New Rough Country 3.5" Suspension Lift

[Chevydawg]

Surfing the web yesterday and came across this new product from Rough Country:

http://www.roughcountry.com/suspension/4wd-chevy/tahoe-sub-201s.html

Seems pretty legit but I'd like to hear some feedback/comments from you pros before I buy.

 

[protonvx]

I looked at that before I went with the Blisteins I just installed this past weekend.

The only thing I didn't care for was the lower ball joints and tie rod ends would still have steep angles because the kit does nothing for those two items. May not be an issue, but thats what I was thinking.

The more I read the more I decided that I would do the 2.5 front and 1" rear and if I wanted it a little higher I would do a body lift. I decided I wanted under 4" of lift, but did not want to pay around $2k for it. From my measurements, I should be able to fit a 34" tire with some trimming with out the body lift (I will know tomorrow after the tires get here).

 

[Zed 71]

That kit looks pretty good because it drops the diff. However, IMO contact the vendor regarding the lower suspension parts. I cannot tell what the travel dynamics/range is like. Keep in mind extended range travel rear shocks would be recommended. Also not sure how the front OEM struts are regarding topping out - probably should evaluate the need to upgrade those as well.

If you determine that this kit fits your needs, please keep us updated with a review.

 

[matthew_m75]

I have a 97 yukon with a 3 inch rough country lift kit. Mine is a torsion bar front suspension but that kit is gonna have the problem as mine which is steering. With the new angles I've gone thru 4 idler arms and 3 pitman arms in the last year and a half that i've had the lift. Also have had two cv axles get pulled apart off road. If I could go back I would rather have a body lift or my vehicle stock than this lift kit. Have had other problems with the kit as well. When your turn the steering to the lock the brake caliper would hit the shock relocation bracket collapsing the piston so i would have to pump the brakes to get my brakes back. The new control arms would completley miss the stock bracket to limit how far the suspension would droop causing my cv axle to bind going over bumps, seriously scary at high speeds but probably wont be a problem for u cuz your struts would be the limiter in your suspension. I would not recomend a rough country lift unless you do zero off road driving and ur willing to do some rengineering to get everything to work right. Also talking to their customer service I dont think the guy I talked to actually new how to work on cars cuz what he told made no sense and I'm an ASE certified mechanic.

 

[Chevydawg]

purchased kit today and will be installing around this time next week with Toyo MT 33x12.50x20s on the stock wheels.

 

[Wakinvol]

purchased kit today and will be installing around this time next week with Toyo MT 33x12.50x20s on the stock wheels.

Pictures are a must...but you already know that right!

 

[sparg93]

Check the OBS forum...there is a sticky at the top that aligns with Matt's comments.

It may not hold true with your NNBS, but something to consider.

 

[protonvx]

Suspensions are set up differently from the obs to the nnbs. But I not read too many good things from the Silverado/Sierra nnbs guys regarding this lift.

Chevydawg - I hope you have better luck with this kit than I have read others having with it. I would be interested in your feedback after the install and 10k miles from the time of the install.

 

[sparg93]

Chevydawg - before you install, definitely check other forums for this specific lift and if you start seeing similiar user experience for your NNBS, return it before you install it.

This kit may be great for your rig and all these warnings an overreaction due to their other kits....but definitely do a bit of research (which you may have already done) and even call the manuf to discuss.

I know when one of the OBS guys called and discussed his issues the tech on the phone confirmed the OBS kit was dangerous and shouldn't be sold.

But again...kits vary wild between different rigs and this may be an awesome kit for NNBS!

 

[edgaranah1]

Yeah keep us posted. Sounds very interesting.

Sent from my BlackBerry 8530 using Tapatalk

 

[Zed 71]

Looks like this kit is not well sorted based on the NNBS truck forum. My original post regarding the concern of lower suspension parts and dynamics/range of motion seems warranted.

 

[Chevydawg]

Not sure where you guys are getting your horror stories from...I did a ton of research on this lift across a number of different forums and the solid majority of people are extremely positive about the Rough Country lift.

 

[jd08]

Yes the RC 3.5" kit had issues with the balljoints going bad all the time and it not holding an alignment. Also there was some issues with the upper a-arm rubbing the coil spring.

 

[InTruckDesign]

Heard the same as jd08

 

[Chevydawg]

Heard the same as jd08

When you say you "heard" that too, are you referring to the OBS, NBS or the NNBS? I searched RC kits for the NNBS Tahoe and Silverado and found nothing but positive posts.

 

[Chevydawg]

if someone can tell me how to post pics, I have before and afters to share...if anyone is interested

 

[Zed 71]

^ Sign up on a site like Photobucket and use the link feature to post pics.

Always interested in new products so please post pics.

It seems the earlier versions of this kit were pretty bad (search gmfullsize forum). They might have fixed the current version. Below is a quote from someone who had the early version.

"You keep the stock knuckles so you can use the stock wheels. I had the earliest version of this kit and it didn't last 2 months. Ball joints were trash, nothing lined up on install, I had to drill the diff drops so the holes would line up, the bj's didn't fit right into the UCAS, alignment....etc. RC also thought it wise to use bj's that were too large for the stock knuckles, so you had to drill out the spindles. The kit was a total *************. I look at it this way...even if RC finally got it right, it only took them what? Almost 4 years and numerous failed versions. What a joke. Cheap is cheap for a reason."

 

[DC Yukon]

They have probably fixed those problems by now. Let's check out the pics!

 

[Chevydawg]

PM me for pics. The kit has been on now for over 1000 miles. The kit took me two evenings to put on after work using jack stands in my garage. Hardest part of the install was reinstalling the coils and the front struts...I'm just saying you better have some muscle. The differential comes completely out but its not too difficult however I definitely recommend having someone to help you.

I am averaging about 14.1 mpg with the Toyos. No issues with the vehicle coming out of alignment. After some nominal trimming of the splash guards and removing the lower valance, I have very little rubbing issues at full lock. So far so good and she looks great. If anyone has questions, I'm happy to answer.