AEV - JT 2.5" DualSport RT Suspension
AEV’s first step in designing the expedition-ready, DualSport RT Suspension System for the Jeep Gladiator was understanding the shortcomings and limitations of the OEM suspension package.
The Gladiator’s factory suspension (especially on Rubicon) is very soft, lightly damped and has a very low suspension frequency. This “soft tuning” helps the Gladiator drive “less like a truck” and soak up the bumps on the highway decently well but that can also make the handling feel a bit loose and sometimes uncontrolled. This is not a big deal for people who are just driving their Gladiator to and from work every day, but it is definitely not the ideal suspension formula for overland enthusiasts who also need to manage lots of cargo and gear when traveling off the grid.
As with all of AEV’s expedition-ready suspension systems, coil spring and shock tuning was essential on the Gladiator system to provide the optimal balance of load carrying capacity and ride quality that customers have come to expect from AEV. The DualSport RT Suspension System includes a set of our frequency-tuned, triple-rate coil springs to provide 2.5” of additional front and rear ride height.
2.5” Standard Load Coil Springs are optimized for an AEV-spec Gladiator with typical gear/cargo inside. This means the ideal ride height, handling and overall performance will be achieved on a vehicle with steel bumpers, winch, full-size spare and recovery gear (+0-180 kg. over factory weight).
These coil springs are then paired with a set of AEV-tuned, 46mm Bilstein 5100 series shock absorbers for a slightly sportier and more controlled feel. The AEV/Bilstein coil spring and shock combination used in this suspension increases both up travel and down travel, while also providing better articulation and improved off-road speed potential and bottoming control. Even when towing, the suspension feels stable, planted, and confidence inspiring.
We then optimized the Gladiator’s front and rear suspension geometry throughout the entire range of motion, tightening up the handling and road feel, resulting in a great ride and performance without introducing harshness or driver fatigue. In the front, a pair of AEV’s heavy duty, stamped control arm geometry correction brackets are included for improved ride quality and reduced nose-dive under hard braking. A rear track bar tower extension is included to raise the rear roll center, reduce body-roll and generate a better turn-in response. Extended length front and rear sway bar end links compensate for the additional lift height, while new front and rear bump stop spacers improve bumper/axle contact under full articulation and jounce. Due to this suspension system’s lower lift height, there is no need to swap out any of the OE track bars, control arms or steering components.
AEV’s ProCal SNAP is included for quick and easy speedometer recalibration, as well as our JL/JT Jack Base for added safety and stability when changing a 35” and taller tire with the factory scissor jack.
Maximum recommended tire sizes:
- Sport/Overland/Rubicon (Australia): 35×12.50R17
Application:
- 2020+ Jeep Gladiator JT (RHD)
