etl330

So I'm thinking about replacing my Jeep and I'm already getting ahead of myself thinking about mods. I currently have an AEV 2.5 and the ride is great, but I'm not really such a fan of AEV as a company. At the same time Rock Krawler has impressed me time and time again from their forum support, to stories of their no nonsense warranty and the best part is that my local Jeep shop is a dealer of theirs. All those positives should make RK a no brainer decision, but I'm concerned about how the on road ride will compare to the AEV. If anyone can weigh in with actual experience it'd be greatly appreciated.

Ncb

I have installed both 2.5" lifts and to me both ride good on road. With caster correction via front lower control arms there's nothing really magical about a 2.5" lift. If you like RK better you could dress up the AEV lift with their control arms and front track bar to save some money.

Smashboogie 4x4

We have removed many AEV lifts and installed Rock Krawler kits. Ever since RK came out with the triple rate coils the ride quality has been improved drastically.

The RK progressive rate springs were a little on the stiff side which many people liked but some people did not. Another reason RK is superior IMO is the quality of the control arms.

We have found that the correction brackets with the AEV kit do not really bring the caster back into spec. They bring the caster close but not spot on. If you have upper and lower adjustable control arms you are able to bring the caster perfectly to spec. You can also make sure the pinion angle is correct.

The joints in the RK kit (as well as many other kits on the market) allow for less binding and a smoother transition while flexing the suspension out.

We have also seen tons of bent factory control arms. I challenge you to bend an RK control arm.

We prefer to see all 8 adjustable control arms as that allows us to really dial in the alignment. Not only are we able to set caster and pinion angles but we are also able to adjust thrust angle.

RK takes the time to properly engineer a suspension and the performance proves that. If you have further questions or want to discuss anything in more detail feel free to PM us.

I know you mentioned your local shop is a dealer but if you would like pricing we can certainly help you with that as well.

etl330

Cool thanks for the insight.

The best part is I've seen nothing but good customer service from RK, so even if I achieved the unlikely and broke something I wouldn't really worry about it. Unfortunately after the experience I had ordering my wheels I can't say I have the same confidence in AEV. Regarding ordering the kit, at the end of the day he'll be the one to do the install and he's always been very very good to me, so I just wouldn't want to rock that boat. Thanks for taking the time to get back to me knowing it probably wouldn't lead to business - that's what makes the Jeep community awesome! I'll have to keep you in mind for other things down the road!

Smashboogie 4x4

Yes RK customer service is fantastic. To be honest we have had a few minor issues and RK has always stepped up to the plate and corrected it without any headaches. Everyone at RK are great people and always put the customer 1st.

I completely understand that you will stick with your local install shop, just glad we could assist you with your decision making process. Good luck on your build!

AlexjeepVb

I have the Rk 2.5 with the triple rates, and it does ride very well all around. I don't have any experience with AEV, but I did have a Rustys 3.25 lift on my previous Jeep, and the RK rides night and day better.

etl330

Nice I keep hearing the triple rates changed the game completely. On the other hand I just saw my first anti-RK rant on facebook and it has me wondering if this guy is just a RK hater or what.

scubatech

There is no way in Hell to please everyone! A manufacturer could never make such a product that I know of. I see folks complaining about AEV suspensions all the time. Mine along with at least six other guys I know run them without issue. I had no unreasonable expectations for it and it allows a JKU with 35" tires to do any trail that it doesn't high center on. I think tires, gears, driver is the main ingredient to get you through. The lift will give you room for tires. That's my view on this subject and 20 years of four wheeling fun.

DJ1

I've got AEV 2.5" and am building up to all MC control arms. Not that RK is bad as I've only heard good things about 95% of their products. I just prefer the joints on the MC's...

IMO, with former Chrysler engineers having brought input into the design of the AEV suspension I just think it's been tuned & tested better for daily driving / over-landing but is more than capable off-road for crawling.

Pyro1415

I'm a welder and the only way a bracket gets torn off a frame is shitty welding lol. Installer error can't be blamed on the manufacturer.