Up until recently, much of American Expedition Vehicle’s (AEV) focus has been on the Jeep Wrangler. But in 2013 the popular off-road conversion firm unveiled a Ram concept truck at SEMA that sent everyone home wanting more. Now, the company has released a 5-product lineup that turns any Ram 2500 or 3500 into one extremely versatile work truck.
If you go all out, as with the drop side dump body creation you see in the gallery above, you’ll equip your truck with AEV’s new premium front bumper, dualsport suspension, raised air intake and Katla alloy wheel.
The upgrades aren’t cheap. The bumper alone starts at $2,300 and can be configured up to $6,438 depending upon whether you include fog lights, a light bar and a winch. Speaking of, the bumper, made from stamped 3/16-inch steel, includes iron tow loops and can support up to a 16,500-pound winch.
AEV says its 3-inch suspension lift was designed for “people who want to install larger tires on their truck without sacrificing payload, ride quality or handling.” Because of that, the company says the $2,000 system is “dual sport,” since it provides on- and off-road handling.
Because Rams “come standard with dozens of different spring rates on HD trucks,” in order to offer the best ride and fit, AEV says it retains the 2500 or 3500’s factory front coil springs mated to a 3-inch cast aluminum coil spring relocation spacers to lift the truck. The company’s explanation of of the suspension continues:
Steering geometry is corrected by way of AEV’s High Steer Kit, which includes a custom AEV drag link, AEV track bar and raised track bar tower. This system provides significant improvements to steering precision and handling by correcting the roll center height of the front suspension. Bringing the steering geometry back into factory alignment reduces body roll, bump steer, and roll steer, all major contributors to the loose or sloppy steering and driver fatigue commonly associated with many lift kits. The factory radius arms are repositioned for optimal geometry, moving the axle forward 1”. This provides a more neutral impact response, while also allowing more clearance for larger tires. A billet aluminum front driveshaft spacer is included to accommodate the new front axle positioning.
To complete the your AEV Ram, you’ll need the $420 raised air intake and either the Ram Katla or Salta wheels which run $240 apiece. The company also offers a Ram tonneau cover for $630.
You can read more about AEV’s Ram offerings at its website.
