Rough Country Lifts. Opinions?

[Boozer]

I’ve never lifted a truck before. I was planning to throw a level kit on my new truck and run a couple inch bigger tires but the more I’m looking into it I’m leaning more and more towards lifting it. Rough Country has a 3” kit and a 6” kit. The 6” kit is looking more and more appealing, it will also make my truck tall enough that my wife won’t want to drive it anymore and I’ll get my truck back.

So.. opinions on rough Country? I’m not going to spend several thousand dollars on a lift, the price is right on the Rough Country, is the quality there or should I just throw a couple hundred dollar leveling kit on the truck and stuff slightly bigger tires underneath?


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[H20 Toie]

What kind of truck?
Rough country is not know for having a good ride, it is cheap for a reason

 

[JDub24]

As stated above... what kind of truck, usage and look are you going for. I’ve spent a boat load of money over the years from a simple leveling kit to full long travel and everything in between.

I have settled with a leveling kit, more tire and less rim as I use my truck off-road and like reliability and less bullshit.

I’ve never lifted a truck before. I was planning to throw a level kit on my new truck and run a couple inch bigger tires but the more I’m looking into it I’m leaning more and more towards lifting it. Rough Country has a 3” kit and a 6” kit. The 6” kit is looking more and more appealing, it will also make my truck tall enough that my wife won’t want to drive it anymore and I’ll get my truck back.

So.. opinions on rough Country? I’m not going to spend several thousand dollars on a lift, the price is right on the Rough Country, is the quality there or should I just throw a couple hundred dollar leveling kit on the truck and stuff slightly bigger tires underneath?


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[monkeyswrench]

As pointed out above, type of truck and service are big factors. Rough Country stuff seems to be good for the more street/appearance stuff. It will be fine on fireroads and such as well. I would not recommend them for pre-running race courses though. If you have an IFS 4x4 Chevy, it seems their geometry may be pushing things a bit on their 6" stuff. It seems they take out half shafts/CV's more frequently than some of the others. The other thing to look at is tire size and programming. It isn't so much about the speedo, but the transmission. Most modern stuff uses a non-linear rising rate for line pressure. Put simply, if it thinks it's going slower, it won't allow the line pressure to ramp up. This will shorten the life of the trans, and builds a lot of heat while towing.

...and don't assume lifting it will get it back. My wife didn't seem to mind my Super Duty with a 10" lift

 

[sczagurs]

If it is for a super duty or dodge pick up spend the money on a Carli kit, worth every penny. If it isn’t, I would rather have a Fabtech kit.

 

[Boozer]

Truck is a New style Ram 1500 Laramie.

It’s a 4x4 but for the most part it’s a pavement princess. My wife’s job is about 6 miles from the house and she is the one that usually drives it. I doubt it will ever see any real off reading aside from flying down some dirt roads where we go camping and my occasional elk hunting trips.

It doesn’t have the air ride suspension but the thing still rides incredibly well. Prior to this I had a newer Escalade with the magnetic ride control and this thing rides just as nice as that. I’d like to maintain the original ride quality as much as possible.

I’ve been reading a lot of mixed stuff. Some folks are saying you can get 35” tires underneath it with just a 2” level, some people are saying you don’t even need a level and other folks are saying you need to go with a 3.5”-6” suspension lift in order to get that big of s tire stuffed underneath it. That being said I’ve seen pictures of them with 6” Rough Country lift and they look really good.


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[HCP3]

Call CJC Off Road. They will steer you in the right direction towards the right size tires, and/or proper Carli kit.

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

Truck is a New style Ram 1500 Laramie.

It’s a 4x4 but for the most part it’s a pavement princess. My wife’s job is about 6 miles from the house and she is the one that usually drives it. I doubt it will ever see any real off reading aside from flying down some dirt roads where we go camping and my occasional elk hunting trips.

