This is my point:

1. Less clearance
2. They bend

Again, only a problem if you're planning on wheeling it.

It's kind of like the people that run 37's on their D30. It CAN be done, it just shouldn't.

 

AEV's?
The Rancho's are more compact. Beefier. Tuck inside the mounts unlike the AEV brackets.
Wait.... Isn't AEV designed around overland not crawling ?
Fwiw .. The AEV's and my currant Rancho's are more of a temp until I decide where in going next

 

Rear lowers I assume also. Going with rear uppers? Just remember if you do you need different lowers. Well don't need I guess. Their rear lowers for the flex are different than the rear lowers for the xfactor. Just found this out the hard way. Thinking of keeping the flex system in the rear though and putting my rear stock uppers back on.

 

The problem with linear springs like terraflex or old RK rear, they will sag too much when heavily loaded with bumpers, winch, cargo rack, etc

Progressive (synergy, RK front) will sag less but at an increased harshness when loaded.

Dual rate spring like MC gives you a progressive rate plus an extended flex rate to increase travel.

Triple rate coil like AEV and now RK, will give you 3 differents rates; 1 for standard driving, 1 higher rate for heavy load and 1 flex rate for increased travel. They will sag less and they will retain good driving when loaded or not.

Triple rate coil requires specialy valved shocks to perform well.

Your right about the 3.5 or 4.5 aev, those are incomplete because at these amount of lift more components should be included. But you can add extra stuff on AEV lift like any other lift kit on the market.

 

Agree 100%.........

 

I think this thread is great. Some great info (as well as some worthless). As I described, I had all 8 mid-arms from RK, as well as their springs and track bars. I was unhappy with the ON-ROAD ride quality, so I switched to stock arms, stock track bars and the AEV 3.5 springs with drop brackets. Much better ride, although the 'toughness' of the RK parts isn't there anymore. Rocks are rare around here (Minnesota), so it's overlanding, mud and daily driving. All in all, it's still tougher than stock. I am very happy with my decision, and if a 'weaker' stock part wears out, I get a new takeoff for dirt cheap on craigslist.

Also, for people saying that AEV is just a bunch of brackets to hide a problem... The only 'extra' bracket that they use over the beefier full arm kits is the front control arm bracket, which is now being copied (almost to a T) by multiple other companies.

Front shock relo brackets are marketed by many companies now.

Rear trackbar relocation brackets are nothing new.

Synergy (and others) copied AEV's front track bar relo bracket almost identically. I'm not knocking synergy's, because I have it and love it... just sayin'

Front sway bar brackets are being produced by tons of companies, and are widely used.

So... other than the front control arm geo brackets.... why is everyone saying "it's just a bunch of brackets"?

 

Should have run those brackets with your RK kit. Bam

 

I think that would have been a waste for what I need. Thing rides amazing, and I don't need all that extra stuff. That said, I have RK 2.5" springs and front RK bomb proof adj. track bar for sale... all else sold... Anyone

 

The brackets are fine if you're not rock crawling. You mentioned you aren't.

Again, nothing wrong with AEV. I just don't like the brackets for rock crawling. They do make control arms. So if someone wants AEV for rock crawling, just get a lift that has the CA's.

They are also overpriced, but quality is good.

 

Also - I think the RK joints make you feel more road imperfections than the stock bushings. Had the RK adj front track bar on after removing their arms, and feels better with stock track bar instead. Also, luckily, my axle is centered perfectly (within 1/8").