AEV's New Ford FXL Package Will Elevate Your Super Duty with 40-Inch Tires

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      A role like this one presents countless memorable experiences. A few years ago, during an Easter Jeep Safari trip in Moab, I managed to snag some time behind the wheel of Jeep’s all-electric Magneto concept, with then-boss Jim Morrison as my passenger. The Magneto featured a Wrangler body mounted on a battery pack, two motors, a Hellcat’s six-speed manual transmission, and 40-inch tires. Upon reaching a clearing, I asked him for directions on where to go next, and he simply smiled, responding, "A Wrangler on 40s can go anywhere."

      What does Jeep have to do with a heavy-duty truck build? As you may have guessed, both feature 40-inch tires. This is the origin of the “XL” in AEV’s new Super Duty FXL package. Don't follow? Just ask any Steelers fan; those are the Roman numerals for 40. Additionally, “FX” pays tribute to Ford’s long-established “FX4” off-road packages. This connection is fitting, as AEV’s main goal was to provide the off-road capability of 40s while maintaining the factory ride quality.

      The largest stock tire on an F-250 is the 35-inch all-terrain tire found on the Tremor. To fit an additional five inches, AEV had to make modifications from both above and below. They achieved the former using HighMark’s massive fender flares, while the latter was accomplished through a 4-inch lift. The final setup provides 12 inches of vertical clearance beneath the lowest point on the rear axle, with a custom-tuned Bilstein suspension managing body movements.

      You would likely expect more from an AEV package than just four large sidewalls, and indeed, those BFG HD-Terrains are merely the start. The HighMark fender flares not only accommodate the 40s but also enhance the Super Duty’s stance. They are paired with both front and rear AEV steel bumpers. The front bumper features a standard winch mount and is compatible with all of the Super Duty’s factory ADAS systems (like radar sensors, etc.). It is also available for upgrade with a brush guard (to be available later).

      While the company began (and still closely aligns itself) with Jeeps, AEV is open to collaborating with other manufacturers seeking overlanding-inspired upgrades. Their partnerships have already expanded beyond the iconic seven-slot grille. Although the author may have a fondness for the Level II Wrangler (despite its high price), it is not the only vehicle model that carries the up-fitter’s brand.

      Now is a favorable time to be in the aftermarket industry. The EPA's regulations are less stringent, and the NHTSA may follow suit, making it easier for aftermarket modifications to enter the market. However, for AEV, it's business as usual—and their business is thriving. As a tier-one supplier, AEV collaborates closely with automakers to provide parts that keep a substantial portion of America’s new vehicle fleet operational daily. This level of operation not only allows AEV to experiment with limited-run projects but also grants them direct access to decision-makers who can authorize their collaborative efforts.

      In other words, you can never tell what they might come up with next.

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