2.5″-3" DualSport RT Suspension 2019+ Jeep Gladiator
2.5″ – 3″ DualSport RT Suspension for 2019+ Gladiator JT
$1,809.00 – $1,964.73
AEV’s first step in designing the expedition-ready, JT 2.5″ DualSport RT Suspension System for 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, the DualSport Suspension for the Jeep Gladiator is FMVSS No. 126 Compliant. FMVSS No. 126 is a rigorous standard set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that tests new electronic stability control (ESC) systems by subjecting it to various maneuvers designed to evaluate its effectiveness in preventing loss of control and skidding, including evasive lane-changing maneuvers at highways speeds.
Our DualSport suspension systems are known for ride quality and its no exception for the Gladiator JT. 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 2.5-3” of additional front and rear ride height.
Customers can now fine tune their 2.5-inch leveling kit for Jeep Gladiator, even further by choosing one of two available coil spring options:
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 (+0-400 lbs. over factory weight).
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, 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.
This Jeep Gladiator suspension lift kit is proudly made in the USA and features AEV’s Lifetime Warranty.
Maximum recommended tire sizes*
• Sport/Overland (North America): 35×12.50R17
• Rubicon (North America): 37×12.50R17
• Sport/Overland/Rubicon (Export): 35×12.50R17
*Exceeding GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) and/or RGAWR (Rear Gross Axle Weight Rating) will cause changes in the vehicle’s braking, steering and overall handling performance. AEV never recommends exceeding GVWR/RGAWR.
* All maximum tire size recommendations are derived from AEV’s product development process using AEV wheels and BFGoodrich tires. AEV products are designed, developed and tested specifically to work with other AEV products. Mixing aftermarket or factory components with AEV components may cause interference/tire rubbing at full jounce or full lock.
Please note: This Jeep Gladiator lift kit is NOT compatible with Mojave models.
Tech Specs:
- Application:
- 2019+ Jeep Gladiator (Excluding Mojave)
- Components:
- AEV 2.5" Progressive Rate Front & Rear Coil Springs (Standard Capacity), AEV 3" Progressive Rate Front & Rear Coil Springs (High Capacity), AEV-Tuned Bilstein 5100 Shock Absorbers, AEV Stamped Control Arm Geometry Correction Brackets, Front Bump Stop Extensions, Rear Bump Stop Extensions, Front Sway Bar End Links, Rear Sway Bar End Links w/ Relocation Brackets, Passenger Side Coil Spring Shim, Rear Track Bar Tower, Rear Driveshaft Carrier Bearing Spacer, AEV ProCal SNAP, AEV Jack Base
Installation:
- Difficulty Level:
- Moderate
- Estimated Install Time:
- 5 Hours
- Required Tools:
-
- Common Hand Tools
- Drill
- 13/32" Drill Bit
Installation Guides:
AEV 2.5" - 3" DualSport RT Suspension for Jeep Gladiator Installation Guide
AEV Stamped Geometry Correction Brackets Installation Guide
AEV ProCal SNAP for JL & JT User Guide
Product FAQs
- Can I run my stock wheels with this suspension?
We do not recommend running stock wheels on a Sport with our suspension. At full rebound, the passenger rear endlink is hard into the backside of the wheel and at ride height it’s very close. OE 18” Overland wheels will work for limited street use but not recommended for anything off-road or as a long term solution. OE 17" Rubicon wheels from models with widetrack axles will be ok, depending on tire size.
- How do I know if I would benefit from the High Capacity Coil Springs?
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.), such as bed rack/tent combinations or in-bed campers.
Standard Load Coil Springs are perfectly suitable for a Gladiator with all the common mods, such as steel bumpers, winch, full-size spare, etc.
- What makes AEV DualSport Suspension Systems perform so well on the road and the trail?
In simple terms: OE-style tuning. At AEV, suspension development is about more than just adding lift height, lots of articulation, or flashy-looking components. It’s about bringing OE-level suspension engineering to the aftermarket to create a true do-anything “dual sport” suspension system – one that is both extremely capable off-road, while offering unparalleled on-road performance and handling.
- Will I give up and functionality as a truck with this suspension?
