The "Standard" AEV suspension comes with springs, shocks, a new rear track bar, and track bar relocation brackets for the front and rear. I opted for the "Premium" suspension, which adds "steering correction" parts in the form of a new, high-steer drag link and a beefier steering stabilizer. Also included is perhaps the most innovative offering found in a "lift kit" yet; AEV's new ProCal module, which calibrates the JK's computer after adding taller tires and/or different gears. This magic black box is the size of a cell phone and plugs into the JK's OBD II port. By simply setting a series of dip switches on the ProCal, the rig's computer can be adjusted for tire and gear changes. Several other computer functions that may need attention after installing a lift can be addressed with the ProCal as well. And I can't forget the bright orange OE jack "lift kit" which rounds out the Premium package. Who else but AEV would think of that one - or go to the trouble to make it?
Before and After
Check out the photos for some before and after trail tests and highlights from the suspension install. In a future Project Jeeponomics article we'll look at some body armor...and that snorkel! Down the road will be some trick new axle options. Stay tuned for more ways to stimulate your JK and your wallet!
 A look at the completed right...  A look at the completed right rear suspension shows the included bump-stop spacers, brake line extensions, and the recycled use of the front OE sway bar links to the rear (pretty green of AEV to not throw these away!). Also, note again the OE control arms are still in place and look well up to the task of handling the 3.5-inch lift, both in length and strength. |  I have to include a shot of...  I have to include a shot of AEV's jack extension which allows you to still lift your JK with the OE jack after you have installed taller tires. |  When not in use, this bright...  When not in use, this bright orange plastic blob stores cleverly upside down in the little storage trunk under the back seat (inset). Who else would think of this? |
AEV's Pintler Beadlock Wheels and Interco's new SS-M16
AEV wheels just seemed like a natural choice for a Jeep running an AEV suspension. Better yet, I like the don't-get-a-flat-at-low-air-pressure assurance beadlocks provide, and AEV's beadlock wheels have passed the current DOT-compliancy tests making me feel assured that they are safe on the street. Does DOT-compliancy mean they are street legal? Not necessarily. All state laws differ in regards to multi-piece wheels. If you are considering running beadlocks on the street, take a good look at AEV's website regarding beadlock info. It's very informative and will set you straight on the dos and don'ts of running beadlocks. That said, I'm running 'em and I'm happy. I take the responsibility of doing the maintenance required to enjoy the benefits of no flats at low pressures due to bead failure.
AEV's beadlock wheels are cast as a beadlock and are a one-piece design, not a modified normal wheel with a beadlock adapter welded on. To me this makes them truer, safer and less prone to leaks. The AEV Pintler-style wheel is available with or without a beadlock and is offered in silver or argent powdercoat. They are only made for Jeeps and feature optimized offsets for Jeep steering geometry. Other nice features are recessed valve stems and hubcentric centers for smoother balance. The wheels are also compatible with 2008 and up JKs with tire-pressure monitors (TPM).
I'm not sure where the name came from, and the bullets molded into the sidewalls are a bit over the top, but I like Interco tires. I have owned and run just about all of their offerings over the years, both recreationally and in competition. They are tough and dependable. They don't let me down. Project Jeeponomics seemed like a good rig to try Interco's newest offering, the SS-M16 which the company claims is a tire for all seasons, with features taken from both their all-terrain and mud-terrain designs. They claim to be a highway friendly tire and yet very aggressive off road. So far I've found those claims to be true.