tire. All this to say my comment of adding 500lbs, for a compliant ride, works for me.
To clarify the cost, I agree, if you get one of rancho's mega sale deals that seems to run late spring, you can't beat the price, period.
I'm certainly not questioning your knowledge or advice and recognize your "been there, done that, and then dd it again." However, to completely discount shocks wouldn't be entirely fair, as we both have agrees, ride is pure subjectiveness. Again, honest question, and perhaps better to start a new thread under the general category about shocks, valving, and the like, But how did the ride go from "soft" to "firm" in my buddy's old pathfinder with flip of the switch? I have never looked in to how the technology works, but sure did change things.
As for my comment on manufacturers spending a lot of $$ to dial in suspensions, I'd be curious how much EVO spent dialing in their systems? Parts/material cost + monetizing their own time. I couldnt begin to guess a figure, but I'm sure it wasn't cheap. I only reference EVO as I know you have a good relationship with them and could maybe find out. Once we know this, I'm sure we'll all appreciate the asking price of their and other's equipment and not always be begging for a "deal."
. (Smittybilt built items excluded.)Sent from a a few tin cans and some string.
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And really, that's all that matters - so long as it works for you.
Even without the sale or rebate, it's still about $300 less. Way cheaper with the sale/rebate and what I like about it are the comfortable single rate coils it comes with.
You should look into it as it's really pretty interesting. I've been lucky enough to see how shock and valving work both at Rancho and at King. With a set of Kings, you can customize their shocks to give you what you are looking for - that's their selling point. With a set of old school Rancho 5000 hydro shocks which were great 20 years ago, their biggest selling point is that you can get them in just about any size and make them work on just about any vehicle. As far as the test you did goes, were the shocks new or old? How big was the diameter of the shocks - exactly the same or was one bigger? Both would make a difference.
As for my comment on manufacturers spending a lot of $$ to dial in suspensions, I'd be curious how much EVO spent dialing in their systems? Parts/material cost + monetizing their own time. I couldnt begin to guess a figure, but I'm sure it wasn't cheap. I only reference EVO as I know you have a good relationship with them and could maybe find out. Once we know this, I'm sure we'll all appreciate the asking price of their and other's equipment and not always be begging for a "deal."
The funny thing about EVO and spending money on designing their suspension kits is that a lot of it went into coming up with a spring rate that they felt was the best. Again, ride quality is 100% subjective so there was a lot of trail and error involved with this and so they literally have racks of standard coils and coil over coils stored away from the testing. As far as other suspension components go, you still have to work within the means of the Jeep and so there really are only so many things you can do other than pick thicker tubes, better joints, etc. The areas where new ideas come into play such as their long arm brackets or even more so with the EVO lever, that all needs to be engineered and while there are definitely costs associated with it, a lot of it can be mitigated through computer modeling. A lot of what you are paying for are their great ideas and innovation such as being the first to realize the need for c-gussets or coming up with a way to get 14" of vertical travel out of your rear end without having to cut into the tub or dangle your coil overs next to the ground. Other costs come from the fact that they make their products out of bigger and better material and of course, there is typically a premium for quality products made in the USA.
EDIT: Here is a video we made that helps to show how a custom high end coil over like one made by King is valved:
Old school hydro shocks like Rancho 5000's are not specifically valved for different vehicles.
One set was used, the ones that came with the 3" lift. Others were new. This is when you could pick them up from your autoparts store for ~$25 each. I don't recall their sizes but do remember they had different part numbers. He probably won't remember but I had discussed it a bit with Clayton while kickin' around staying at 3" or going bigger. Ended up going through a few Franken lifts and finally Clayton's long arms with XJ 6" rockready springs. Sold it a month later for a new '02 WJ HO because control arm mounts welded to the uniframe started to tear, 3rd tranny going south, etc...just not worth the hassle anymore.
