AEV 3.5 RS Lift- Jeep JKU

[SoonerNek]

I'm finally going to pull the trigger and upgrade my suspension to the AEV 3.5 RS system. Planning on doing the install myself! I haven't done much more than some bumper work and minor electrical on my jeep so going after a full suspension upgrade is a little intimidating.

Anyone have any pointers on what to expect when installing the suspension? Thanks in advance!

 

[timberwolf_120]

Expect the unexpected lol
But seriously just take your time read the instructions a few times through before you even start tearing apart your jeep. Familiarize yourself with the parts in the kit and a feel for how they go in the correct way. That way you do it right the first time not the 3rd or 4th time lol.

 

[Masheen365]

If it your only way to go, make sure you have all the parts and tools you'll need before you commit to breaking it down. It seems like every suspension job I do I get half way through and realize I need a set of spring compressors or a different size socket. Or the job goes longer than I expected and I'm up until 2am putting it together so I can get to work the next day.

 

[timberwolf_120]

Yea definetly do it on like a holiday weekend so you don't have to rush to get it back together. Solid advice there masheen365

 

[stoney126]

I recently installed a 3.5 kit from metal cloak. Its fairly straight forward- I have some 12 ton jack stands to get it up high enough to allow the axle to drop low enough to get the new springs in .

 

[SoonerNek]

Thanks for the advice! Luckily I have a separate DD so if it takes me a couple of days I wont be stranded.

Going to run by the hardware store today to pick up some jack stands and a torque wrench. Any need for an impact wrench or should I be able to hand loosen all the factory bolts?

 

[stoney126]

I used both my 3/8 and 1/2 cordless impacts. It can be done with hand tools though

 

[timberwolf_120]

Not necessarily but I'd recommend a piece of pipe or a jack handle to use as leverage if need be.
I rarely ever use air tools mostly cause I'm cheap lol

 

[stoney126]

if I remember correctly , thee isnt anything that requires alot of oomph to remove. the biggest pain I remember was getting the springs to clear when putting them back in . Also look up videos. love me some videos.
Where do you live at?

 

[SoonerNek]

I'd rather not have to buy a full impact set up so glad to hear I should be able to do it all by hand.

I'm in Norman, Oklahoma!

 

[stoney126]

I'd rather not have to buy a full impact set up so glad to hear I should be able to do it all by hand.

I'm in Norman, Oklahoma!

LOL oh thats a bit far for me to come lend a hand and some tools .

 

[SoonerNek]

Hah well I appreciate the offer anyway!

 

[w_m_photo]

Spring compressors are always a big help... Really getting the new springs in is always the biggest pain in the a$$
But, once you have them in. Just make sure to tighten everything down well...
On a side note about the AEV kits. You may not want to now. But, eventually I would recommend getting a set of adjustable lower control arms. AEV uses a lowering bracket that re-uses the stock control arms. While it corrects the geometry it also lowers the mount to the point that it is the lowest point on your underbelly. I've literally seen them get ripped off in the rocks.
You can also fine tune your alignment with adjustable lowers. While you can't with the brackets.

Almost forgot... With a 3.5" lift. I would also recommend looking at a front drive shaft. Your CV boot will tear sooner with the shaft angle you will have now.

 

[ArmyofMike]

I agree with @w_m_photo ; when you go above 3" lift, you change a lot of the geometry of the vehicle, especially front- steering, drive shafts and even exhaust. You may have to buy exhaust spacers as with a 3.5" and plus lift, your front driveshaft may hit your exhaust tubing crossing from passenger to driver side. It may happen on flat road travel or may happen on flexing. YMMV.

I am not sure if the AEV comes with extended brake lines, but you will need to massage the hard brake lines straighter as they will need to have longer extension and to stay away from the new springs, etc. Last thing you would want is to flex and break a brake!

I would also recommend, taking a picture if you are a novice of the entire front end to ensure you get everything back in line, and affix all the tubes, wiring, parts and pieces back respectively.

Lastly, go slow, have fun, pay attention, drink a beer between axles and know as stated early, if Murphy Law shows up, slap that dude in the face and know that once it is done, your JK will be more capable than it has ever been before.

-M

 

[stoney126]

I added exhaust spacers and so far no issues with the front drive shaft. new front brake lines is a good recommendation, I did front and rear. If you have a rubicon, be careful when installing the upper control arm, it gets real close to the locker connector

 

[Rob Frank]

The high steer kit is "fun" to install. We took the "C" off the passenger side and drilled it out on a drill press. AEV is a great lift

 

[SoonerNek]

Thanks for the input everyone! The lift is on its way and should be here Wednesday night. Going to start the rear Thursday afterwork and then use all of Friday to finish it up! I will be sure to let you all know how it goes!

I am already planning on the exhaust spacers, just waiting to see where the front drive shaft sits once the lift is in. I have an aftermarket exhaust system so I am hoping it will clear just fine.