Jeep JK Wrangler AEM Brute Force
Cold Air Intake System Installation Write-Up

April 9, 2008 wayoflife Jeep JK Write-Ups, Performance Mods 31

 

aem

 Without a doubt, one of the easiest mods that just about anyone can do to their Jeep JK Wrangler, even those without ANY mechanical experience, is upgrade their factory air cleaner box with a cold air intake system. And, by far, one of the best cold air intake systems available on the market today is the AEM Brute Force. Affordable and extremely easy to install, the AEM Brute Force Cold Air Intake System is designed to deliver more air to the intake valves and is routed in such a way so that its filter draws air from the safest and coolest location in your engine. Of course, with more air flow, your engine will see a boost in horse power and torque. And, being that this kit uses an easy to clean, reusable and oil free AEM DRYFLOW Synthetic Filter, you can be sure that your engine will still be protected with superior filtration.

What You Will Need

• 8,13mm Socket/Wrench
• 7/16″ Socket/Wrench
• 3/8″ Drive Ratchet
• 6″ Ratchet Extension
• Standard Flathead Screwdriver
• Small Flathead Screwdriver  

What You Will Get

(1) AEM DRYFLOW Filter
(1) AEM Intake Pipe
(1) AEM Heat Shield
(1) 2.75″/3.25″ Hose Adapter
(2) Spacers
(2) 1/4″x1-1/4″ Fender Washers
(2) 1/4″ Flat Washers
(2) 1/4″-20×1-3/4″ Bolts
(2) 1/4″-20 Nuts
(2) 8mm Serrated Nut
(1) 8mm Rubber Mount
(1) 7/16″ Grommet
(1) 1″ Hose Clamp
(2) #52 Hose Clamps
(1) #44 Hose Clamp
(2) 8mm Washers
(1) Rubber Edge Trim
(1) Sponge Rubber Gasket (2) AEM Decals

From the Manufacturer

AEM designs its BRUTE FORCE intakes for popular trucks, SUVs and late-model, fuel injected musclecars, and dyno-tunes each system to produce more torque and horsepower for large displacement engines. We test against the competition with the goal to outperform all other offerings.Our mechanical engineers emphasize tuning the resonance properties of the inlet pipe to help carry more air to the intake valves. We route our plumbing so that the filter draws air from the safest and coolest location, and provide a steel powdercoated heat shield to shroud the filter from engine heat and road dirt. Every BRUTE FORCE intake we make is 50-state legal or pending legality (excluding “Off Road� systems), and we guarantee them for life.

Our R&D testing procedures and quality-first manufacturing processes set our intakes apart. But what makes our intakes better is that we make more torque and horsepower and deliver superior filtration and performance available through our DRYFLOW Synthetic filter. Combine this with compete hardware in every kit, a steel heat shield, reinforced brackets, unmatched looks and a lifetime guarantee, and it’s easy to see why BRUTE FORCE Intakes deliver the most “Air Power.�

• Manufactured and assembled in the USA
• Dyno tuned to produce maximum horsepower and torque
• 50-state legal or pending legality
• AEM’s lifetime DRYFLOW Synthetic air filter is 99.53% efficient in FINE DUST testing, filters dirt as small as one micron, and never needs filter oil!
• Inlet constructed lightweight 6063 aluminum and mandrel bent for maximum flow
• Reinforced TIG-welded brackets and fittings deliver added durability
• Carbon-Black powdercoated steel heat shield included (when applicable)
• Utilizes a complete hardware kit with soft mounts for a guaranteed perfect fit
• Includes exclusive AEM Power Spacer to maximize performance (when applicable, noted in search results)
• Comprehensive installation instructions, and decals included
• Available in a gunmetal powdercoat or mirror-polished finish
• Guaranteed for life
   

