Rough Country Lift Kit

[DonM]

Has anyone used and/or failure with the 3 inch lift kit sold online by Rough Country?  It looks like it includes new coil springs, add a lift leaf and need hardware.  I am considering it for my 92 Comanche.  Anyone with some good, bass, our ugly would be appreciated.  I would also consider other options if someone has some.  I am looking for a little lift (max 3 inches) so i can comfortably run 31 inch tires.  Thanks in advance.

[MiNi Beast]

Cheap buy in that kit is. Simply works how i started out. Source some shocks to go with and add your tires and enjoy catching the bug. 

[Smokeyyank]

Pass on junk country. If you are looking for a basic lift I'd go either OME or IRO. One thing is most any XJ lift will work with the exception of the rear because of being spring under. Also what are you looking to do? Just want it for looks or for wheeling? 

 

https://www.ironrockoffroad.com/product/xj-3-premium-short-arm-lift-kit.html

 

https://dpgoffroad.com/product/3-5-hd-ultimate-xj-old-man-emu-hybrid-kit/

 

 

 

 

[Jeeper1093]

I would stay away from rough country. There is a reason that the put rough in their name and it's not because they are durable. It's how they treat your kidneys....rough ride. There are lots of better options out there but they will cost you a few bucks more. OME is hard to beat for ride quality and off-road performance.

Just my 2 cents

[DonM]

I will look at these other kits.  Still exploring options.  Thanks

Smokeyyank--- I want it for looks and to help it along with of road capabilities.  Not hard core wheeling, but still not afraid to take the occasional challenge that comes along.

[Jeep Driver]

23 minutes ago, DonM said:

Still exploring options. 

Buy parts, not kits.

[PCO6]

[Smokeyyank]

19 hours ago, DonM said:

I will look at these other kits.  Still exploring options.  Thanks

Smokeyyank--- I want it for looks and to help it along with of road capabilities.  Not hard core wheeling, but still not afraid to take the occasional challenge that comes along.

 

I'd go with OME. One of the better if not best riding lifts out there. Other option is doing as jeep driver is saying and piecing together what you need. No "kit" will have everything. Will they have most everything yes, but you will always need more than what's in the kit. 

 

Basics are

-Coils

-Shocks

-Trackbar

-Add a leaf or extended shackles

-Either short arm kit or control arm drop bracket (I'd go drop bracket for ride quality)

 

Refresh other worn components. 

 

Other things to consider

-extended brake lines, if nothing else stepping up to SS braided lines helps pedal feel tremendously. 

-U joints needing to be repalced

-Brakes

-Brake booster upgrade

-Put in a solid tie rod either e ZJ or new one. 

-Sway bars links and parts. 

 

Probably some other things I'm forgetting but to give you an idea. 

[DIRT_NASTYY_]

I had the RC 4.5” short arm lift kit w/ add a leaf on my last XJ and currently have their long arms and trackbar on my current Comanche. In my experience I usually say just stay away from their springs/shocks due to ride quality and life span, but their other components tend to work well, especially if you’re working on a budget. In addition to their long arm kit and trackbar, I currently have Rubicon Express 4.5” coils, Rusty’s 4” leaf spring, and Fox shocks, and the setup has been very smooth. 

[DonM]

Thanks a bunch.

[ghetdjc320]

My .02 would be to steer clear of Rough Country 

[Jeeper1093]

Springs shocks, bushings and joins all wear or fatigue quickly

[75sv1]

Um, he did say MJ. ??? So, a lot of those kits won't work. What's out there for MJ rear springs? Hell's Creek? Rusty's? Who else? I'm on a 2" lift on an XJ with 31's. My tires are on the skinny side though. I do have RC rear springs on an XJ. They are older ones and do not have the anti friction pads. I hear the new ones do. Also, I think IRO uses RC rear springs except for their 3.5" lift. I hear good things about that lift and their long arm kit. I went with OME 3.5 spring for a planned lift. Its dual rate. Still, I don't think OME makes a rear spring for the MJ. I would take the advice to see about piecing together a lift. I think you'll end up with a better lift. 

      On Rusty's stuff, watch the shipping. With shipping you might be at the same $$ for say IRO, Rubicon Express, OME or other higher quality parts. If you piece together a lift, look at the Metal Cloak 3.5 progressive's springs. I have some, but not installed. They get good reviews overall. 

[ghetdjc320]

Hells creek, rustys and general spring all have an off the shelf rear spring. Alcan and national can make any custom spring. And the front choices are almost limitless. No need to touch RC with a 10’ pole. 

[75sv1]

I will go back to the OP post, he says basically 'Add a Leaf.' So, I have not used one. Usually, the info is they are a patch work. Also, it depends on what condition his original spring is. Also, what is the intent of the rig? I am guessing with a 3 inch lift or less, then street use and some mild trails, ie hunting and fishing roads. Although even a stock XJ with 4wd can handle a lot. One item I'd avoid with RC is the upper control arms. They have 1/16th sheet metal for the brackets to the axle. Mine wallered out. I bought some Core uppers. I liked them, so I bought their lowers. Many other good choices. I also have a set of JKS control arms. OP, might not need them with a 2-3 inch lift. Also, state the budget. Lifts can add up quick. Smoekyyanks list is a god start. Also, you could do a budget lift, with extended shackles and pucks up front to a 2" lift. I went with 2" springs from IRO for $109. Then some 'Up Country' springs in the rear. I had plans to keep that build on a budget. Didn't work out. 

[89 MJ]

I put an AAL in my truck. No regrets. It helped towing and hauling tremendously and made the rear end feel more planted. It did hurt flex a little bit though, but it is still really good for a 30 year old truck on leaf springs.

[DonM]

Thank for all the info.  I ended up going with the 3 inch lift kit from Skyjacker.  So far, I am happy with everything including the ride.