It doesn’t have the air ride suspension but the thing still rides incredibly well. Prior to this I had a newer Escalade with the magnetic ride control and this thing rides just as nice as that. I’d like to maintain the original ride quality as much as possible.

I’ve been reading a lot of mixed stuff. Some folks are saying you can get 35” tires underneath it with just a 2” level, some people are saying you don’t even need a level and other folks are saying you need to go with a 3.5”-6” suspension lift in order to get that big of s tire stuffed underneath it. That being said I’ve seen pictures of them with 6” Rough Country lift and they look really good.


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If you want to maintain your trucks ride, don't lift it 6 inches.

You can likely fit 35”s with a front end level and the right offset wheels. Do some research and measuring.

 

[Runs2rch]

2019 Ram run the 2 inch Mopar kit. Clears 35's and performs really well.

 

[Shlbyntro]

I have a 6in ProComp kit on my truck and it gets the job done, however she does like to lean into long sweeping turns. I have done 2 rough country installs with no issues, everything fit ass it was meant to and they're good kits. Absolutely not for Hardcore offroading though.

I will say this, Rough Countrys customer service is awesome. They go out of their way to make sure you're happy even on the little shit like led fog lights

 

[ridebig]

I so agree with some of the posts here. I had a 2012 3500 ram with a rough country kit and had nothing but problems. I ended up selling and buying a 2016 2500 ram and went with the Carli back country suspension. You definitely get what you pay for. If you plan on keeping your truck long term spend the money!

 

[aka619er]

As said above. Amazing customer service. Springs and components are fine, shocks are lacking.

My Dodge Ram has a 6" Rough Country that came with the truck. Rode like shit, changed out the shocks for some Bilstein 5100's and its now smooth as butter.

Jeep has a 4.5" Long Arm Rough Country. Also switched out the shocks. Rides awesome. Killed a couple Jonny Joints, called them and replaced free and fast.

 

[FishSniper]

As said above. Amazing customer service. Springs and components are fine, shocks are lacking.

My Dodge Ram has a 6" Rough Country that came with the truck. Rode like shit, changed out the shocks for some Bilstein 5100's and its now smooth as butter.

Jeep has a 4.5" Long Arm Rough Country. Also switched out the shocks. Rides awesome. Killed a couple Jonny Joints, called them and replaced free and fast.

I have a 15 Ram 2500 with an 8 inch lift that the ride is not bad on but I am going to upgrade the shocks soon. When they did the build there wasn’t much available for that size lift but I have been told there are more options now for the bigger lifts.

 

[sczagurs]

Im sure as you know your gas mileage will go down and you will need to recalibrate your speedo but it’s not the end of the world.

Carli does make a few different kits for that truck. I have had Carli on my last two trucks and it had been the best quality kit i have owned, ride quality is awesome.

As stated above give the guys are CJC (Bellflower, CA) and talk with Cole or Cody about it. They will get you dialed.

https://carlisuspension.com/product...sion-systems/dodge-1500-commuter-system-2009/

 

[beaverretriever]

2019 Ram run the 2 inch Mopar kit. Clears 35's and performs really well.

Before I bought my Chevy I looked at the new Rams and I was going to do the factory Mopar/Fox kit. Definitely the way to go and will clear 35s no problem. A customer of mine has it, and it looks and rides great.

 

[FishSniper]

Im sure as you know your gas mileage will go down and you will need to recalibrate your speedo but it’s not the end of the world.

Carli does make a few different kits for that truck. I have had Carli on my last two trucks and it had been the best quality kit i have owned, ride quality is awesome.

As stated above give the guys are CJC (Bellflower, CA) and talk with Cole or Cody about it. They will get you dialed.

https://carlisuspension.com/product...sion-systems/dodge-1500-commuter-system-2009/

Hadn’t heard of CJC before and that’s pretty close to where I live. They a full shop that does installs etc ?

 

[Dan Lorenze]

I just rode in my buddies 2019 Ram 2500 Diesel, he has the Carli kit with Fox 2.0's.. The thing rides like a Lexus, he said it's way better than it was in stock form.

