fadetogray

So after reading a wide spectrum of opinions on the 4.5" AEV kits, and how they are so over priced, I decided to look at a few others out there.

I was happy with the AEV kit i had on my old Jeep, but if i can save $1,000 this time around, that would be damn cool.

I guess my question is, so everything that is listed below in the AEV kit, that doesn't come on the Rancho Sport kit for example, are items I don't really need?

i know the jack stand and procal, but what about the other items such as the steering stabilizer, steering drag link, etc?


4" RANCHO SPORT KIT

RS7000 Shocks
Front and Rear Coil Springs
Bump Stop Spacers
Adjustable Front Track Bar
Rear Axle Track Bar Bracket
Sway Bar End Links
Front Brake Lines
Suspension Arm Bracket
Rear Sway Bar Brackets

4.5" AEV RS KIT

Bilstein 5160 Remote Reservoir Shocks
Front and Rear Coil Springs
Front and Rear Bump Stops/Spacers
Front Axle Side Track Bar Bracket with Steering Stabilizer Mount
Rear Axle Side Track Bar Bracket
Sway Bar Links
Front and Rear Brake Line Brackets
Heavy Duty Steering Stabilizer
Custom Rear Track Bar
Front Control Arm Geometry Drop Brackets
High Steer Drag Link
Brakeline Drop Brackets
Custom Rear Rrack-arm
Roll-Center-Adjusted Rear Track-Arm Tower
AEV Jack Base
AEV ProCAL Module

Poker5150

Very shortly you will be told by many to go with Rancho as they are cheaper and don't use as many "brackets" as the AEV. This is good advice BTW. Go with the Rancho for that big of a lift.

Poker5150

I forgot to mention that the choice btwn the 2 also has ALOT to do with what your intended use is.

fadetogray

Mostly on road driving, with some light trails. Nothing extreme in terms of use.

Poker5150

Then my opinion is the AEV, although many will differ. But with your intended use I believe the AEV will give you the best on road manners. And no,....I have never driven a JK with the AEV 4.5, but I do own a JK with the 2.5 kit and it drives great.

texascodmw3

Like you, I wanted good road manners and moderate trail capability. I went with the AEV 3.5 inch SC kit. The high steer kit with stabilizer I feel are well worth the investment. I think you can save the money on the reservoir shocks. I would think those would be necessary for higher speed, aggressive off road driving.

Good luck with your choice.

FJ-KILLER

I have the 4 Rancho sport kit and it rides great, better then stock. Takes bumps better, better off road, way more heavy duty then stock hardware..

Chaffin1

I have the rancho 3" sport and it drives great. After purchasing the rancho it I bought the AEV procal to fix my speedo and TPMS. I have also just purchased the EVO draglink flip kit which is kinda like the AEV high steer kit.
The rancho is a great starter lift with room to grow and add what you want.

Freewill

There are no overpriced kits. Some kits have more stuff and better stuff so they cost more. I haven't looked at a kit that costs more than the components are worth. If the good stuff doesn't seem worth it, or money is short, then choose a less expensive kit. I bought an AEV kit and still spent more to get everything the way I wanted it.

Rancho

I'm REAL bias.

Also check out the 4" TRAIL as well....

ProCal or the type is nice too.