3.5" Lift: AEV vs Rubicon Express
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JK Newbie
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles
3.5" Lift: AEV vs Rubicon Express
Have a 2009 JK Unlimited with 35" BFG KM2's and a 1.5" Coil Spring lift which I hate. Finally looking to upgrade to a 3.5" kit. Mostly a daily driver. Interested in the AEV 3.5" DualSport SC Suspension System and the Rubicon Express 3.5" Standard Suspension System. Haven't been able to decide between the two for a number of months now. For the most part, all the roading I do is light trails, so my road ride is the main concern. Any advice would be much appreciated!
Was also wondering if anyone with the AEV 3.5" SC kit if anyone has swapped out their brackets for new control arms?
What shocks are good with the Rubicon Express kit?
Thanks in advance for all the help!
Was also wondering if anyone with the AEV 3.5" SC kit if anyone has swapped out their brackets for new control arms?
What shocks are good with the Rubicon Express kit?
Thanks in advance for all the help!
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 384
Likes: 0
From: Rifle, Co
In all honestly, if your just looking for a "lift", most of the suspension companies make great products to do just that.
If you are looking for a kit which increases ground clearance and adds flex a well as performance, your going to want to do your home work. The performance gain drives the price up due to the performance parts used to build the kit.
Its a very tough decision that ultimately only you can make. When I was lift shopping I was looking for solid parts, the ability to upgrade and for a kit that best fit my needs. In the end, I went with a different kit than any you mentioned.
I also live in the rocky mountains and wheel my jeep pretty hard.
If you are looking for a kit which increases ground clearance and adds flex a well as performance, your going to want to do your home work. The performance gain drives the price up due to the performance parts used to build the kit.
Its a very tough decision that ultimately only you can make. When I was lift shopping I was looking for solid parts, the ability to upgrade and for a kit that best fit my needs. In the end, I went with a different kit than any you mentioned.
I also live in the rocky mountains and wheel my jeep pretty hard.
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 211
Likes: 0
From: Eagle Mountain, UT
I'm running the AEV 3.5 lift and love it, it rides better than when it was stock. The coil springs on the AEV lift are progressive rate springs which gives you a smoother and more comfortable ride.
I haven't bohtered to change out the brakets on my lift and for longer arms because I haven't seen the need to.
I used to run the Rancho shock for the longest time and have liked them. However the Bilsten shocks that came with my AEV lift are great and I love them.
I haven't bohtered to change out the brakets on my lift and for longer arms because I haven't seen the need to.
I used to run the Rancho shock for the longest time and have liked them. However the Bilsten shocks that came with my AEV lift are great and I love them.
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JK Freak
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 944
Likes: 1
From: Peoria, Illinois
Originally Posted by finfreeze
In all honestly, if your just looking for a "lift", most of the suspension companies make great products to do just that.
If you are looking for a kit which increases ground clearance and adds flex a well as performance, your going to want to do your home work. The performance gain drives the price up due to the performance parts used to build the kit.
Its a very tough decision that ultimately only you can make. When I was lift shopping I was looking for solid parts, the ability to upgrade and for a kit that best fit my needs. In the end, I went with a different kit than any you mentioned.
I also live in the rocky mountains and wheel my jeep pretty hard.
If you are looking for a kit which increases ground clearance and adds flex a well as performance, your going to want to do your home work. The performance gain drives the price up due to the performance parts used to build the kit.
Its a very tough decision that ultimately only you can make. When I was lift shopping I was looking for solid parts, the ability to upgrade and for a kit that best fit my needs. In the end, I went with a different kit than any you mentioned.
I also live in the rocky mountains and wheel my jeep pretty hard.
JK Enthusiast
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 163
Likes: 0
From: Charleston, SC
From all the research that I have done the 2 lifts that seem to win for the best ride on the road are the AEV and the Rock Krawler. I have not read much about the rancho. If your heart is set on one of those 2 lifts I would go with the AEV, but I would also recommend looking into the rock krawler. I've decided i'm going with the RK 2.5 Max Pro. It's aluminum so light, but won't rust at all and everybody i've talked to about it says it has amazing ride on the road, and fantastic performance off-road.
Good luck!
Good luck!