Sam Krahn 
Few companies are churning out as many high quality off-road performance parts as American Expedition Vehicles, and they’ve just dropped another for the Jeep Gladiator. They are now offering their fantastic DualSport RT Suspension kit on the pickup, and it presents a compelling upgrade for anyone wanting to boost the off-road performance and on-road comfort of their Gladiator.
AEV describes the kit as an “expedition ready setup,” and it really does seem to cover all the bases. The standard Gladiator suspension setup is tuned towards comfort, at the sacrifice of some control in the steering and over bumps. DualSport RT combines progressive, triple-rate coil springs with AEV-tuned Bilstein 5100 shock absorbers to deliver a more controlled ride on and off-road.
For low speed off-roading, the suspension has increased wheel travel and wheel articulation. At higher speed, the suspension delivers the aforementioned improved control with the extra 2.5 inches of ground clearance and suspension travel. Plus, the Bilstein dampers have better bottom out control. All of this allows the Gladiator to reach higher speeds off-road than the standard truck allows.
On the road, these changes give more confidence inspired handling while maintaining similar ride quality. Furthermore, AEV says the system allows the Jeep Gladiator to maintain the same feel while towing. The kit also includes AEV’s heavy duty, stamped control arm geometry correction brackets to further improve ride quality and reduce nose dive under braking. Finally, a rear track bar tower extension comes with the kit to reduce body roll and increase better turn in response.
All together, the AEV Jeep Gladiator DualSport RT Suspension kit will cost owners $1,599. The ProCal SNAP speedometer recalibration system is included, as well as AEV’s jack base for changing 35 inch tires. Unfortunately, the setup doesn’t work on all Gladiator models. It is incompatible with the Gladiator Mojave, and not recommended for diesel engined models because it was designed for gas powered trucks. But luckily, AEV is working on a specific suspension system for diesel models.
