I have the 4.5 AEV Premium. I addedl Rock Krawler front LCA's and a front driveshaft since I have an automatic. I can't tell you how much I love the lift. The parts are top notch in quality and the handling is terrific. The springs really handle heavy loads as well.

 

So I guess it really is personal preference. This will be my first Jeep, and the first vehicle I've put a lift on, so I'm pretty green to the whole concept.

Is AEV's setup flawed as-is with the cam bolts and no adjustable control arms? I'd say daily driving to off-roading is going to be about 80/20 realistically. I'm not totally concerned with how it will handle/perform under "extreme" off-roading conditions, but don't want anything to break/under-perform under "normal" driving conditions.

Still haven't really gotten a clear picture of whether or not to go with it.

 

Before you order one, check out a local jeep club or even a forum ride. That way you can see stuff first hand. Most jeepers don't mind if you ride along either. Most of us love showing off our jeeps and talking about them. Lol. And honestly it doesn't matter what lift u get...you will eventually change it, upgrade it, add to it, or justt get sick of it and want something different. It seems like I have mine apart every few months..but then again I can never leave anything alone..

 

AEV is a great brand. The only complaint I have about their lifts is that they use cam-bolts to adjust the axle caster. I would recommend at least getting some adjustable lower control arms instead of using the cam-bolts. But seriously, AEV makes really top notch stuff.

 

I don't think that AEV stuff is any better than TeraFlex or RK or any of the other major respected brands. Hell, Mopar uses Rubicon Express lifts instead of AEV...

 

I do not think individual suspension components from AEV or any other company are better than another, but it is how it all works together and then personal preferences for certain components. One has to appreciate that chaning one component has effects on the entire suspension system. Adjustable arms vs. Stock arms is only one question; adj arms come in many many varieties and each has different issues that need to be addressed, anything from additional viabrations to life expectancy of the bushings, then how does the additional flex (if this is the case) effect the handling at speed, off and on-road. There are obviously lots of choices and even more marketing tricks.

 

I agree, its a good lift. I just wouldnt use the cam's thats all

 

I agree; it is great on highway and offroad. I have yet to do major boulders, but if you search my posts, Screamin Lizards flexed the hell out of my Jeep with no issues.

 

SD27: First I have to admit I didn't read all the responses to your thread. I too am new to this "hobby" and have quickly discovered I needed stronger hardware. I have AEV's rear bumper and their Bridger wheels (now discontinued but I wanted 16" rims).

Rims were good, bumper was good. Rims nothing really special but I had them sandblasted and powder coated to my specs. Rear bumper very interesting design with unique features. Lousy directions and a couple problems with alignment but VERY strong, great weld etc.

Lift, an enormous number of choices out there. I went a diffrent route and talked to David at Northridge 4X4. He sold me a kit that he has spec'd out good for street and all but the really extreme off roader (well anyway well beyond the things I plan on doing). It is an OEM long travel kit and I had added rear upper control arms to correct pinion angle and added a new drive shaft. David knows suspensions and sells AEV so I would recommend contacting him for expertice. He may just suggest that for you the AEV lift is the best. AEV has a highly engineered lift (I know little about except for talking to AEV sales) but I think that if price is no object it's a good lift.

 

One of the things that I like about AEV is that they use as much American products as possible They use steel, bolts, and hardware, etc... from American companies. This costs more, but at the same time it is also keeping Americans working.

The other thing that makes them uniques is their relationship with Jeep, and attempts to try to maintain an OEM quality control. They are the only company I know of to use an e-coat, followed by 2 stage powder coat on their products. Also they go out of their way to try to find items like track bars and drag links from other Chrysler vehicles to use on their lifts, etc... because Chrysler has tested these products beyond what any aftermarket manufacturer has the ability to.