I'm going to see if the interweb will cooperate and give me info on flipping a switch. I'm sure it has to be similar to rancho's in-cab-control.
Sent from a a few tin cans and some string.
I'm going to see if the interweb will cooperate and give me info on flipping a switch. I'm sure it has to be similar to rancho's in-cab-control.
Sent from a a few tin cans and some string.
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JK_Dave
Caught the Bug
CerOf:
There was something called an adjustable shock absorber (ASA) system on older Pathfinder's with the Sport package. Apparently there was a switch that you could flip in the cabin to adjust the suspension from Comfort to Sport. I couldn't find much detail, but there was likely a small motor on each shock absorber that adjusted the dampning characteristics. Couldn't find much more info than that.
There was something called an adjustable shock absorber (ASA) system on older Pathfinder's with the Sport package. Apparently there was a switch that you could flip in the cabin to adjust the suspension from Comfort to Sport. I couldn't find much detail, but there was likely a small motor on each shock absorber that adjusted the dampning characteristics. Couldn't find much more info than that.
Imho
I am taking delivery of my '14 2 dr Rubicon today! I went with a factory 410 gear to accomodate the 35" BFG MT and the AEV 3.5" lift. I decided to go with AEV for the following reasons.
1. Since AEV is factory authorized aftermarket retailer, I can finance the entire JK 350 package which = $14,000.00 through Suburban Jeep in Farmington Hills, MI. Is this expensive? Hells yeah. If you have the means then go for it IMO. If you have a garage and you like to wrench, save the money and build a frankensteinjeep or what I like to call a "Frankenjeep".
2. I live in Michigan. Not alot of rocks and I will be wheeling it at a moderate level about once a month or so. I don't think flex will be an issue based on my preffered terrain and I would prefer the "perceived" ride quality of the AEV lift. Con - I am a little disappointed with the lower ground clearance (about 1"). If it becomes a problem I will simply "fix" the problem by any means neccessary, fabrication or otherwise, maybe 37" tires??
3. The customer service at AEV is important to me because I trust the people that I have met there.
4. I like supporting the local Michigan economy. AEV is literally 5 minutes from my work.
5. My factory warranty is still in place and most of the dealerships in my area have some sort of relationship with AEV.
Summary:
By no means am I a AEV fanboy. It is just too convenient for me to pass up. So these are the questions I would ask yourself:
1. What is my budget?
2. What are my wheeling intentions?
3. How much work am I willing to do myself?
4. Is timing a factor?
5. Do I like the LOOK of AEV?
Here is what is included in the JK350 package (I am anticipating a reply that says that I am paying 2-3K for the AEV serialized build plaque lol)
AEV Heat Reduction Hood
AEV Premium Front Bumper
AEV Winch Mount
WARN Winch
IPF 901 Off-Road Lights
AEV Front Skid Plate
AEV Rear Bumper
AEV Tire Carrier
AEV Water Pump Kit
AEV 3.5" DualSport SC Suspension
AEV ProCal
AEV Jack Base
AEV 17" Alloy Wheels
35" Mud-Terrain Tires
AEV Badging
AEV Instrument Cluster
AEV Logo Headrest
AEV Serialized Build Plaque
I am taking delivery of my '14 2 dr Rubicon today! I went with a factory 410 gear to accomodate the 35" BFG MT and the AEV 3.5" lift. I decided to go with AEV for the following reasons.
1. Since AEV is factory authorized aftermarket retailer, I can finance the entire JK 350 package which = $14,000.00 through Suburban Jeep in Farmington Hills, MI. Is this expensive? Hells yeah. If you have the means then go for it IMO. If you have a garage and you like to wrench, save the money and build a frankensteinjeep or what I like to call a "Frankenjeep".
2. I live in Michigan. Not alot of rocks and I will be wheeling it at a moderate level about once a month or so. I don't think flex will be an issue based on my preffered terrain and I would prefer the "perceived" ride quality of the AEV lift. Con - I am a little disappointed with the lower ground clearance (about 1"). If it becomes a problem I will simply "fix" the problem by any means neccessary, fabrication or otherwise, maybe 37" tires??
