Starting with a 2014 Ram 2500 Crew Cab Diesel , AEV
fitted 40-inch-tall tires under the Ram with a three-inch suspension lift. The
result is a heavy-duty truck that’s still usable around town, but can handle
any off-road challenge thrown its way.
AEV made a name for itself by developing its
aftermarket products with guidance from Chrysler engineers, ensuring top-notch
quality. The tradition continues in the Ram project with such examples as the
suspension setup. The front springs remain stock and sit atop cast-aluminum
spacers, so as not to change the ride quality, while heavy-duty Bilstein shocks
help manage the expected abuses found off-road.
The Ram’s front bumper is 3/16-inch-thick stamped
steel — over four times thicker than the stock unit — and hides a massive
16,500-pound Warn winch. Two recovery points predominantly protrude out front,
ready for D-ring shackles. The bumper is divided into three separate pieces for
easy replacement of damaged parts, or even further user-customization.
Around to the Ram’s side are the AEV high-clearance
finders with integrated flares. They provide the capability to run 40-inch-tall
tires with such a minimal lift. (Normally 40-inch tires require six to eight
inches of lift) Unique 17x10, AVE-designed “Katla” cast-aluminum wheels are
ruggedly stylish and can carry 3,650 pounds each.
In addition to the suspension setup, AEV added a
high-steer kit that corrects for the steering gear’s new geometry, while only
two inches of lift were added to the rear axle, making the truck level.
