I need a straight answer
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 326
Likes: 0
From: Wilmington areaa, NC
There are alot of great systems out there and alot of opinions, but for what youre describing i'd go with the AEV kit. That kit uses brackets to correct geometry so it may not be the best for rock crawling, which is the reason some prefer to go with adjustable arms, etc. But It's a good all around lift that will correct all geometry issues and ride well. You may still need to change out your front drive shaft on a 2012 (not sure about that though).
Keep in mind, that beyond the lift, you will likely need to get a tire carrier that can handle the weight of the larger spare (for 35" and larger tires) as well. And, you'll need new rims with at least 4.5" backspacing to prevent rubbing at full turn.
Good luck!
Keep in mind, that beyond the lift, you will likely need to get a tire carrier that can handle the weight of the larger spare (for 35" and larger tires) as well. And, you'll need new rims with at least 4.5" backspacing to prevent rubbing at full turn.
Good luck!
JK Super Freak
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,805
Likes: 1
From: South Windsor, Ct
I just took advantage of the rancho deal and ordered the new 4" sport suspension for my 2011JKU. It only recommended a new drive shaft on 2012's so I'm a bit concerned now. I guess I should have researched more first? Although I thought I did? Not that new drive shafts aren't doable, they aren't gonna be very soon $$. should I wait to install my new kit?
JK Newbie
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
From: Minnesota
AEV...... It handles on the road, so much better than stock!!! I spend at least 75% of my travels on hard surfaces and it's hard to describe the improvement on higher speeds on the highway and interstate. With the the wheeling I do I have not sacrificed by choosing AEV!!
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 326
Likes: 0
From: Wilmington areaa, NC
Originally Posted by TJM12
I just took advantage of the rancho deal and ordered the new 4" sport suspension for my 2011JKU. It only recommended a new drive shaft on 2012's so I'm a bit concerned now. I guess I should have researched more first? Although I thought I did? Not that new drive shafts aren't doable, they aren't gonna be very soon $$. should I wait to install my new kit?
JK Freak
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 777
Likes: 0
From: Bondurant, Iowa
I just took advantage of the rancho deal and ordered the new 4" sport suspension for my 2011JKU. It only recommended a new drive shaft on 2012's so I'm a bit concerned now. I guess I should have researched more first? Although I thought I did? Not that new drive shafts aren't doable, they aren't gonna be very soon $$. should I wait to install my new kit?
JK Newbie
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 63
Likes: 0
From: Uniontown, PA
Originally Posted by mpkelley20
While people love this lift, I wouldn't call it "complete". The drop arm brackets are just a different way of dealing with the geometry issue. Other lifts like Ful Traction, Rock Kralwer and Teraflex have kits that come with all adjustable control arms which do the same thing...but better in a ot of people's eyes.
With a 4" lift you want a kit (or additional components if the kit doesn;t come with it) that has coils, shocks, adjustable track bars both front and rear, adjustable control arms (minimum front lowers and rear uppers but all 8 is "complete"), sway links, extended brake lines, bumpstops and possibly some steering adjustments like a drag link flip (to help with bump steer). You will also need front and rear driveshafts at some point. 4 doors need front drive shaft and 2 doors need rear. Its best to get both.
So, that should be it. I recently did mine using the RK X-Factor which came with the track bars, coils, sway links, brake lines and all 8 control arms. I added Bilstein shocks, teraflex bumstops, coast front and rear driveshafts. Haven;t done a drag link flip yet but I'm considering it or something similar. Total cost for everything was around $2,700 or so. About 900 of that were the driveshafts. The AEV kit will run you the same as the RK kit but the AEV does come with shocks. That puts the RK kit about $350 more expensive, however, you get all adjustable control arms which, to me, is huge.
JK Super Freak
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,805
Likes: 1
From: South Windsor, Ct
Originally Posted by Atch
You don't have to wait until you get your driveshaft, you have issues if you are an auto AND disconnect and that's not even 100% of the time. So instal your lift and you can wait to wheel if you're that worried about it until you get your driveshaft
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 211
Likes: 0
From: Eagle Mountain, UT
X2. I love my 3.5 inch AEV lift and it handles great on and off road. the othe lift I was looking at was one from TeraFlex but I liked every thing that came with the AEV kit more and thought their was a better value in the AEV
Thread Starter
JK Newbie
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From: Texas
Thanks for the responses people thats what I was looking for. I knew I was going to have to get a front drive shaft. I was more concerned about a complete kit that had everything I needed from the get go.The only trails it will see are my hunting trails and the beach and it sounds like the AEV kit is the one I'll be looking at. If there is anything else don't hesitate to input. Thanks
Last edited by TReuter; May 26, 2012 at 01:07 PM.