Description

AEV first introduced OE-level suspension engineering to the aftermarket over a decade ago. We are continuing to build on that legacy today, while also broadening our spectrum of suspension performance with the introduction of our DualSport XP Suspension System for the Jeep Gladiator.

The DualSport XP Formula

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 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 AEV 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 XP Suspension System includes a set of our frequency-tuned, triple-rate coil springs to provide 2.5-3” of additional front and rear ride height.

• 3” High Capacity Coil Springs are specifically designed for overland enthusiasts who have a fully outfitted vehicle that is also consistently loaded with heavier gear (+400-700 lbs. over the standard load spring), such as modular cargo systems or roof rack/rooftop tent combinations*

These coil springs are then paired with a set of AEV-tuned, 66mm (2.6″) Bilstein 8100 series reservoir shocks for improved performance and consistency over rough terrain at higher speeds. 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.

Please Note: AEV XP8100 Shocks are NOT compatible with the Gen 1 AEV RX Front Bumpers that were installed on some early JL350/370 conversions. To clarify, this does not apply to Gen 2 (current model) AEV RX Front Bumpers.