2014 JKU Sport - SOCAL area first off.

Yes, another suspension kit question from a noob. I've been doing homework for a couple months now and thought I had it narrowed down to the RK 2.5 Flex or Max Travel Kit. So I come across a guy a few blocks away randomly, chase him down, we talk, and takes me for a ride, lets me drive his 2.5 AEV equipped JKU on 35's. I'm looking for this same set up, will do 35's on which 2.5 lift I choose, so hey I'm impressed. So it rode great, he swore by it, said it was his DD, just like mine pretty much is as well. He admitted it is not for rock crawling or gnarly stuff, more trail and expedition, and I'm in the same boat as well I suppose. So the question is, I believe the RK kit to be more stout and beatable out there on rougher trails/rocks etc. over the AEV. Am I definitely correct? Anyone else have both before? At what point does the RK kit take over, and the AEV hinder one so to speak, where I would be like why did I not go with the RK kit and bang my head?

To add to the new confusion, I see tons of positive info and mentions of the Synergy/Poly kits? Don't know if I wan to throw that into my consideration though. Why would I want this brand/kit over my original considerations?

Thanks for shedding some light guru's!

 

I was in the same boat as you are. I went with AEV because RK without shocks was coming out to be a lot more money. I love the AEV 2.5 lift. I don't do rocks, so I can't speak on that, but for trails that i go on it's awesome and it rides on the pavement great as well since my jeep is a DD.

I know I didn't answer any of your questions, but wanted to I've you my input!!!!

 

If it's mainly a pavement pounder or light to medium trails, you'll be happier with the AEV. For more serious wheeling, get a more serious kit. You won't get adjustable arms, but brackets that correct geometry. All well and good, but it creates a low point to get caught on rocks or get you hung up when you're in deep mud.
I run RK, does a better job for what I want.

 

I have the RK 2.5 X-Factor and it's great. Quite honestly I think you'd be fine either way. You'll get more height out of the RK,I believe. They are both quality lifts and if I pushed you in the RK direction it would only be because that's what I own. That's what most satisfied consumers do.

I believe for a daily driver, mild trails and 35s the best option is a 2.5 budget boost (any brand, they're rubber pucks, it ain't rocket science) and some quality shocks (bilstein fox OME rancho) You'll have a great look, while keeping it simple and safe at the same time. More does not necessarily mean better.

If you have to spend the bucks... AEV or RK either...both have good reputations.

 

I think you'd be pretty happy with either. If you plan in your future to do harder wheeling, I'd go RK though over the AEV. Not that I've personally ever ran either of those though. Both are good companies overall.

 

I'v had the AEV 2.5 for 3 weeks now. Its nice rides great. you'll want an adj. track bar, the passenger sway bar link will be at an angle. i was worried so i went to Northridge4x4 and they said all AEV 2.5 do it. then said i dont really need an adj track bar, but i dont like it so i'm getting one. hind sight i would gone with the RK only because i'v changed my mind and i want to build my JK some more...I know, I know. its like a drug! if you think you'll be happy and not want to mod anytime in the near future AEV 2.5 all the way!!!! My crazy logic is to build the drive shafts axles, gears, lockers skids about $3500 worth then RK 2.5 springs but i havnt decided on the arms. i'll know in about year. which is cool because new parts might come out!!! the wife will have left me by then so i'll have more free time to think this through.

 

SoCal trails like those in BigBear and ArrowHead will favor lifts like those offered by RK. I run a 2.5" RK system on our 13 JKU and a AEV 2.5" on our 14 JK. By far the JKU has better flex which gives it an advantage on almost everything. Ride will always favor the longer wheel based JKU so I can not speak to the difference in ride between the two lifts.

 

I would not run either one, why are you lifting? Just to run 35's? What factors brought you to choose rock krawler over other lifts?

 

Curious to see where this goes so I can maybe get some insight for my own planning.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

What is your goal?