coreyt

Hello, i just installed a 3 in. Rough Country lift kit. i know a lot of you are experienced jeep builders but i thought for beginners like myself a review of some of the hang-ups and things to expect would be helpful.

RC has a video for this lift it was helpful as an overview.


the front end was actually really simple. it took around an hour and a half. the only trouble spot was the top driver side shock nut, its tucked under the power steering pump a bit of a bit** to get out. i ended up cutting it off from inside the wheel well and using a new bolt.

one of the bolts on the sway bar rounded out, it wasnt too bad to get off i just had to grind it a bit and use a size smaller socket. be careful though it had the potential to be a problem.

the rear end was the tricky part. it took around 5 hours. first off. in the RC video they take the leaf pack off the jeep and worked on a bench. if you have a trailer hitch chances are you wont be able to take the leaf pack off without taking the tow assembly off too. i just inserted the add-a-leaf with the packs still on the car. it was probably preferable to leave on the car anyway.

in my case all 4 upper shock bolts broke despite soaking them down every day for a week with penetrating oil. i tried drilling and retapping. after ruining 4 drill bits i just welded the new shocks on. the stock shocks lasted me 210,000 miles so i figure i wont have to deal with it again until around 400,000 miles or so.

so far the lift rides great the only unintended consequence is my tail pipe now rides against the leaf pack. it will be a 20 minute job to relocate it but it was a bummer to have rattling on the maiden voyage.

the jeep looks great, i measured over 4 ins. of actual lift which probably means it will settle a bit and/or maybe my stock suspension had some pretty serious sag.

best of luck on your lift project,

~Corey

94XjSport94

You could have unbolted the shackle to get at the leaf pack better instead of the hitch... I dont have any exhaust rattle with mine... and your right it will settle and the AAL will sag

XJ Stryker

Rough Country shocks will not last that long. Maybe about 20-30k if you wheel it then less.

I replaced my rear ones at about 10K... just FYI.

AAL seems like a great idea till your 3in lift turns into a 2in lift lol.

Lew 52

The rear upper shock bolts break most of the time , there just pressed in , you can use a hammer and a punch and knock them out , then use a magnet to drop new bolts in from the top....

coreyt

thanks for the insight all good points. i didnt even think about unbolting the shackle. it worked out though you dont really need to take the leaf pack off the truck to add the new leaf.

is it alright that i just welded the new rear shocks on or is it preferable to go back and bolt them on also.