I’m scared to ask this questions. But here it goes. What I have is a 2.5” AEV lift kit on a 2008 JKU 4dr with stock bumpers. Which comes out to a little higher than 2.5” because theres no extra weight on bumpers. So I have been looking replace my bumpers and when I do I know I will lose a little bit of height. How much I don’t know at this time. So doing my normal research on the net on how to remedy this I came across JKS Adjustable coil spacers. They look like a good idea on paper so to speak. But I would like to know, if anybody is using them? And what you think? If you hate them why, and what would you recommend? Also I called AEV just to see if they sell a stiffer spring. They said no. I asked if I put just a spacer (not the adjustable), they said never do that because it will ruion the springs. Which lead me here.

 

A coil spacer will ruin AEV coils? Never heard that. LOTS of people are running spacers without issue.

Other than the high price, one thing to note about the JKS adj spacers is the minimum lift height. I think they are 1" front and 2" rear. So you will be lifting 2" front and 2" rear, or to level, maybe 3" front and 2" rear. Is that what you are looking to do?

 

Right, I'm figuring that the weight of the front bumper (est 120lb) rear bumper (est 110lb). I will lose maybe 1.5". What I am trying to do is compensate that by a regular spacer of some sort. In my head and on paper it looks like the adjustable would be a great idea because I can adjust to the height I lost. However, since I am newer to this. Is the reason why I ask.

As of right now when I do take my jeep off roading. I love the height I have now. I have great clearance, and never really had any issue. So when I do install new bumpers. I will lose some of that height.

 

You will probably only lose .5" or less of height with the steel bumpers. I have no experience with their springs but I can't imagine losing 1.5". I have 2.5" MC springs and still got 3.5" in the front and 3.25" in the rear with steel bumpers, a winch, and 35" spare on bumper tire carrier. So I would see how much height you lose before buying anything to compensate, if at all.

 

I have the AEV 2.5 inch lift, and I run the factory Hard Rock/X/Anniversary metal bumpers, Warn 9.5 CTI-s winch with Maximus winch plate, and run a Frontrunner cargo slide and cargo shelf. Last time I went to Maze district of Canyonlands the Jeep was loaded with myself and my girl, ARB fridge, 10 extra gallons of fuel, about 10 gallons of water, stove, camping gear, 20 lb propane tank, campfire in a can, hi-lift jack, pull pal, tools, food, small Weber grill, clothes......etc and the springs did not sag very much at all. even with all that weight in the rear it still had a touch of rake, and handled the weight fine. I wouldn't worry about it too much....YMMV

 

I would be really curious who at aev would say that, was it actually aev or just a shop that installs aev parts? I know the aev R&D shop is local to me and I know for a fact they have put spacers in at least one of their lifts to even out the gangster lean out.

 

I'm not sure if this is valid science or not, but if you plan to add 230 pounds of bumpers then have 210 pounds (assuming stock bumpers are at least 10 pounds each) of friends, children etc. get in your rig and see what you loose in height. If it's 1.5", then I would get new springs personally.

 

Grimmjpt- Really thanks for the info and insight. I was looking to get the RockHard front bumper(how do you like it). That really does help. Kind of gives me a better view. Do you have any pic that you can post.

Jadmt- when I callled, I just talked to tech support. Is there someone or department I should be speaking with.

I am guessing I might be jumping the gun a little bit with thinking that I will lose a lot of height. But I still want to see and know want my options are if I do and it bothers me.

 

I can see if I have some recent pics, but there is a little confusion have the factory Jeep Hard Rock Edition bumpers, not the Rock Hard brand.

 

The first of July I installed AEV 2.5" DualSport XT Suspension with AEV Geometry Correction Front Control Arm Drop Brackets and gained 3.5" with stock BFG Tires. The front I have ARB Deluxe Front Bull Bumper and Smittybilt X2O-10K Waterproof Synthetic Rope Winch which weigh over 180lbs. The rear I have ARB Rear Bumper with Tire Carrier and tire/wheel and weigh over 195lbs. AEV lifts have a rake about 1/2" and stock factory rake is 3/4". My suspension has not sag and almost level.