Instructions
This is a pic of all the things you will get with your new AEM Jeep JK Wrangler Brute Force Cold Air Intake System. Make sure that you have everything in the list before you begin this project.
1. Unlock the IAT sensor on your Jeep JK Wrangler’s air intake tube by pulling back the red tab on the wiring harness connector. 2. Squeeze the wiring harness connector and then disconnect it from the IAT sensor on your Jeep JK Wrangler’s air tube. 3. Using a flat head screwdriver, loosen the hose clamp securing your Jeep JK Wrangler’s air tube to the air cleaner box.
4. Again, using a flathead screwdriver, loosen the hose clamp securing your Jeep JK Wrangler’s air tube to the throttle body.
5. With both hose clamps loosened, wiggle the air tube free of both the air cleaner box and throttle body and then remove it from your Jeep JK Wrangler.
  6. Carefully insert a small flathead screw driver in between the IAT sensor and the grommet holding it in place. Rotate the IAT sensor so that your screwdriver is making contact with one of the two plastic ridges extending from the base of it as shown in the pic to the left. Then, carefully pry the IAT sensor out of the air tube. NOTE: the IAT sensor is very delicate and will break easily if you are not VERY careful with this step.
7. Grab the CCV hose firmly and pull it off your Jeep JK Wrangler’s air cleaner box. 8. Grab your Jeep JK Wrangler’s air cleaner box and pull it up and out of the engine compartment. 9. Using an 8mm socket, remove the self-tapping screw securing the top corner of your Jeep JK Wrangler’s fan shroud in place. Set this screw aside for later use.
10. Using a flathead screwdriver, carefully pry out the rubber grommets that previously held your Jeep JK Wrangler’s air cleaner box in place. 11. Place the 2 aluminum spacers that comes with your AEM Bruteforce CAI kit and place them where the rubber grommets you just removed were located. 12. Place the AEM Bruteforce CAI heat shield down into where your Jeep JK Wrangler’s air cleaner box used to be as shown in this pic.
13. Secure the AEM Bruteforce CAI heat shield in place by loosely re-installing the fan shroud screw that you previously removed from your Jeep JK Wrangler. 14. Place a small washer on the 2 bolts that come with your AEM Bruteforce CAI and then insert them through the holes in the heat shield and aluminum spacers below as shown in this pic. 15. Look under the passenger side fender of your Jeep JK Wrangler, pull back the fender pants so that you can see the bolts you just inserted. Then slip a large fender washer onto each of the bolts and then secure them in place with the nuts provided.
16. Using a 7/16″ box wrench, reach underneath your Jeep JK Wrangler’s fender and hold the nuts you just installed in place. Then, using a 7/16″ socket on a long extension, reach over the top of the grille and tightened the bolts to secure the AEM Bruteforce CAI heat shield in place.
17. Using an 8mm socket, tighten the fan shroud screw securing the AEM Bruteforce CAI heat shield’s upper corner to it. 18. Install the thin hose-like rubber gasket to the edge of the circular opening in the side of the AEM Bruteforce CAI heat shield as shown. 19. Use a pair of scissors to cut off the excess gasket.
20. Install the larger rubber gasket along one of the edges of the AEM Bruteforce CAI heat shield as shown. 21. Use a pair of scissors to cut off the excess gasket. 22. Continue installing the larger rubber gasket along the other edge of the AEM Bruteforce CAI heat shield. Again, cut off the excess for a clean finish.
23. Take the #44 hose clamp that comes with the AEM Bruteforce CAI kit and slip it on the smaller end of the reducing coupler as shown. 24. Install the AEM Bruteforce CAI reducing coupler onto the throttle body of your Jeep JK Wrangler. 25. Using a flathead screwdriver, secure the AEM Bruteforce CAI reducing coupler in place by tightening the hose clamp.
26. Install the small rubber grommet into the hole on the AEM Bruteforce CAI air intake pipe. 27. Carefully install your Jeep JK Wrangler’s IAT sensor into the rubber grommet. Remember, the IAT is very delicate and can easily be broken. 28. Locate the AEM Bruteforce CAI air intake pipe rubber mount, washer and serrated nut.
29. Using a 13mm socket, install the AEM Bruteforce CAI air intake pipe rubber mount onto the heat shield (facing out toward the engine) and secure it in place with the washer and serrated nut. 30. Take one of the #52 hose clamps that comes with the AEM Bruteforce CAI kit and slip it on the larger end of the reducing coupler attached to your Jeep JK Wrangler’s throttle body. 31. Slip the AEM Bruteforce air intake pipe through the large opening on the heat shield and then attach it to the rubber mount as shown.
32. Insert the AEM Bruteforce CAI air intake pipe into the reducing coupler attached to your Jeep JK Wrangler’s throttle body. 33. Using a flathead screwdriver, secure the AEM Bruteforce CAI air intake pipe in place by tightening the hose clamp. 34. Plug your Jeep JK Wrangler’s wiring harness into the IAT sensor.
35. Lock your Jeep JK Wrangler’s IAT wiring harness plug in place by sliding the red tab down. 36. Using a 13mm socket, secure the AEM Bruteforce CAI air intake pipe onto the rubber mount with the nut provided with the kit. 37. Slip the small 1″ hose clamp onto the end of your Jeep JK Wrangler’s CCV hose.
38. Install your Jeep JK Wrangler’s CCV hose to the AEM Bruteforce CAI air intake pipe and then secure it in place by tightening the hose clamp with a flathead screwdriver. 39. Slip the hose clamp that comes with the AEM DRYFLOW air filter onto the opening as shown. 40. Insert the AEM DRYFLOW air filter onto the Bruteforce CAI air intake pipe and then secure it in place by tightening the hose clamp with a flathead screwdriver.
41. Stand back and take a good look at your new AEM Bruteforce Cold Air Intake System installed on your Jeep JK Wrangler.

 That’s it! You’re all done. Not only will your Jeep JK Wrangler’s engine have a great new look, it will also have a lot more cold air coming into it from an easy to clean, oil-less filter and with that come more performance as well.

Please let me know if you have any questions.
 

 

30 Comments

  1. I have this same AEM white filter and a Rusty’s intake tube and it works good. I would not use ANY filter other than the OEM filter. Oil and sensors and warranties do NOT get along!!

    On a different note, do you have the part # for your Optima yellow top that is in your JK ????

    THANKS ! !

  2. hey Bluewaterrider, the Optima yellow top that I have is an off the shelf battery I got at Costco. I’m pretty sure that Optima only makes one size anyway or at least one size for an automobile anyway.

