I am about to pull the trigger on either of these lift but i want to hear the pros and cons of each (i know the aev one has not be out for long but some have it so i trow the question at them). I have a sweet spot for RK stock mod kit because it is upgradable to their max travel kit and i have never heard bad things about rock krawler systems. If i go that route ill also order bilstein 5100 with it and i want to know what is the ride quality compared to stock with this setup. I will also have a winch and a bumper to mount it on the front so i was wondering if the front will drop because of the extra weight or will it stay level. All the questions are the same for the aev lift: ride , front rake, performance... Any input would be appreciated!

 

Cant go wrong with rk

 

^^^^X2 love my RK and already looking to upgrade it from the 3.5" mid arm flex system (have their aftermarket tie rod on the way from Northridge as we speak).

 

Went with the jk tuned fox shocks, BTW. Rides like a dream. Only a couple bucks more than the bilsteins too, but definitely worth it.

 

RK makes a great lift. Your front end won't sag much with an aftermarket bumper and winch...maybe 1/2". FYI...plan on adding a new front drive shaft with this lift and shock combo.

 

Is the drive shaft a must or can i do without it at this point

 

I dont have experience with AEV, only with Rock Krawler in my old Tj and now in my Jk. I have the RK 3.5'' and its super solid. Heavy duty arms: you can hit any rocks with that full solid steel arm. Incredible costumers service: they always gonna help you on everything here in the forum and on phone. Life time abuse proof warranty: you cant beat that kind of warranty. Upgradable to any RK kit: this summer im going to upgrade to long arm, the only thing i need its longer arms, i keep everything else. And the ride quality: on-road 3x better than stock and off-road the flex and the articulation is ridiculous, you cant go wrong with Rock Krawler.

Good luck

 

If you have a 4 door auto, yes you need one up front. Why? When disconnecting the links your stock drive shaft will hit the tranny, so you need an aftermarket, solid and smaller. I have COAST 1310 but there are other good option too. If you have a manuel, your be fine.

 

Ouff ive got a manual. Thank you

 

I say Rock Krawler all the way! I'm sure AEV makes some good stuff but, I still say RK!
I will be having the 3.5" X-Factor installed on my JKU in 13 days!! I'm so excited!!
Also have The RK HD Tie Rod and Drag Link with flip being installed at same time!