3. The customer service at AEV is important to me because I trust the people that I have met there.
4. I like supporting the local Michigan economy. AEV is literally 5 minutes from my work.
5. My factory warranty is still in place and most of the dealerships in my area have some sort of relationship with AEV.
Summary:
By no means am I a AEV fanboy. It is just too convenient for me to pass up. So these are the questions I would ask yourself:
1. What is my budget?
2. What are my wheeling intentions?
3. How much work am I willing to do myself?
4. Is timing a factor?
5. Do I like the LOOK of AEV?
Here is what is included in the JK350 package (I am anticipating a reply that says that I am paying 2-3K for the AEV serialized build plaque lol)
AEV Heat Reduction Hood
AEV Premium Front Bumper
AEV Winch Mount
WARN Winch
IPF 901 Off-Road Lights
AEV Front Skid Plate
AEV Rear Bumper
AEV Tire Carrier
AEV Water Pump Kit
AEV 3.5" DualSport SC Suspension
AEV ProCal
AEV Jack Base
AEV 17" Alloy Wheels
35" Mud-Terrain Tires
AEV Badging
AEV Instrument Cluster
AEV Logo Headrest
AEV Serialized Build Plaque
Welcome to WAYALIFE. Did you even take the time to read through this thread? For whatever it's worth, a frankenjeep often times costs more to do that to just buy a complete kit and yet again, Rancho offers a Sport kit which is VERY SIMILAR to the AEV kit only costs a lot LESS! But, having said that, if you are getting this as a package through your dealership and you're okay with paying the HUGE premium, more power to you.
If you like a firm ride, you will be happy with their lift. The Rancho kit offers a softer ride but of course, that's not something you are looking at. As far as terrain goes, you guys do have Rocks and Valleys and Drummond Island to play on but, I take it neither are preferred by you. As far as your clearance goes, you can't just "fix" it by "fabricating" something, you need to replace the overpriced relocation brackets with adjustable control arms.
I do find that brand loyalty is typically regional and you are just more proof of that.
And, being that warranties are more controlled by a dealership than Chrysler, that is a perk.
:cheesy: This is your very first post on this forum and it's to make the case about why you're spending $14,000 on some kind of AEV package. Of course you are a fanboy. Normal people come onto a forum and say "Hi! I'm new to Jeep or this forum and I'm glad to be here!" The shoe fits - wear it with pride. :yup:
For you - REALLY BIG!! :thumb:
Please, you're kidding yourself if you really think that there aren't better and more affordable solutions out there that work just as well if not better.
Being that your dealership is going to install everything for you, none.
Timing?
Clearly - you do!! :cheesy:
A lot of the stuff in this list is really nice but really, you would actually include "AEV Badging" and "AEV Serialized Build Plaque"? Like I said, you're a fanboy :clap2:
CrazyLarry
New member
this is fun :bleh:op2: btw kinda early for you west coast guys isnt it :icon_crazy:
op2: btw kinda early for you west coast guys isnt it :icon_crazy:For reasons that are important to me, I have chosen AEV. My reasons are not the same as yours. If EVO had a turn key package that was less expensive than AEV I would be allover it. Especially if my dealership network supported the products.
And yes, I have read the entire thread. I appreciated your opinion as a fellow poster. What I don't appreciate is the position that you are taking as a thread overlord and an accusation that I am not normal. The questions that I posed are for someone that has to make a decision as to which product they choose for themselves. I have clearly stated that money is really not an issue for me as my total JKR will be close to 60K when I am done. If you do not have the means than I would recommend going a different route for sure.
Again. If there is a turn key solution from the dealership that is better than AEV, please let me know. If not, please respect my opinion as it is my own and not yours.
BTW. My 6 year old son uses emoticons.