rough country suspension lifts....I need thoughts..

airtime262 · 02-13-2009, 06:17 AM

I've got a 79 cj7 stock susp, and I was looking at either a 2.5 or 4" lift. Now I dont do any extreme rock climbing, just moderate off roading and it's a daily driver. I dont want to/cant afford to drop $600-800 on a lift right now, maybe in a couple of years when I do a restore. Just right now my leafs are shot and I would like to put 32 or 33's on. My other concern is this, would a 4" make it too top heavy? I haven't put widetrac axles on yet (future proj) or should I use the 2.5 springs w/shackles? Anyway the point is what's your opinions on rough country? I found a complete lift kit ( springs, shocks, drop pitman arm, shims and 1" trans drop, ) for around $430, but dont know anyone that has used this brand before. Any help would be appreciated,
Beer's on me

Jeff-

Oily · 02-13-2009, 07:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by airtime262

I dont do any extreme rock climbing, just moderate off roading and it's a daily driver. I dont want to/cant afford to drop $600-800 on a lift right now.......

Just right now my leafs are shot and I would like to put 32 or 33's on.

I have a stock suspension. I also have some challenging terrain. I have not seen the need for a lift.
The cost of a lift plus the cost of re-gearing your front and rear end.will reach $600.00 to $800.00. That would be without beefing up your axles to handle the extra stress larger tires place on the drive shaft components. You would be better off to re-gear for daily driving (gas mileage/top end speed).
I have had four 4X4's. None had a lift. I know nothing about them. My opinion is from what I have heard here on the forum.
As for Rough Country, the consensus is (and always has been) that you get what you pay for. I have read the best reviews on the Rubicon Express. Also, our Jeeps can have the tendency to not drive straight and predictable on the roadways. Many lifts not done right or of mediocre quality can magnify this headache.

dalefan388 · 02-13-2009, 07:22 AM

theres a reason they call it "rough" country from what i hear.

DeadPhish · 02-13-2009, 08:36 AM

I ordered the 2 1/2" kit earlier this week. for what i am going to use this for it should work great. i called rough country direct and spoke with dustin he gave me a great deal just ask for it.

chadcarter · 02-13-2009, 08:36 AM

I had a Rough Country 2.5" lift on my CJ, and there was absolutely no give in the suspension. Me being 250 lbs could jump up and down on my front bumper and it wouldn't move. I say stay away from RC if you want a lift. Search the for sale section and pick up a used 2.5" or 4" lift that someone has taken off if you want to save some money.

rreaperr · 02-13-2009, 11:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chadcarter

I had a Rough Country 2.5" lift on my CJ, and there was absolutely no give in the suspension. Me being 250 lbs could jump up and down on my front bumper and it wouldn't move. I say stay away from RC if you want a lift. Search the for sale section and pick up a used 2.5" or 4" lift that someone has taken off if you want to save some money.

I just installed a RC 4" lift a couple of weeks ago on my 81 CJ5. They do not move at all. I have not been able to get any good flex out of her yet. I got mine off fleabay for 400 shipped, and thought I got a good deal. Now I wish I would have done different and just saved the money for a good lift.

LibertyJeeper · 02-13-2009, 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rreaperr

I just installed a RC 4" lift a couple of weeks ago on my 81 CJ5. They do not move at all. I have not been able to get any good flex out of her yet. I got mine off fleabay for 400 shipped, and thought I got a good deal. Now I wish I would have done different and just saved the money for a good lift.

I have heard from on a different forum that they recently switched spring manufacturers and the new ones are much better. Being that yours is new but from ebay, makes me wonder if they are overstocked from older series or if the new ones suck as bad as the old.

Ziptie2k2 · 02-13-2009, 12:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dalefan388

theres a reason they call it "rough" country from what i hear.

Aren't we talking about CJ's here?

I didn't know they were supposed to ride smooth.

chadcarter · 02-13-2009, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ziptie2k2

Aren't we talking about CJ's here?

I didn't know they were supposed to ride smooth.

There is a big difference between riding in a CJ with decent suspension, and riding in a bone jarring kidney hurting crappy suspension CJ!

Ziptie2k2 · 02-13-2009, 12:33 PM

Does anyone have a list of "the better" suspension systems? I have a Pro Comp on my 86 CJ7, a set of stock springs on my 77 CJ7, a buddy with Rough Country springs on his 83 CJ7, and co-worker who had Rancho springs on his 84 CJ7 and I seriously haven't notice that much difference. I would seriously like to know since I am about to buy a lift for my Scrambler.

**80cj** · 02-13-2009, 12:41 PM

People on forum who have Black Diamond have good things to say. A pretty good bang for the buck, it seems.

**alljackedup** · 02-13-2009, 03:03 PM

From what I've read it seems that Old Man Emu and Rubicon Express offer a better ride quality. Of course, they are more expensive than the others...

chadcarter · 02-13-2009, 03:12 PM

I replaced my RC lift with a SkyJacker. I have not had it back on the road yet (still in rebuild) so I can't comment on the ride of that yet. I bought it second hand and replaced the shocks with new ones and am still ahead cost wise.

From the forum consensus it seems that Rubicon Express, Old Man Emu, and BDS get good reviews.

**lucdog** · 02-13-2009, 04:56 PM

I've got a rough country 4 inch on my full size gmc jimmy, I would have to agree on the roughness part, or maybe really firm.

bill

airtime262 · 02-16-2009, 10:21 PM

Hey thanks guys, that's exactly the input I was looking for. Yeah, I understand you get what you pay for, but stock replacement springs are the same price as ones for a moderate lift. I think I'm gonna go with a 2.5 and see how that works for now, I've had Procomp, skyjacker, and a friend with bds on our trucks, but nothing on a cj. Thanks again for all the input...