AEV's have two or three holes to adjust the geometry of the arm. Rancho's do not but I've heard they are much stronger. I have the Rancho's. They are beefy, way thicker metal than the stock brackets. After my 2.5 inch TF coil lift, they brought my camber back into spec. Flighty steering and brake dive went away. I recommend them.
The main reason I went with the AEV is it has more holes. If you're installing the typical 2.5" lift and then adding weight up front, the rancho's are technically overcorrecting. As for strength, LOL, that was another reason I chose AEV. Last thing I want is to install a stronger bracket than the factory and somehow end up bending the factory mount somehow. I'd rather bend a $99 bracket that I can easily replace. But really, as far as strength, I think the differences are trivial. The rancho's definitely do LOOK stronger, but really, the lowest point where the lower control arms connect hang down just like the aev.
Most likely you could probably flip a coin and never be able to tell the difference.
The main reason I went with the AEV is it has more holes. If you're installing the typical 2.5" lift and then adding weight up front, the rancho's are technically overcorrecting. As for strength, LOL, that was another reason I chose AEV. Last thing I want is to install a stronger bracket than the factory and somehow end up bending the factory mount somehow. I'd rather bend a $99 bracket that I can easily replace. But really, as far as strength, I think the differences are trivial. The rancho's definitely do LOOK stronger, but really, the lowest point where the lower control arms connect hang down just like the aev. Most likely you could probably flip a coin and never be able to tell the difference.
This sounds good, it doesn't really do much for you though. I don't see many people using the 3 holes for "adjustment"
If you look at the placement of AEV's 3 holes, each hole is specific to a lift height for stock caster (4-4.5)
I was first to run and review the Rancho brackets as many know.
So When others installed them, I asked for caster numbers-specifically @ 2.5"
The info I gathered, Most people were at that 2.5". All came in @ 5-5.5 degrees. (Slightly higher but safe at that height)
I ran both back to back @ 3.5" of lift. Caster angle pretty much stayed the same at 4*
My vote in obviously for Rancho or even TNT's new brackets for strength. TNT's are pure beef .. And look even stronger then Ranchos ..... BUT ... you pay .... over $200
Installed my AEV brackets this weekend. What a noticeable difference in the flighty steering and braking. I have a 3.5 RE and for that reason I went with AEV.
AEV has a measurement in the instructions of the distance from front spring perch to the frame, men is 1/2" lower than they recommend. I did get 2.5" of lift in front as advertise with my RE lift. It drives good but I have 1/2" of rake so I may use coil spacers to level it and get the measurement within specs.
I have a 2.5 terra flex lift being installed tomorrow. I have the aev brackets also . My mechanic suggests that I dont need them & that he never had a problem without them. An off-road shop. My question is , if I install the lift without them, how difficult is it to put them on later?
It's a feel thing. My caster was on the high side of 5* without. With the Ranchos, it's at 4.3-ish. Drives great now but before the steering was flighty and I had noticeable brake dive. I got 3.25 inches in the front with my TF 2.5 coil lift. Some people don't mind or feel the difference. I did. The brackets fixed it.
I think the Rancho's look beefier than the TNTs. They have the welded in crush sleeves to replace the sleeve in the CA joint, the TNTs don't. Not quite sure but all the holes and the long hole are for either. In any case, for more than twice as much than the Rancho or AEV, I'm not sure the TNTs are worth it.
For those of you who can not decide between the two hole adjustment of the AEV and the beefier rancho brackets looks like JKS maybe a good mix of the two, just stumbled across them and figured I would share.
I installed 2.5" TF spring lift with 1" TF spacers over that on out JKU. Steering was flighty and the ride was a little harsh on big bumps. Just installed the Rancho brackets today and they are worth every cent and them some.Ride is much smoother and the steering is very close to stock. I highly recommend them if you have a 2.5" or more lift and your steering feels light or twitchy.
If your running a simple coil lift of 3.5" or less your wasting your time with any kind of correction brackets.
Your simply putting a band aid on the problem and adding one more bolt on crap to your jeep.
If your steering is flighty etc you need to see what your caster is at. If you have a JKU i highly doubt any life of 3.5" or less would give you any handling issues simply due to the longer wheel base.
If you have a 2 door anything over 3.5" you should be replacing the lower front CAs with adjustable ones at a minimum.
If the ride is harsh over bumps with a small lift you should be looking at the coils or even shocks your running. However, if the Control arm angle are steep then adjustable arms should be in your future.
AEV and the Rancho brackets are lazy and bad advice.
If your running a simple coil lift of 3.5" or less your wasting your time with any kind of correction brackets.
Your simply putting a band aid on the problem and adding one more bolt on crap to your jeep.
If your steering is flighty etc you need to see what your caster is at. If you have a JKU i highly doubt any life of 3.5" or less would give you any handling issues simply due to the longer wheel base.
If you have a 2 door anything over 3.5" you should be replacing the lower front CAs with adjustable ones at a minimum.
If the ride is harsh over bumps with a small lift you should be looking at the coils or even shocks your running. However, if the Control arm angle are steep then adjustable arms should be in your future.
AEV and the Rancho brackets are lazy and bad advice.
Adjustable control arms don't correct steep control arm angles. If steep angles were desirable, Jeep suspension engineers would have designed them that way.
It noticeable increases brake dive and induces other undesirable characteristics.
That said, neither adjustable arms nor control arm brackets are for everyone. But both are good at what they do and not bad advice in the right circumstances.
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