I've noticed that members commonly ask the same frequent questions on this lift, so I'm going to try to explain a few of them here. First off, there are two 3.5" lifts listed on the rough country site for 4WD trucks (SKU: 269.20) or 2WD (SKU: 268.20). Which should I buy? The first one here is their basic lift without the Upper Control Arms (UCA).
(4WD shown)
![image.jpg]( "image.jpg")
The first kit has your strut spacers, diff drop (4WD only), blocks, new skid plate for differential (4WD only) and new rear shocks. For this kit to work properly on your truck, you'll will need to cut off the bump stops. That's right, I said cut off the front bump stops. This will need to happen so that the UCAs will have proper downward travel. While many here have this kit, I will say this; I believe this kit puts extra stress on your ball joints because of the angle they are at after installing this kit, IMO. Now with that said, just another factor to consider is the factory ball joints are not replaceable and not serviceable either.
Now let's look at the 3.5in GM Suspension Lift Kit (w/Upper Control Arms) (4WD - SKU: 277.20) or (2WD - SKU: 246.20)
(4WD shown)
![image.jpg]( "image.jpg")
Now with this kit you will not have to cut off the bump stops. The RC UCAs have new angles different from factory ones. This will allow for the travel needed for the suspension to work properly. They also have pressed-in ball joints which are serviceable and replaceable if needed. Lately a lot of members have asked, How to press on the ball joint boot rubber dust covers. Here's a good link with some great instructions. http://www.moogproblemsolver.com/_pdf_e ... 102_En.pdf
Here's a closer look at the 3.5in GM Suspension Lift Kit (w/Upper Control Arms).
![image.jpg]( "image.jpg")
Now I'm going to try and explain a few of the commonly asked questions.
First off, these kits have a differential drop (4WD only) which will flatten out your Constant-velocity joints (CV) angles. If your going to install this kit yourself. I would suggest you have a help with it; the diff drop really needs a second set of hands (but can be done alone). The use of air tools (pneumatic) comes in handy also. This lift can also be installed at your house, but if your not comfortable with the idea, I would suggest you get a professional installation.
Another question would be, "Do I need their HD tie rod sleeves and their 1/4" spacers?" My answer is; I wouldn't recommend HD tie rod sleeves unless you want to run 35" tires (more on tires later). The 1/4" spacers are recommended when you run your factory wheels with wide tires. While some members here run factory wheels without rubbing the inside suspension components, some members do rub and these will eliminate the rubbing. FYI: Be sure to run Loc-tite on the spacer bolts for added protection.
Some members ask about towing with this kit. It may be in your best interest to ask RC to add, Add-A-Leaf springs to your kit; if you prefer to go this way. There will be an additional charge for the leafs AND you'll still get the blocks for the rear (which will no longer be needed).
Now tires OHH BOY THE BIG QUESTION I'm going to leave this one simple. You can run a 33" tire with this kit with no problems, but the more offset you add on aftermarket wheels, such as +0 offset to -12, the more likely you may have to trim. If you do a NorCal mod (google it), which will entail trimming the plastic from the rear of the front wheel well as well as a small amount of sheet metal cutting, rubbing will be minimal to none. While I know some members also run 34" & 35" tires on here, they also probably had to trim some to a whole lot. Adding more offset here also, on aftermarket wheels, will require even more trimming or complete cutting out for adding at taller and wider tire for proper clearance.
Another question lately has been, "Will they sell the front part of the kit alone?" NO! Call them if you don't believe me...
Finally, the question of "How high will my truck sit over the front fender well?" Well, most RC 3.5" lifted trucks sit around 40" - 41" on the front fenders (measured at the center point (top or arc)) depending on tire size of course.
These kits are also "all bolt on" and completely returnable to stock.
Well this about all I have for now, I hope I've covered a lot FAQ'S on this lift. Anything I have forgotten maybe can be added in this thread later on in posts. Enjoy!
(4WD shown)
The first kit has your strut spacers, diff drop (4WD only), blocks, new skid plate for differential (4WD only) and new rear shocks. For this kit to work properly on your truck, you'll will need to cut off the bump stops. That's right, I said cut off the front bump stops. This will need to happen so that the UCAs will have proper downward travel. While many here have this kit, I will say this; I believe this kit puts extra stress on your ball joints because of the angle they are at after installing this kit, IMO. Now with that said, just another factor to consider is the factory ball joints are not replaceable and not serviceable either.
Now let's look at the 3.5in GM Suspension Lift Kit (w/Upper Control Arms) (4WD - SKU: 277.20) or (2WD - SKU: 246.20)
(4WD shown)
Now with this kit you will not have to cut off the bump stops. The RC UCAs have new angles different from factory ones. This will allow for the travel needed for the suspension to work properly. They also have pressed-in ball joints which are serviceable and replaceable if needed. Lately a lot of members have asked, How to press on the ball joint boot rubber dust covers. Here's a good link with some great instructions. http://www.moogproblemsolver.com/_pdf_e ... 102_En.pdf
Here's a closer look at the 3.5in GM Suspension Lift Kit (w/Upper Control Arms).
Now I'm going to try and explain a few of the commonly asked questions.
First off, these kits have a differential drop (4WD only) which will flatten out your Constant-velocity joints (CV) angles. If your going to install this kit yourself. I would suggest you have a help with it; the diff drop really needs a second set of hands (but can be done alone). The use of air tools (pneumatic) comes in handy also. This lift can also be installed at your house, but if your not comfortable with the idea, I would suggest you get a professional installation.
Another question would be, "Do I need their HD tie rod sleeves and their 1/4" spacers?" My answer is; I wouldn't recommend HD tie rod sleeves unless you want to run 35" tires (more on tires later). The 1/4" spacers are recommended when you run your factory wheels with wide tires. While some members here run factory wheels without rubbing the inside suspension components, some members do rub and these will eliminate the rubbing. FYI: Be sure to run Loc-tite on the spacer bolts for added protection.
Some members ask about towing with this kit. It may be in your best interest to ask RC to add, Add-A-Leaf springs to your kit; if you prefer to go this way. There will be an additional charge for the leafs AND you'll still get the blocks for the rear (which will no longer be needed).
Now tires OHH BOY THE BIG QUESTION I'm going to leave this one simple. You can run a 33" tire with this kit with no problems, but the more offset you add on aftermarket wheels, such as +0 offset to -12, the more likely you may have to trim. If you do a NorCal mod (google it), which will entail trimming the plastic from the rear of the front wheel well as well as a small amount of sheet metal cutting, rubbing will be minimal to none. While I know some members also run 34" & 35" tires on here, they also probably had to trim some to a whole lot. Adding more offset here also, on aftermarket wheels, will require even more trimming or complete cutting out for adding at taller and wider tire for proper clearance.
Another question lately has been, "Will they sell the front part of the kit alone?" NO! Call them if you don't believe me...
Finally, the question of "How high will my truck sit over the front fender well?" Well, most RC 3.5" lifted trucks sit around 40" - 41" on the front fenders (measured at the center point (top or arc)) depending on tire size of course.
These kits are also "all bolt on" and completely returnable to stock.
Well this about all I have for now, I hope I've covered a lot FAQ'S on this lift. Anything I have forgotten maybe can be added in this thread later on in posts. Enjoy!
