by Matt Konkle
Managing Editor
When Jeep rolled out its 2024 model year Wrangler vehicles earlier this year, one interesting thing it did was to offer three different American Expedition Vehicle (AEV) packages that buyers could select to beef up their new ride.
These first-time-ever options included Upcountry and Upcountry + versions for Rubicon and Willys vehicles, as well as a Level II upfit specifically for Rubicon models based on the 2023 Wrangler 20th Anniversary edition.
Unfortunately, none of these kits are backward-compatible for those already driving a 2023 or earlier Wrangler. At least, not from the dealership.
However, all these items can be rounded up separately for anyone who owns one of these vehicles and desires this look. And, more importantly, it doesn’t even need to be a Rubicon edition.
First though, a bit on the AEV-installed kits.
The Upcountry and Upcountry + versions offer an AEV suspension upgrade, new wheels and tires, flare extensions and — on the plus kit — an AEV EX front bumper and skid plate.
However, the Level II Rubicon package is the one really drawing a ton of interest because not only does it provide all those above items, but it throws in quite a few more as well. And the overall appearance proves much more aggressive than a stock Rubicon. Plus, for 4xe owners, the Level II also upgrades its axles to 4.56 gearing.
In all, the AEV Level II Rubicon package for 2024 Wrangler models offers 37-inch BFGoodrich KO2 tires mounted on AEV Savegre II wheels, an AEV DualSport 2.5-inch suspension lift with Bilstein 5100 shocks, steering dampener, jack base and ProCal, EX front bumper with skid plate, RX rear bumper with tire carrier, Warn Zenon 10-S winch, 7000 series auxiliary lights and a relocation kit for those who have the factory-installed trail camera. The package also provides unique badging and build plaque.
According to AEV, this build turns the 2024 Rubicon into the most capable Wrangler ever with 14.2 inches of ground clearance, 37.1 inches water fording, 50-degree approach angle, 33-degree breakover and 43-degree departure angle.
Don’t expect to just find one of these kits at your local dealership, though as they need to be ordered at the time of vehicle purchase. Jeep will then send the Rubicon to AEV for fitment before shipping directly to the buyer. And, of course, all those upgrades do come at an upgraded cost, as the Level II kit hits for $20,049 on standard Rubicon editions, and $22,099 extra on 4xe models (with that gearing upgrade).
Now, for those with 2018-23 Wranglers, or even anyone who purchased a 2024 edition and now wants this look, every one of these kit items can be purchased separately and installed on your Jeep so, yes, you can construct your very own ‘Level II’ kit. Oh, and at nearly half the cost as well.
In fact, we’ve already built a version of this with our 2021 Jeep Wrangler Snazzberry Rubicon. So, based on that construction, here is how to create this kit for yourself.
Starting up front, the AEV EX bumper and skid plate provide superior high-clearance grille and tire protection thanks to their hearty Boron Steel construction, as well as an e-coating and powder coating that adds long-lasting durability and corrosion resistance.
AEV augments that front protection with unmatched night-time trail visibility behind its high-powered series 7000 lights. These massive auxiliary 7” lighting applications can mount right on the bumper, feature a hybrid beam pattern for more effective lighting and toss out 8,000 lumens of light — seriously turning even the darkest of off-road trails into brilliant daytime-quality visibility. Of course, these lights are designed for off-road use only and the provided covers need to be removed before use.
AEV’s EX Bumper includes a winch mount and, while the factory-based Level II kit features a Warn Zeon 10-S winch, we installed a Res-Q Teton synthetic rope version on ours that offers a 12,000-pound pull capacity. They are both very solid winching systems, but we like, and use, the Res-Q’s innovative removable clutch handle for security, while its LED spool light strip is great for nighttime recovery situations.
As far as tires and wheels, the BFG KO2s are proven all-terrain rubber that utilize increased thickness to prevent sidewall failure, as well as a blended tread design that distributes weight more efficiently and reduces uneven wear for a smoother ride. Additionally, the tire’s Side Biter lugs help provide increased traction in mud, snow and rainy conditions, as well as during aired-down off-road trail rides.
Meanwhile, AEV’s Savegre wheels display a classic design many admire, while including modern touches like raised edges and larger lug pockets that are perfect for JL and JT owners. Recessed valve stems do take a little practice to learn, but they do a great job protecting the stem when off-roading. Additionally, these wheels are perfect to fit larger tires as their offset and backspacing provide the necessary clearance while working in combination with a suspension lift.
Speaking of suspension lifts, the Level II kit includes AEV’s DualSport 2.5” system that features a factory-like ride quality even with those larger wheels and tires added to the Jeep. Specially tuned Bilstein 5100 shocks, along with coil springs built to handle all that added weight from new bumpers, winch and larger spare tire, hold up extremely well in all riding conditions, while unique control arm brackets provide excellent geometry correction that augments the factory-quality ride. This kit also includes AEV’s ProCal system to help you, among other things, correctly calibrate the speedometer for those larger tires, and allows you to make adjustments right on the infotainment display.
While the Level II factory system does provide a new steering dampener, it isn’t really something that is required to swap on your vehicle. The original factory dampener does a more than adequate job when off-roading to absorb jolts and excessive vibrations. However, if you do feel like an upgrade, then it is hard to argue with Teraflex’s Falcon series.
Falcon stabilizers, in either the 1.1 series or 2.1, offer improved on- and off-road handling as well as a heartier body and shaft design to repel damage from rocks and other trail debris. While the 1.1 performs best for the daily driver and occasional off-roader, the 2.1 works well for the more aggressive off-pavement driver who needs more robust steering control under more extreme conditions.
Finally, finishing off this version of the AEV Level II kit are both the RX Rear Bumper and AEV Tire Carrier kit. This tire carrier is exclusively designed to fit the RX bumper and it can accommodate up to a 40” tire without any stress, so a spare 37” BFG KO2 is no problem at all.
As far as the RX Bumper, its high-clearance design and reinforced tube corners make it ideal for vehicle protection across almost every kind of driving. Also, like every other AEV protective item, this bumper is e-coated and powder-coated for corrosion resistance, and utilizes a Hot Stamped Boron Steel construction for maximum durability. Plus it includes the center high-mount stop light and brackets for the backup camera.
Of course, by constructing your own ‘Level II’ kit you won’t get any fancy AEV Level II badging for your vehicle, but you will have extremely high-level products that you can trust no matter where your adventures lead. Plus, you’ll also save a bunch of cash by not having to order an entirely new vehicle to get that Level II kit from the factory.