 

[pronstar]

Rule of thumb:
If you want a good ride, stay away from products branded “Rough” [emoji106]


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[pronstar]

For a mall cruiser, or if you don’t need the capacity or ply/thickness, for the love of god stay away from E-rated tires.




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[dezrtracer]

Paging RVRKID !! Try Chris at HTW Motorsports in Upland . He leveled my truck and put 34 on it for me . He came highly recommended on RDP and was great to work with .

 

[sczagurs]

Hadn’t heard of CJC before and that’s pretty close to where I live. They a full shop that does installs etc ?

Yes, CJC does full installs and works with Carli directly. Great guys and will take very good care of you.

 

[One2go]

Paging RVRKID !! Try Chris at HTW Motorsports in Upland . He leveled my truck and put 34 on it for me . He came highly recommended on RDP and was great to work with .

Yep,Chris is the man,he's done tons. I actually have had both lifted and leveling kits on fords,Dodges and Chevys.My 15 Chevy HD has leveling kit with 35s and high enough to look good and rides good. Just my 2cents

 

[Boozer]

For a mall cruiser, or if you don’t need the capacity or ply/thickness, for the love of god stay away from E-rated tires.




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I’m going to go with Nitto Ridge Grapplers for the tires.


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[sczagurs]

I’m going to go with Nitto Ridge Grapplers for the tires.


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Toyo open country at2 hands down.

 

[pronstar]

I’m going to go with Nitto Ridge Grapplers for the tires.


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What size?


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[pronstar]

Toyo open country at2 hands down.

Based on what?



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[white tortilla]

I put a 3.5” rough country on a Jeep Wrangler a few years ago. It was cheap, everything lined up and installed clean. Ride was ok. Little squirly on the freeway. I think it’s a “get what you pay for” question. I wanted a cheap option to lift the Jeep, not doing any major offroading and it rode like shit before anyways. I would think on a $50k truck I may have opted for something nicer, for a grocery getter it worked fine.

 

[RVR2SNO]

Hadn’t heard of CJC before and that’s pretty close to where I live. They a full shop that does installs etc ?

CJC is the best. They did my last 2500 with combo Thuren/Carli and I’m taking them the 3500 mega cab I just picked up for the full Carli pintop treatment.

 

[Big B Hova]

Drop it on some 24s and call it a day

 

[TITTIES AND BEER]

When I was a kid ( 17-18 j put on 3-4 of there kits old style Chevy straight front end easy install I always liked the ride .

 

[FishSniper]

CJC is the best. They did my last 2500 with combo Thuren/Carli and I’m taking them the 3500 mega cab I just picked up for the full Carli pintop treatment.

Good to know I’ll have to check it out. Had the amp steps installed at LGE/CTS in San Dimas and was happy with the shop but bellflower would be a much closer drive.

 

[Motor Boater]

I just put a BDS lift on my 2019 F150 and the ride is awesome. I did upgrade to the Fox shocks. It’s 6” on 37’s.

 

[BUSTI]

Truck is a New style Ram 1500 Laramie.

It’s a 4x4 but for the most part it’s a pavement princess. My wife’s job is about 6 miles from the house and she is the one that usually drives it. I doubt it will ever see any real off reading aside from flying down some dirt roads where we go camping and my occasional elk hunting trips.

It doesn’t have the air ride suspension but the thing still rides incredibly well. Prior to this I had a newer Escalade with the magnetic ride control and this thing rides just as nice as that. I’d like to maintain the original ride quality as much as possible.

I’ve been reading a lot of mixed stuff. Some folks are saying you can get 35” tires underneath it with just a 2” level, some people are saying you don’t even need a level and other folks are saying you need to go with a 3.5”-6” suspension lift in order to get that big of s tire stuffed underneath it. That being said I’ve seen pictures of them with 6” Rough Country lift and they look really good.