  3. “I have this same AEM white filter and a Rusty’s intake tube and it works good. I would not use ANY filter other than the OEM filter. Oil and sensors and warranties do NOT get along”

    Did you mean to say ” I would not use ANY filter other than the AEM filter”

  4. just a question .

    when taking the beast offroad .. do you have to worry or use something to prefent it from sucking up water when playin in streams or just off road’n is there anyting to cover it .

  5. Notrhridge, I should have said ” I would not use ANY filter than other than the AEM or OEM filters”

  6. I got the AEM Bruteforce from Northridge a few months ago. Pretty easy install and it looks and sounds great. There is a slight whistle but it doesn’t bother me at all and nobody who’s ridden with me has ever mentioned it. Not sure if I’ve gained any power but it does FEEL quicker.

  7. Got mine from Dave @ Northridge too, great customer service and love the gain and rumble of the muffler/intake system too.

    Thanks again Dave

  8. This was the first mod I did to my new JK, almost a year ago now. I bought one as soon as Quadratec had them in stock. It was very easy to install. Took about an hour. I have the same whistle that Anhedrew has, but it doesn’t bother me either. I have taken my Jeep in some pretty deep mud holes, and have a little mud spatter on the filter, but it looks like the shroud keeps most of the water out, away from the filter.

  9. I just installed one of these today and so far am very impressed. Although, my check engine light is on ever since the install. Any ideas of why this is and how I might be able to fix it?

  11. That’s what I was afraid of. Any way of checking for sure, or does anyone know where to get another IAT sensor? What dangers if any will there be if I use the damaged sensor?

  12. So I disconnected, and then reconnected the IAT and it solved my problem. I think I might have had the radio on while I installed it the first time. The second time the ingnition was off. NOt sure if this is why, but it solved my problem.

  13. I am looking at this CAI as well as True Flow and Volant. Do you run a pre filter to add a little extra protection from water and mud?

  15. Although I do not have an intake on a JK I have the Brute Force on my TJ, and use a pre filter from K&N. I would use a pre filter on almost any cone style or open air filter, it just makes sense to me, and adds a little more protection for your investment. I think that it would be a good investment, especially considering the oil-less filter on the JK version… you can remove and hose off the pre filter instead of having to deal with cleaning the dry style AEM filter.Just my two cents, hope this helps.

  16. I installed my kit about two months ago, it is a great product and really gave a performance boost to my JK, sounds great when I really get on it. However I’m having trouble finding the cleaning solution locally. Anyone have a viable substitute that won’t ruin the filter or void the warranty. Thanks

  18. I installed this on my JK and love it! I def notice a lil power increase and more response at the throtle. sounds great and I’m seeing about a 2MPG gain since the install!!! You dont need to clean this filter more than every 20K miles – and you can just use compressed air to blow off any dirt between cleanings. those of you who notice the whistle sound should check the enginge air hose and ensure that you conect it to the NIPPLE off the lead on the intake pipe and dont push it all the way on. the end is not finished smooth and will allow some air through hence the whistle sound – push it to the tip and tighten – the whilstle should go away 🙂

  19. I have an Airaid and the whistle noise for me is not on the filter housing. Cause I still had it after I took it all off to the throttle body. And the noise drives me crazy! Does anyone know what it might be or an idea?

  20. Hello everyone! I was planning on purchasing an AEM Brute Force intake for my 08JK and was wondering if anyone knows whether or not I will be able to use an airaid throttle body spacer along with it. Does anyone know if this is possible? Thanks for your help.

  23. I have an Air Raid on my 07 and the spacer. I have noticed more response. Sounds good w/ a flowmaster dual exhaust, and no whistling

  24. i just purchased a 2000 wrangler and this system was installed but i have been having a preasure problem and my bottom radiatorr hose has been blowing off. now that i think i have that fixed i see hte filter in the air system is black and seems to be getting crushed in any answers to replace the filter or can i clean it

  26. Mig in my opinion the spacer is worthless on the jk, it actually felt like it hurt the performance on mine. I took it off after about a week. Save your money and spend it on something else.

  27. I want to buy the brute force CAI but I don’t Keon if require to change the exhaust and other components. Can you tell me if I need to buy other components? Or I can use it alone

    Thks

  28. and jorge you can use an intake without doing the exhaust, but you dont get the full addition to the power without the exhaust being done. just chopping off the stock muffler makes quite a difference beeing as the stock pipes are 2.5 inch already.

  29. I just installed the MOPAR CAI. it took about an hour. The only issue that I have noticed is the wiring harness to the sensor is very tight, causing a slight pull on the sensor and grommet. Any suggestions for easing this tension? Your instructions on the removal of the sensor helped a lot…thanks.
    As for MPG and power, I have seen a gain of 3mpg on the highway and 1.5 for city. I have also noticed a slight midrange power increase.

  30. I am considering putting this on my 2011 JK. My only concern is the water intake. I don’t spend a lot of time driving through the water but don’t want it to prohibit me on the trail if I happen to come across some. Any information regarding this would be helpful.

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