Absolutely not! In fact, our suspension is designed to manage the additional weight of cargo and passengers better than the factory suspension. Even when towing, your Gladiator’s suspension will feel stable, planted and confidence inspiring.
- How is the ride quality? My Gladiator is mostly stock, will the ride be stiff?
The Jeep Gladiator’s OE suspension (especially Rubicon) is very soft, lightly damped and has a very low suspension frequency – all things that help it drive “less like a truck” and soak up the bumps on the highway but this can also make the handling feel loose and sometimes uncontrolled.
The AEV/Bilstein coil spring and shock combination used in this suspension not only increases both up travel and down travel but also provides better articulation as well as improved off-road speed potential and bottoming control. Even when towing, the suspension feels stable, planted, and confidence inspiring. AEV also optimizes 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.
- I have heavy front and rear aftermarket bumpers. Does this mean I will get less lift?
AEV designs their suspension systems to reflect the curb weight of a fully outfitted AEV Gladiator. This includes a front winch bumper, winch, rear bumper, tire carrier and a larger spare tire. Ultimately, the weight of your vehicle will influence your final lift height and this could vary by +/- ½-inch or more.
- Do you offer a remote reservoir shock upgrade for this suspension?
The 2.5” DualSport RT Suspension System includes AEV-tuned 46mm Bilstein 5100 series shock absorbers. We have been using these shocks in our suspension systems for well over a decade for a reason – they are very high quality and ideal for most driving conditions. However, a remote reservoir shock package will also be available for customers who require a more robust shock option for severe duty applications.
- Will this suspension make my Gladiator sit level?
Since the Gladiator is a truck, we do keep a similar rake to the factory suspension. This is necessary to retain good load carrying capacity without introducing harshness at normal ride height.
- What is the biggest tire size I can fit with this suspension?
AEV recommends up to a 37x12.50 tire on models with the OE high clearance fender flares (North American Rubicon) and up to a 35x12.50 on models with the standard height OE fender flares (North American Sport/Overland), when using AEV’s JL/JT-specific wheels.
Please remember that AEV products are designed, developed and tested specifically to work with other AEV products. Mixing aftermarket or factory components with AEV components may cause interference/tire rubbing at full jounce or full lock. All maximum tire size recommendations are derived from AEV’s product development process using AEV wheels and BFGoodrich tires.
- Why does this suspension not include a High-Steer Kit like some of the AEV JK suspensions?
Due to the lower lift height, a high steer kit was not necessary.
- I noticed that some Wranglers lean to one side, is this just as common with the Gladiator?
It is, but we include a passenger side shim for the front end to remedy that situation.
- Why does AEV not include adjustable control arms?
Simply put, they aren't necessary and retaining your factory control arms will offer a best ride quality and longer life than aftermarket arms. AEV's Stamped Geometry Correction Brackets are included to improve front impact ride quality (expansion joints, ledges), increase anti-dive for improved braking performance, decrease the operating angle range of the front driveshaft, and allow for "set it and forget it" caster correction.
- Will this suspension give me “death wobble”?
No but it is good to be aware that due to a host of variables, the JL Wrangler and Gladiator have been known to exhibit tire shimmy (death wobble) and it can be exacerbated by larger tires and tire balance issues. We strongly recommend using quality tires like BFGoodrich or tires of similar/less weight and having them professionally mounted and balanced on quality wheels.
- How long does the installation take? Can I do it myself?
The suspension install should take approximately 5-6 hours from start to finish (depending on skill level) and using common hand tools.
- What is the ProCal SNAP?
The ProCal SNAP is a simple, electronic recalibration module that plugs into your vehicle’s OBDII diagnostic port. It utilizes the stereo’s audio equalizer to input the numerical values for your new tire size- saving you time and money by not having to make a trip to the dealership for speedometer recalibration. The ProCal SNAP also has the ability to recalibrate for axle gear ratio as well as transfer case gear ratio changes.
- Why does AEV include a Jack Base with this suspension?
AEV’s JL Jack Base is included for added safety and stability when changing a 35” and taller tire with the factory scissor jack.
- What is the warranty?
The 2.5” DualSport RT Suspension System carries AEV’s Lifetime Warranty
