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AEV Lift Kit
- Thread starter diablo82
- Start date
delmoniCO
Member
If that's your goal just get a leveling kit. Many options out there for a wide variety of price points.
2manyprojects
Active Member
I too am interested in the AEV Dualsport lift, and have the same goal of 37" tires. Being new to the Ram truck line (life-long Toyota guy), I've been "digesting" everything I can find on the forums regarding the 4.5gen 2500/3500 suspensions. There is quite a bit of controversy regarding the AEV, but here's what I've learned:
The AEV Dualsport could more correctly be called a "spacer" lift, 3" front, 2" rear. This means rigid spacers are placed over/under the existing springs to separate the axles from the chassis / body. (Body lifts separate the body from the chassis/axles). The AEV lift does move the locations and geometry of the front and rear track bars, front radius arms, and steering, changing how the axles move laterally when the suspension moves up/down. It also moves the front axle forward 1" to enable more clearance for 37" tires ( 1.75" forward for 40" tires if you get the XL kit). It is a very thorough kit with detailed instructions, but also more complicated to install. Because AEV is affiliated with RAM, this lift kit can be purchased / installed through their dealer network within the CJDR system, maintaining a warranty on your truck and the new suspension.
Where people take issue seems to be the use of the original factory springs, which are considered stiff riding and not offering much articulation, as it keeps the stock factory ride (good/bad). Given the $2400 (+install) cost, Thuren and Carli (and others) leveling kits offer longer, softer front springs which provide more compliant ride and articulation over the factory setup, at a lower price. Where things get more confusing is if you try to match the AEV geometry changes with the track bars and radius arms in the Carli system; cost quickly rockets above the AEV, albeit I'm sure its a much improved system for ride and long articulation. It seems the 4.5 gen trucks are capable of accepting 37" tires with very few mods, and potentially only careful wheel offset / tire selection and some trimming needed. The AEV lifts the front and rear, more easily clearing 37's, but also leaves you with basically the original factory ride quality (good/bad), and maintains most/all the original load carrying capability. Carli / Thuren leveling keeps the rear stock (height and load capacity), raises the front, and improves ride and front articulation from stock, at a lower price. But no factory warranty support.
The other big variable is how you want to use your truck. I bought mine specifically to tow a new off-road travel trailer I take delivery of next spring. I also know I'm not going to be doing high-speed desert racing style driving, and it seems the aftermarket for our HD trucks has gotten a bit of Raptor-itis, putting great value on being able to run high speed and jumping on/over rough terrain (no offense intended if that's what you're into). My reality is spending most time towing 9K on and off pavement, being able to comfortably explore trails and overcome backcountry conditions, and living comfortably with the ride when I'm not towing. Ultimately how much $$$ to spend vs. how "fast" to go vs. what you need....
Not intending to start a dumpter fire here as I'm new and just learning; these are only my observations and welcome hearing others thoughts.
The AEV Dualsport could more correctly be called a "spacer" lift, 3" front, 2" rear. This means rigid spacers are placed over/under the existing springs to separate the axles from the chassis / body. (Body lifts separate the body from the chassis/axles). The AEV lift does move the locations and geometry of the front and rear track bars, front radius arms, and steering, changing how the axles move laterally when the suspension moves up/down. It also moves the front axle forward 1" to enable more clearance for 37" tires ( 1.75" forward for 40" tires if you get the XL kit). It is a very thorough kit with detailed instructions, but also more complicated to install. Because AEV is affiliated with RAM, this lift kit can be purchased / installed through their dealer network within the CJDR system, maintaining a warranty on your truck and the new suspension.
Where people take issue seems to be the use of the original factory springs, which are considered stiff riding and not offering much articulation, as it keeps the stock factory ride (good/bad). Given the $2400 (+install) cost, Thuren and Carli (and others) leveling kits offer longer, softer front springs which provide more compliant ride and articulation over the factory setup, at a lower price. Where things get more confusing is if you try to match the AEV geometry changes with the track bars and radius arms in the Carli system; cost quickly rockets above the AEV, albeit I'm sure its a much improved system for ride and long articulation. It seems the 4.5 gen trucks are capable of accepting 37" tires with very few mods, and potentially only careful wheel offset / tire selection and some trimming needed. The AEV lifts the front and rear, more easily clearing 37's, but also leaves you with basically the original factory ride quality (good/bad), and maintains most/all the original load carrying capability. Carli / Thuren leveling keeps the rear stock (height and load capacity), raises the front, and improves ride and front articulation from stock, at a lower price. But no factory warranty support.
The other big variable is how you want to use your truck. I bought mine specifically to tow a new off-road travel trailer I take delivery of next spring. I also know I'm not going to be doing high-speed desert racing style driving, and it seems the aftermarket for our HD trucks has gotten a bit of Raptor-itis, putting great value on being able to run high speed and jumping on/over rough terrain (no offense intended if that's what you're into). My reality is spending most time towing 9K on and off pavement, being able to comfortably explore trails and overcome backcountry conditions, and living comfortably with the ride when I'm not towing. Ultimately how much $$$ to spend vs. how "fast" to go vs. what you need....
Not intending to start a dumpter fire here as I'm new and just learning; these are only my observations and welcome hearing others thoughts.
delmoniCO
Member
37x12.5r20 Toyo AT3 on stock suspension
Well, after weeks of research and debating I decided I’d try and run 37’s on my stock 2019 2500 Laramie diesel. Went with Fuel Blitz rims 20x9 +20, and Toyo AT3 37x12.5r20. Got a great deal from #discounttire. They test fitted one front wheel as they said they would not fit. It rubbed slightly...
hdrams.com
Boom. No lift required for 37" tires. You just need wheels with the proper backspace.
2manyprojects
Active Member
Thanks delmoniCO, I was thinking of saying that, but it seemed too simple! 
Now I can spin on "proper backspace"... It's early and I'm a retired Engineer....
Now I can spin on "proper backspace"... It's early and I'm a retired Engineer....