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IMO AEV is the only lift I’d do on a RAM.

https://www.aev-conversions.com/vehicles/recruit/

 

[pronstar]

IMO AEV is the only lift I’d do on a RAM.

https://www.aev-conversions.com/vehicles/recruit/

Bilstein 5100’s...you cant be serious


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[WhatExit?]

IMO AEV is the only lift I’d do on a RAM.

https://www.aev-conversions.com/vehicles/recruit/

AEV knows how to make $$$ - but overpriced for sure. I’d do Carli six days a week and twice on Sunday before AEV

 

[robby dmax]

I would look into the BDS Suspension.. then look at the Toyo R/T tires will look great and give you a great ride.
Also remember you get what you pay for you paid a lot for the truck don’t cheap out on the suspension kit

 

[Havasu blue label]

Go with fabtec and bilstien shocks set yourself above the rest

 

[BUSTI]

Bilstein 5100’s...you cant be serious


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Absolutely. Got an uncle who owns a fully loaded Prospector and it’s a beast on his working in his property. He own 87 acres in the Bitter Root Valley, MT. Don’t know exactly what shocks he has on it though. I’m sure if the Bilstiens didn’t work he would have changed them but their kits work.

 

[sczagurs]

I had them on my super duty and wished they made them in 37x12.50r17.

Based on what?



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[robby dmax]

Go with fabtec and bilstien shocks set yourself above the rest

bilstien yes!! Fabtech save your money for something good.. sorry just personal opinion

 

[pronstar]

FabJunk [emoji106]


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[MeCasa16]

This thread would be a lot better if you guys would add pics of said trucks with lifts and larger tires.


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[CLdrinker]

With the Ram 1500 you have upper ball joint issues at 2” - 2.5” leveling kits. You have get aftermarket upper arms.
Allot of people don’t and get away with it but they are rolling the dice.

I ran a 1.5” level with 275/70/18 on my 2013 with zero issues.

 

[Havasu blue label]

 

[LakeMead Boater]

You can’t go wrong with CJC, I have a buddy who has done 3 trucks with them.

@Boozer, if you need some help with tires, I have a shop in Cypress and would be happy to help.

 

[aka619er]

Bilstein 5100’s...you cant be serious


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You dont like them? I love 5100's on my Megacab. Stiff at first but now smooth as butter. I have some sort of 51%$ on my Jeep also. Love them.

 

[pronstar]

You dont like them? I love 5100's on my Megacab. Stiff at first but now smooth as butter. I have some sort of 51%$ on my Jeep also. Love them.

Bilstein 5100’s are good shocks.
I have them on our suburban (yellow 4600’s actually, but same shock with shorter length).

When you buy a suspension system, the cost is in the shocks. Cheap kits lack shocks. Expensive kits have expensive shocks.

My issue is with the “AEV is the only setup I’ll run on a Ram”.

Its a $2500 suspension setup with $500 shocks...where’s the money going?

A $2k Carli system includes Fox 2” shocks that are waaaay beyond a Bilstein 5100.


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[HCP3]

Bilstein 5100’s are good shocks.
I have them on our suburban (yellow 4600’s actually, but same shock with shorter length).

When you buy a suspension system, the cost is in the shocks. Cheap kits lack shocks. Expensive kits have expensive shocks.

My issue is with the “AEV is the only setup I’ll run on a Ram”.

Its a $2500 suspension setup with $500 shocks...where’s the money going?

A $2k Carli system includes Fox 2” shocks that are waaaay beyond a Bilstein 5100.


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Also, Carli went the extra mile and worked with Fox to tune there shocks specific to the model truck.

 

[Havasu Surfer]

I’m going to go with Nitto Ridge Grapplers for the tires.


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The MT's perform awesome in the Johnson Valley terrain

 

[FishSniper]

This thread would be a lot better if you guys would add pics of said trucks with lifts and larger tires.


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This is my 2015 2500 Cummins. 8 inch lift 40 inch tires. Fiberworkx fenders and bedsides.